Community Development Intern

Description

Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly, as the recruitment may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

The City of La Palma’s Community Development Department plays an important role in guiding the City’s development and growth. The Department works on a variety of planning, economic development, and community-related activities that help shape the future of the community.

The Community Development Intern position is designed to provide a meaningful, hands‑on learning experience for students and individuals interested in pursuing a career in local government. The internship provides an opportunity to gain practical work experience, develop professional skills, learn about municipal operations, and apply academic knowledge in a real‑world setting.

Under the general supervision of the Community Development Director or designee, the Intern will assist with, participate in, and perform a variety of assignments related to community development and planning, including zoning research, plan review, data collection, public inquiries, and permit processing. The Intern will also support the City’s economic development efforts, including business attraction and retention, business outreach, and development of promotional materials.

This internship is particularly well suited for candidates with an interest in economic development and experience or interest in video production, editing, digital media, or content creation.

The internship is intended to provide exposure to the day‑to‑day operations of a municipal Community Development Department and help prepare participants for entry‑level career opportunities upon completion of their education.

This is an at‑will, temporary internship position.

• Assist with economic development activities, including business attraction and retention efforts, business outreach, research, preparation of promotional materials, and other initiatives supporting the City’s business community.
• Perform a wide variety of administrative, operational, and technical assignments to assist a City department or division and to receive on‑the‑job exposure to municipal government issues; and learn to perform various department tasks.
• Research, write, and present reports and recommendations on a variety of municipal government topics.
• Participate in conducting studies and analyses involving assigned programs and functions concerning policies, practices, procedures, financial resources, facilities, proposals, staffing, requirements for new programs and projects, effectiveness of programs, capital improvements, economic development, and related matters.
• Collect, compile, describe, organize, analyze, interpret, and present data and information related to area and issues under study.
• Assist in the coordination of data and materials for the City's website including preparing revisions and modifications as necessary.
• Relieve the receptionist as required; greet and direct walk‑in customers to appropriate City departments.
• Take and transmit messages; provide routine information on City services.
• Compile and provide information to the public on various services available through other governmental and/or social service agencies.
• Maintain a variety of records and files.
• Consult with businesses, citizens, City personnel, consultants, governmental agencies, and associations to obtain factual information and data.
• Attend community functions and events.
• Assist staff and the City Council as requested.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Experience or demonstrated interest in economic development, marketing, communications, graphic design, social media,…