Planning Intern

Job Description

Planning Intern | City of Diamond Bar

The Tone:
This is a paid internship at the City of Diamond Bar, located in Diamond Bar, CA. The City of Diamond Bar operates under a city council/city manager form of government and its Planning Division is responsible for administering zoning, reviewing development projects, and leading long-range planning initiatives. This role provides a unique opportunity for a motivated planning student to gain valuable experience and develop essential work habits in municipal planning, contributing to significant community projects.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Year-round, Part-time (approximately 18 hours/week, 2-3 days, preferably Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays)
• Location: Diamond Bar, CA
• Team: Planning Division, Community Development Department; reports directly to the Senior Planner.
• Mission: Support the Planning Division in the processing of planning applications, assisting the public, and contributing to both current and long-range planning projects.
• Tech Stack: Microsoft Office

What You’ll Actually Do
• Project Processing: Process discretionary projects, including Administrative Development Reviews for single-family residence additions and Minor Conditional Use Permits.
• Application Handling: Manage non-complex applications such such as routine business licenses, plan checks, patio covers, walls/fences, and sign permits.
• Customer Service: Assist customers with planning inquiries at the front counter, over the phone, and via email.
• Research & Compilation: Conduct and compile research using resources like the Planners’ ListServ, the internet, and direct contact with other public sector agencies.
• Departmental Support: Serve as an apprentice to planners on more complex projects and assist with administrative tasks like purging and organizing closed planning files.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Currently enrolled college or university students who have attained Senior level status in an undergraduate Urban and Regional Planning degree program, or graduate level students in a Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree program.
• Experience: None required.
• Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, computer experience with Microsoft Office, and the ability to apply research techniques, survey methods, and data collection.
• Bonus: Flexibility and ability to handle multiple priorities, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to foster effective working relationships with all levels of staff and the public.