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Intern

Job Req ID: 1002

Division: Plan Implementation 6

Salary Range: $19.47 to $22.75

Job Type: Unclassified

Business Area: City Planning

Personnel Area: City Planning

Closing Date: 11/02/2026

City Planning Department Internship

The City Planning Department is seeking candidates for two Planning Intern openings, supporting two distinct program areas: Environmental Analysis and Housing Policy. Each internship offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in municipal planning while supporting projects and initiatives that affect San Diego’s communities, environment, and housing needs.

Each Planning Intern position is for up to 20 hours per week, for a total of up to 800 hours.

Environmental Analysis Planning Intern

The Environmental Analysis internship will provide experience in environmental planning, review, and regulatory compliance. Responsibilities may include assisting with environmental review under CEQA and NEPA; researching environmental regulations, legislation, and planning practices; supporting preparation of environmental documents, notices, reports, and meeting materials; assisting with project coordination and program resources; and performing related research and duties as assigned.

Ideally, the candidate will have coursework or experience in environmental planning, environmental studies, urban planning, natural resources, or a related field. Strong research, writing, organization, and analytical skills are preferred.

All work will be supervised by and performed in support of a Associate Planner.

Housing Policy Planning Intern

The Housing Policy internship will provide experience in housing policy, research, and municipal planning. Responsibilities may include conducting research and data analysis related to housing policy; supporting preparation of plans, policy documents, reports, presentations, and meeting materials; researching housing programs and initiatives; assisting with development proposal reviews and community engagement; and performing related research and duties as assigned.

Ideally, the candidate will have coursework or experience in urban planning, housing, public policy, geography, urban studies, or a related field. Strong research, writing, organization, and communication skills are preferred.

All work will be supervised by and performed in support of a Senior Planner.

OVERVIEW:

The City of San Diego consists of more than 30 operational departments. Internships are available when project-based opportunities arise amongst departments. With general supervision, an internship provides part-time employment opportunities for students enrolled in a continuing education, traditional education, or training program to gain hands-on experience related to their career interests or area of study.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

Duties and responsibilities assigned to interns will vary depending on the department they are assigned; these include but are not limited to: assisting with planning events, conducting research, collecting and analyzing data, assisting with projects, preparing reports and presentations, attending internal and external stakeholders’ meetings, and field work. Work will be project-based, temporary, and not compromise the work of a bargaining unit employee.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

15 ½ years of age or older.
Must be a United States citizen or have the current legal right to work in the United States.
Requirements vary and are based on the department and specific internship role.
Must be enrolled in a continuing education, traditional education, or training program.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Internships may be paid or unpaid, based on availability of funds. Paid internships will be compensated at an hourly rate consistent with Exhibit C of the Salary Ordinance and commensurate with an applicant’s education level.
Not eligible to receive paid vacation leave, paid holidays, and/or any type of City-sponsored insurance.
Will participate in the City’s Defined Benefit Plan administered by the San Diego City Employees’ Retirement System (SDCERS).
Will receive a free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
Will accrue paid sick leave while employed in a paid internship (eligible for use after 90 days of employment).

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