Community Development Intern
To Apply, visit: Community Development Intern | Job Details tab | Career Pages
Closing Date: June 15, 2026
This is a one (1) year limited-term position
GENERAL PURPOSE
Under general supervision, the Community Development Intern performs entry-level administrative and technical tasks in support of the Community Development Department's multiple divisions and staff, and performs other related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Community Development Intern is a part-time, hourly, non-exempt position that, under supervision, will perform a variety of tasks and administrative duties in support of the daily operations of the Department and Building and Safety Division. This position is designed for individuals seeking professional exposure to building permit processes, municipal code enforcement, construction documents, and customer service within a public agency setting.
Examples of Duties:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this position.
- Assist customers at the public counter, over the phone, and via email with inquiries regarding permit requirements, development fees, and plan check status.
- Assist in the intake and processing of building permit applications, ensuring documentation completeness and accuracy.
- Review plans and applications for adherence to established submittal standards.
- Research historical building records from microfilm, digital archives, or hard copies, and reproduce as needed.
- Assist in the preparation of informational brochures, public handouts, and website updates related to building and permit procedures.
- Prepares documents for digitizing for permanent retention.
- Support permit issuance, stamping plans, and updating permit tracking systems.
- Perform general office duties, including scanning, filing, data entry, mail processing, and document preparation for digitizing and permanent retention.
- Utilize office software, GIS systems, and permit management software to complete various tasks.
- Track and restock office materials and printer supplies
Typical Qualifications:
QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES
Knowledge of:
General office procedures, recordkeeping systems, customer service practices, filing systems, principles and practices of organization and communication; basic understanding of principles, practices and objectives of municipal government, and the administration and enforcement of building codes; proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City Staff, residents, contractors and those contacted in the course of work, communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, Learn and apply building code regulations and municipal permitting processes, utilize word processing, spreadsheet, records management, and office support software; operate standard office equipment and computer software; work independently or collaboratively in a in a team environment and organize and prioritize workload, multi-task, and follow through with assigned tasks. Understand and interpret technical documents such as plans, maps, and permit applications.
Education/Training/Experience:
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the desired knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education:
Graduation from high school or equivalent.
Experience:
This is an entry-level intern position. No previous experience is required; however, prior work or internship experience in building, construction, permitting, or community development is highly desirable.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
A valid Class C California Driver’s License is required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
Supplemental Information:
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, controls and standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. The employee occasionally lifts and carries plans, permits, and other documents typically weighing less than 20 pounds. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, and crouch. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or new skills; work under deadlines with constant interruptions; and interact with City staff, other organizations and the public, and occasionally deal with dissatisfied or quarrelsome individuals.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level is typically quiet, and the employee predominantly works in a controlled office setting. Employees may occasionally be required to work in outside conditions exposed to the elements, potentially uneven terrain, and loud machinery at construction sites.