Planning Intern



Job Details

Planning Intern

This listing closes on 6/10/2025 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada); Tijuana.

Employer

City of Paso Robles

Salary

$24.59 - $26.32 Hourly

Location

Paso Robles, CA

Job Type

Part-time Seasonal

Job Number

2025-14

Department

Community Development

Division

Planning

Opening Date

05/15/2025

Closing Date

6/10/2025 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada); Tijuana

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

N/A

Description

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.


About Paso Robles

Nestled in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles—short for El Paso de Robles, or “The Pass of the Oaks”—offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.


Paso Robles’ central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research, continuing education, and a highly educated talent pool. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers’ markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life. 


Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm. 


The Organization

The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.

The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.

The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.

The City operates with a total annual budget of $145.7 million for fiscal year 2025-26 and employs 314.44 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.
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 18 hours per week for no more than one year in duration. Upon mutual agreement, interns may have their appointment extended an additional year.

Typical Duties

  • 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
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Employment Standards & Special Requirements

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.

Must possess a valid California Class C driver license and have a satisfactory driving record.

Selection Procedure & Application Process

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.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.
Photos by: @brittanyapp

Sick Leave: 40 hours (or five days, whichever is greater) of sick leave upon hire that can be used after 90 calendar days of employment

For additional details and information, please see the Unrepresented Part-Time/Temporary Wage and Benefit Summary located on our website here.

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Please explain why you are interested in this internship opportunity for the City of Paso Robles Planning Division and what you hope to achieve in the position. (Answers should be limited to 500 words)

* Required Question

Employer
City of Paso Robles
Phone
(805) 227-7234
(805) 237-3962
Website
http://www.PRCity.com/HR
Address
1000 Spring Street

Paso Robles, California, 93446

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