Application Deadline: Tuesday, June 10 2025 at 10:00 am
Tentative Interviews: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
The City of Paso Robles is excited to announce the search for a Planning Intern Staff Assistant III to assist the Planning Division of the Community Development Department in making a difference in our community. The ideal candidate will be eager and passionate to learn about planning within the public sector. Incumbents will be provided an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting in areas such as reviewing permit applications, development review, the City’s general and specific plans, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and zoning ordinances.
This position is intended for current or recently graduated college students studying planning or urban development who are seeking credit toward an internship program or college course. This is a part-time position scheduled up to 17 hours per week for no more than one year in duration. Upon mutual agreement, interns may have their appointment extended an additional year. The Community
El Paso de Robles, or "The Pass of the Oaks," is located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, in San Luis Obispo County. Paso Robles is surrounded by scenic rolling hills and California’s premier wine regions and is only 27 miles from beautiful beaches. This thriving community of over 30,000 actively engaged residents possesses the benefits of a suburban-rural community while retaining a small-town feel. With over 200 wineries nearby and a bustling downtown with a variety of excellent restaurants and specialty retail, Paso Robles is fast becoming one of the most desirable places to live, work, and play.
Paso Robles has a long history of agriculture and hospitality resulting in a strong work ethic and an enjoyable quality of life. Once hailed as the “Almond Capital of the World”, Paso Robles is now known for top quality food, wine, beer, distilled spirits, and an annual calendar filled with events that celebrate everything from wine to pioneers to classic cars. Paso Robles has been honored by the national media, including Country Living’s “10 Best Small Towns in America”; Travel and Leisure Magazine’s “Best Small Towns to Retire to in America”; the Today Show’s “Top Summer Destination for 2021”; a New York Times “Must Visit Region”; Sunset Magazine’s “Best Travel Spots for 2021”; and Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s “Wine Region of the Year”.
The City understands the importance of business development and works hard to attract commerce in a diverse array of industries. The economic outlook for Paso Robles continues to be strong. The housing market is robust and offers a wide array of housing choices including new neighborhoods, houses with acreage, infill, and charming Victorian homes, with a median home price of about $634,500. Paso Robles also has excellent schools, both public and private. Approximately half an hour away is the nationally ranked Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, and within the city of Paso Robles is Cuesta College, North County Campus.
The Organization
The City was incorporated in 1889 as a general law City that operates under the Council-Manager form of government with a general population of 30,907 as of January 1, 2024. The governing body consists of a five-member City Council and, beginning in 2020, the City is now divided into four voting districts, each district represented by one City Councilmember residing in that district; the Mayor’s position remains at-large. The voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, is the Chief Executive Officer, and is empowered to appoint all non-elected employees, except for the City Attorney.
The City has a total annual budget of $170 million for fiscal year 2024/2025, and a total of 304.4 FTEs across the departments of: Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.
- Assist staff in the collection of data and preparation of staff reports, presentations, zoning letters, application forms, and public notifications
- Review construction plans for compliance with design guidelines, zoning standards, and landscape requirements
- Perform research, compiles data, and prepare reports related to municipal planning and zoning, special projects, and other key areas within the Planning Division
- Create, update, and maintain files and databases of planning records
- Provide excellent customer service over the phone, email, or in person
- Assist with presentations at public meeting and events
- Participate in the preparation and revision of agendas, brochures, graphic materials, maps, and other administrative materials
- Collaborate and coordinate with City staff, residents, and other local agencies on projects
- Read and interpret architectural drawings and maps
- Perform related duties as required
Knowledge of:- Basic principles and practices of urban and regional planning and zoning
- Methods and techniques of reviewing a diverse range of applications for accuracy and completeness
- City planning and permitting processes
- Basic concepts of architecture and landscaping as they relate to the process of urban planning
- Record keeping principles and practices
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff
- Computer applications, including Excel, Word, Publisher, Adobe, and Outlook
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations and principles pertaining to city planning and urban development
- Proper English usage, grammar, and spelling
- Research and analytical methods and techniques
- Methods and techniques of effective technical report writing and presentation
Ability to:- Interpret and accurately explain planning and zoning programs to the general public
- Conduct routine research on planning and zoning related matters and prepare findings
- Read and understand technical drawings, plans, and specifications
- Identify and effectively respond to issues and concerns from the public and developers
- Perform mathematical computations with precision
- Prepare concise and professionally formatted reports
- Perform detailed support work accurately, independently, and against deadlines
- Take a proactive and courteous approach to customer service issues
- Organize own work, initiate processes, coordinate projects, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow up on assignments with a minimum of direction
- Properly interpret and make recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies
- Establish and maintain effective and cooperative and effective working relationships with City staff, government agencies, vendors, contractors, developers, and the public
- Use sound judgment in dealing with the public and responding to requests for information
Education and Experience
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be equivalent to graduation from high school and two years of related experience, or enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program in urban planning, land development, or a related field at an accredited college or university.
Spanish language skills and customer service experience are highly desirable.
Licenses and Certifications
Must possess a valid California Class C driver license and have a satisfactory driving record.
To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please submit a completed employment application and all applicable documents by the application deadline. This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
Applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and job-related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.
Appointment is subject to successfully passing a background and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States, and a DMV driving record. The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found at www.PRCity.com/HR). This is an at-will position and may be terminated with or without cause and with or without notice at any time by the incumbent or the City.
The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 227-7234, or by email at Jobs@PRCity.com.All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "disaster service workers" as defined in the California Government Code section 3100 and 3101.
The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.
Photos by: @brittanyapp
