Planning Intern

Planning Intern

Planning Intern $18.00 - $23.00 per hour (depending on prior experience and degree program) Hourly (Part-Time)- Temporary Internship No benefits; Up to 28 hours/week

The City of Pico Rivera's vision and values are to safeguard the public's trust through open and transparent business practices that consistently maintain our credibility of strong ethical stewardship of all resources. We strive to provide responsive and consistent customer service to the community and our employees; who we trust to always own the problem and solution of all our business challenges. We recognize that we must engage our workforce in productive and respectful dialogue as our success internally hinges on the dynamic and interdependent partnerships within; thus improving our chances of external success. The goal is to positively impact our community by optimizing and engaging our workforce to improve the human experience and quality of life in the City of Pico Rivera. The City is committed to forging a model of 21st Century government to better serve the community and its employees.

The Department

The Community and Economic Development Department is comprised of the Economic Development, Planning, Building and Safety, Housing, Emergency Services, Code and Parking Enforcement Divisions. The Economic Development Division strives to provide retail opportunities, create diverse job opportunities, and assists in the fiscal stability of the City. The Planning Division is responsible for reviewing proposed development for compliance with the City's Zoning Ordinance and General Plan and planning long range strategies. The Building and Safety Division ensures safe construction practices are followed according to federal, state, County and local standards. The Housing Division includes the federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program and administration of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The Emergency Services Division staff ensures proper Emergency Operation Center (EOC) training and that the City is prepared for natural or man-made disasters. The Code Enforcement Division is responsible for enforcing the municipal codes that relate to residential and business property maintenance standards. The Parking Enforcement Division enforces all parking laws in the California Vehicle Code and Municipal Code.

The Position

Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Community & Economic Development or other appropriately designated staff, this position will perform entry-level work pertaining to Zoning Code application and interpretation. The successful candidate will be expected to assist with Planning Division counter activities and special projects while becoming experienced with plan reviews and the processing of ministerial applications. Exposure to a wide range of entry and journey-level Planning and related activities can be expected. This position is a temporary part-time paid internship. The internship program lasts a maximum of two (2) years or until the intern is no longer enrolled in college or university, whichever comes first.

Essential Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Assist the Principal and Assistant Planner(s) with professional and/or specialized services.
• Answer telephone inquiries and assist general public at the Planning counter with planning-related issues.
• Interpret and explain Zoning Code and General Plan policies to the business community and general public.
• Conduct surveys, research and compile data for special studies.
• Assist in maintaining the GIS system, temporary use permits, zoning consistency reviews, verify zoning and scanning.
• Design, ink, trace, and letter charts, graphs, maps, plans, etc. as necessary.
• Perform mathematical calculations to determine lot and building square footage, and lot coverage percentage.
• Prepare and update zone maps and other publications as necessary.
• Process Certificates of Occupancy applications and Home Occupation Permits.
• Review plans and related applications for compliance with City regulations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of terminology, methods, practices, and techniques of planning and drafting. • Ability to perform arithmetic calculations; compose clear and grammatically correct correspondence. • Utilize drafting equipment and prepare graphic displays. • Utilize and interpret General Plan and Zoning Ordinance regulations with appropriate assistance. • Review development plans and related applications. • Exhibit effective customer service skills. • Review over-the-counter applications; conduct surveys, and research and compile data for special studies. • Process planning applications (certificates of occupancy, temporary use permits, fence permits, home occupation permits, etc.)

Education and Experience: Applicants must be enrolled in a college or university, pursuing a major in urban planning, city planning, public policy, political science, or related field and must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 or higher throughout the duration of their internship. (Applicants must attach proof of enrollment, unofficial transcripts, and cover letter with application materials or submit via email to View email address on click.appcast.io, by no later than the Final Filing Date: 08/30/2026.) Experience in Municipal Planning is helpful but not required. Bilingual in Spanish and work experience in a professional environment are also desired.

Proof of education such as but not limited to, high school diploma/GED certificate, university/college transcripts and degrees must be submitted online with your application. Applicants are responsible for attaching proof of education, certification, and/or license to each position for which they apply.

Failure to provide all required documents will result in elimination from the selection process.

Physical, mental and environmental working conditions: Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. The position also requires both near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 20 pounds is also required.

Licenses and Certifications

• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License throughout the course of employment. City employees are registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, Employee Pull Notice Program.
• Proof of car insurance (to be eligible for mileage reimbursement).

Testing: Candidates who pass all qualifying phases of the recruitment process (e.g., minimum qualification review, written and/or oral examinations) will be placed in an eligibility pool for the hiring department to initiate the selection process. Please note: recruitment timelines may vary. Updates will be provided to candidates throughout the process.

Final Filing Date: This recruitment will close by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, August 30, 2026.