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Planning Intern
City of Azusa / Azusa, CA
Posted on: October 20, 2021
Application Deadline: Open until Filled
Job Description
The City of Azusa is currently looking for one (1) intern in our Economic and Community Development Department. This person will provide general administrative support to the Planning Division.
This position is open on a continuous basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as this position may close at any time with or without notice.
THE INTERNSHIP
The City’s Internship Program is designed to attract, develop and mentor individuals interested in pursuing a career in local government. Each intern will work under the leadership of a staff person from the department to which they are assigned and will be provided with hands-on experience and specific project responsibility.
The primary objectives of the Planning internship is to provide students with valuable professional public service experience that will enhance their skills and competencies as it relates to the City of Azusa’s Economic and Community Development Department. The student will primarily have exposure and direct experience with the Planning Division. Some of the potential projects and direct experience may include but not be limited to the following:
Advanced Planning Projects:
- City’s 1st Historic Context Statement and Historic Survey Update
- City’s 1st Downtown Streetscape Plan
- City’s 1st Citywide Objective Design Standards
- Micromobility Hub at Santa Fe Depot
- Adoption and Implementation of Housing Element Update – Azusa Housing for All
- Assist with Code Amendments and Annual Code Clean Up
- General Plan Update
Current Planning Projects:
- Planning Counter Experience
- Plan Checks
- Zoning Clearance – Business License
- Zoning Clearance – Code Compliance for room additions, tenant improvements, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
The planning internship will also give exposure to local government and all of the inter-agencies. The internship will also provide the following:
- Give students an opportunity to learn first-hand how city government works;
- Expose students to the operations and functions of an Economic and Community Development Department; including but not limited to all 5 Divisions (Planning, Economic Development, Building, Community Improvement, and Housing)
- Discover potential candidates for employment;
- Give students opportunities to assist with:
- Clerical tasks such as compiling data and updating spreadsheets and staff reports
- Sub-professional planning work including preparing routine design sketches, exhibits and plans, and using manual drafting and computer-based drafting tools such as Computer Aided Design Drafting (CADD), Adobe Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), and SketchUp
- Public contact including accepting planning applications, answering public inquiries, processing planning permits and accepting payments requests
- Performing basic planning and mathematical calculations
- Map research related to property history and zoning
- Conducting field operations and assist with staff reports, field surveys, site visits, inspections and filed observations
- Provide additional staff support
- This is a single position class used for training purposes in the field and specific operation of the Planning Division and Economic Development Division.
- The Planning Intern receives direction and supervision from the Planning Manager, Director of Economic & Community Development, and/or their designees.
Essential Functions
This position involves municipal research and analytical work on an entry-level professional basis using various research techniques and methods. Interns study administrative systems, laws, policies, procedures and practices. Interns are given definite work assignments involving meaningful participation in a wide variety of projects including, but not limited to:
Current Planning:
- Provide support to the Planning Counter and Planner on Duty by:
- Accepting Planning applications and payments
- Answer zoning and development questions via phone, email and counter
- Update all existing and future Division flowcharts
- Organize and maintain relevant information at the Planning Counter and Planning on Duty workstation
- Review and analyze Zoning Clearances:
- Plan Check
- Tenant Improvements
- Business License
- Accessory Dwelling Units
- Room Additions
- Review and analyze certain Planning Entitlements:
- Accessory Dwelling Units Discretionary Permits
- Temporary Use Permits
- Minor Use Permits
- Design Review
Research:
- Provide research data
- Compile research
- Provide research findings
Administrative Support:
- Organize planning files
- Scan planning files
- Preparing corresponds, notices, reports and memorandums
- Possibly attend community events
- Assist Administrative Technician with various invoice tracking
- Provide support services to all 5 Divisions in the Economic and Community Development Department
Required Experience / Skills / Education
The ideal candidate should want to explore a career in local government and Economic and Community Development Department. Must enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and have a combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge and skills required to perform a variety of administrative and analytical tasks. College/university students pursuing a degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field is required. The City will accept applications from college students who have at least a 3.0 grade point average (GPA).
Additionally, the ideal candidate will:
Communicate well orally and in writing; Possess strong computer skills; Propose solutions to problems; and be able to independently.
Applicants should have the ability to plan, organize, and carry out administrative assignments and projects; ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, contracts, guidelines, and professional practices; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; working knowledge of personal computer technology and commonly used software applications.
Application Instructions
Enter the City’s website at www.azusaca.gov, click on Job Opportunities, locate the Planning Intern posting and complete the online application in full, including education and job history.
In addition to a complete online City Application, applicants will need to submit:
1. A cover letter indicating applicant’s ambitions, plans, and reasons for interest in the internship (up to 1 page is appreciated).
2. A current resume (one page maximum). Please be specific in listing education, including the name of the college you are attending, your current grade point average (GPA), a list of extracurricular activities, and your hobbies and/or interests. Also include any previous work experience, volunteer work, and your future career goals.
3. College transcripts (an unofficial copy of transcripts is acceptable).
Qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of all materials submitted in the application packet, including presentation of the information and job-related factors such as career goals, writing skills, communication skills, and problem solving abilities. The City reserves the right to select applicants for further consideration who demonstrate the best qualifications match for the job. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to the testing or interviews. Only the most qualified applicants will be invited to the next step of the selection process.