Planning Intern

Planning Intern

(Fountain Valley)

Position Overview

Under supervision, The Planning Intern will support the Planning Department with a primary emphasis on evaluating emerging technologies relevant to environmental and watershed planning, and on reviewing and summarizing watershed studies, technical reports, and regulatory documents. Under the mentorship of senior Planning Staff and supervision of the Executive Director of Planning and Natural Resources, the intern will contribute to research initiatives, assist with environmental compliance tasks, and help streamline the department's knowledge management and document systems.

This position offers hands-on experience applying academic training in a professional public-sector environment, with meaningful exposure to water resource planning, environmental policy, and planning technology tools.

Responsibilities

• Review, summarize, and track watershed studies, technical reports, and regulatory documents to support planning and compliance activities.
• Assist with research and analysis related to water resources, environmental policy, and regional planning initiatives.
• Research, evaluate, and monitor emerging planning technologies, tools, and digital workflows, summarizing findings and recommendations for department use.
• Help organize and maintain planning records in accordance with document retention policies.
• Under supervision, attend and host meetings; prepare presentations, notes and follow-up materials as needed.

Current enrollment in a bachelor's or graduate degree program in Urban Planning, Environmental Studies, Geology, Hydrogeology, GIS, Biology or a related physical science field. Preference will be given to graduate-level students; however, undergraduates who have completed significant relevant coursework are strongly encouraged to apply.

Preferred Coursework & Experience

• Watershed management, hydrology, stormwater planning, or water quality policy
• CEQA, NEPA, environmental impact assessment, or environmental permitting
• GIS, spatial data analysis, or remote sensing applications
• Planning principles, land use policy, or natural resource management
• Technical writing, research methods, or policy analysis

Skills & Competencies

• Ability to read, interpret, and summarize complex technical documents such as environmental permits, technical reports, and monitoring data
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail in synthesizing large volumes of information
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required; GIS or other planning software experience is a plus
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical content to diverse audiences
• Self-motivated and organized, with strong time-management skills in a multi-task environment

License

The position may involve driving to various locations in the Santa Ana River Watershed to collect reports and information.

A valid California Class “C” Driver’s License and proof of automobile insurance are required.

#1 - Interns must be currently enrolled full time in an accredited bachelor or graduate program related to this field.
#2 - Interns must have at least one year or more remaining in school.
(You will not be considered if you do not meet the criteria for both #1 & #2 above.)

Internships intend to provide meaningful training and work experience for students pursuing academic studies related to the District’s mission and goals. Interns must submit proof of full-time enrollment, class schedules, and grades each semester/quarter. Interns are not eligible for employee benefits. Interns are “at-will” and can be terminated at the discretion of the Department Manager with or without cause and with or without prior notice.

This is not a seasonal internship. Interns work year-round.

Please attach or include the following documents to your application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter with your expected graduation date, your hours available to work (between 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Mon-Fri), and an explanation of how your schooling relates to this internship.
• Class Schedule/Unofficial Transcript showing your current enrollment in a bachelor’s or graduate degree program. The document must list your…