CDD Planning Intern - Per Diem

Position: CDD Planning Intern - Per Diem (20708529)
San Francisco/Peninsula

Job Type

Part-Time

Close Date

4/15/2026 at 5pm

Salary

$25.08-$30.02 Hourly

Additional Questionnaires

Pre-qualification and Supplemental

About San Mateo

San Mateo is a city of more than 100,000 residents located in San Mateo County, California, on the San Francisco Peninsula. One of the City's strengths is its diversity, both in the ethnic makeup and the physical development of the community. San Mateo has a vibrant business and retail environment with national and international businesses, two major shopping centers and an active downtown.

You would be joining over 500 people whose mission it is to serve the San Mateo community with a collaborative, innovative and professional spirit. We are looking for someone who embodies our shared values of respect, creativity, inclusivity, transparency, and integrity in their words and actions.

Look at some of the reasons why the City of San Mateo is a great place to work,

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Location

330 West 20th Avenue San Mateo, 94403

Description

City of San Mateo, Community Development Department, Planning Division

Planning Intern

The City of San Mateo Community Development Department is looking for a Planning Intern

The Department

The City of San Mateo is a progressive City that encourages staff and community engagement to develop positive solutions that meet the current and future needs of our community. You'll be joining a talented team in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment dedicated to serving the San Mateo community. The Community Development Department's core function is to ensure a quality commercial and residential environment, healthy neighborhoods, and a strong economic base that aligns with community objectives.

The Community Development Department's Planning Division provides a broad range of services, including review of applications for current development and long-range planning.

The intern must have an interest in pursuing planning as a career and will gain practical experience to be competitive in the job market. Enthusiasm, respect, accountability, collaboration, critical thinking, willingness to learn are attributes we are seeking in the candidates.

This paid internship will involve supporting research regarding a variety of activities, and assignments performing duties and responsibilities related to the daily functions of Planning Division as required.

* Please visit our What's Happening in Development page to review some of the exciting projects happening in San Mateo.

The Position

The Planning Intern will support the Community Development Department - Planning Division with research-based projects and assist staff with minor permit review. This internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in municipal planning, exposure to development review processes, and an understanding of how planning policies are implemented at the local level. The intern will work closely with planning staff and gain practical insight into zoning, land use regulations, and public-sector planning operations.

Duties:
The primary projects will most likely include the following:

* Conduct research related to land use planning, zoning regulations, and special planning initiatives

* Assist planning staff with minor permit review

* Help organize and analyze planning data, maps, and project materials

* Prepare summaries and other written materials to support planning projects

* Assist with updating planning documents, handouts, and internal resources

* Participate in staff meetings and observe planning processes, as appropriate

* Provide general administrative support to planning staff as needed

Minimum Qualifications

* BA/BS Candidate in City Planning, Architecture, Public Policy or a similar discipline

* Strong analytical, writing and verbal skills; effective written and oral communication

* Interest in municipal planning and public-sector work

* Familiarity with land use planning concepts or zoning regulations

* Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn

Time Commitment

Flexible Schedule, up to 40 hours a week. Each intern is able to work a maximum of 1,000 hours per fiscal year.

Interview Process

All applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications. Qualified candidates will be contacted for a virtual interview.

Compensation

$25.08 - 30.02 per hour

Job PDF:

CDD Planning Intern

Special Instructions

An official City of San Mateo employment application and supplemental questionnaire are required.