Planning Intern (Part-Time)

Salary: $16.00 - $18.23 Hourly
Location : Lomita, CA
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 24-0002
Department: Community & Economic Development
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 02/27/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Summary
Under immediate supervision, performs a variety of routine, sub-professional planning office and field work; performs a variety of clerical or technical tasks in support of planning projects and programs; assists with department-specific assignments in support of assigned management and supervisory staff; assists in reviewing and commenting on plans for private development to ensure compliance with City standards; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives immediate supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This class is used for training purposes in the field of municipal planning. Incumbents are assigned to perform projects which both help the department achieve its objectives and provide the Intern with on-the-job exposure to municipal government processes, projects, programs, and issues.
Examples of Duties
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs a variety of routine, sub-professional planning office and field work; provides assistance to other planning staff; performs a variety of clerical or technical tasks in support of planning projects and programs.
• Assists in reviewing and commenting on plans for private development to ensure compliance with City standards; assists in the processing of residential property reports; gathers information and documentation needed to complete these reports via automated database systems; researches building permits.
• Assists the general public at the public counter, over the phone, and through email; responds to zoning inquiries; provides customer access to residential property reports; explains how to obtain pre-building permits; provides pre-approval building letters to the public.
• Conducts research and collects data related to planning projects; travels to conduct field inventories; inspects exterior properties of homes to ensure they are in compliance with the municipal code; prepares zoning maps, general plan maps, and other graphics via Geographic Information Systems (GIS) database.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Basic municipal planning principles, techniques, policies, and procedures.
• Business letter writing and the standard format for reports and correspondence.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) database programs.
• Modern developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding municipal planning.
• Practices of researching planning issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective technical staff reports.
• Basic principles of record keeping and filing procedures
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of routine, sub-professional planning office and field work.
• Learn to interpret planning and zoning regulations and clearly explain regulations to the general public.
• Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City, and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Analyze municipal codes and related regulations.
• Conduct research and collect data related to planning projects.
• Conduct field inventories.
• Prepare a variety of maps and graphics.
• Learn City policies and procedures affecting departmental operations and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
• Maintain professionalism, courtesy, and composure at all times, including stressful situations, and handle disputes and complaints in a calm manner.
• Perform a variety of clerical or technical tasks in support of planning projects and programs.
• Serve as an emergency services worker in the event of an emergency.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Respond to and effectively prioritize multiple phone calls, walk-up traffic, and other requests and interruptions.
• Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical oral and written reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials, including documents with technical content.
• Maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Make sound decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Qualifications
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:
Education:

• Possession of a high school diploma or G.E.D. and current enrollment at an accredited four-year college or university in urban planning or a related field, or recent completion of a two-year or four-year degree program.

Experience:

• None

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid Class "C" California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
Environmental CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Part-time employees are limited to working 1,000 hours per fiscal year
RETIREMENT

• All part-time employees are enrolled in the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan; Mission Square Retirement Plan. Part-time employees contribute 7.5% per pay check.

SICK LEAVE: Accrue one (1) hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked; capped at 80 hours.
01
Do you possess a valid California Class C driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03
Are you currently enrolled in or a recent graduate from an accredited two-year or four-year degree program in urban planning or a related field?

• Yes
• No

04
If you answered yes to the question above, please indicate your degree major.
Required Question