Intern - Current & Historic Preservation Planning and Long Range Planning

The City of West Hollywood is looking for undergraduate or graduate students to join the Community Development Department. There are several internship opportunities under the Current & Historic Preservation Planning (CHPP) and Long Range Planning (LRP) Divisions. We are interested in students passionate about the linkages between various planning elements, such as equity, land use, housing, historic preservation, environment, and sustainability. The ideal candidate is a curious self-starter with excellent analytical research and writing skills, knowledge of urban planning principles and practices, strong graphic abilities, and comfort working with the general public and making public presentations. Students looking for internships beginning in Fall 2025 and beyond are encouraged to apply. Must be a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in planning, architecture, or a related field. Proof of school enrollment is required. Candidates should be able to work up to 20 hours per week in the office and be interested in working with either of the Divisions for a full academic year at a minimum.
 
The Long Range Planning (LRP) Division manages policy development and strategic planning activities for Sustainability, Housing, Land Use, and special strategic planning projects. LRP works with the community to set a clear vision through the City’s General Plan to enhance and preserve West Hollywood’s special built environment. The division creates more inclusive, affordable, sustainable, connected, vibrant, and opportunity-rich West Hollywood neighborhoods by balancing the goals of the City’s diverse communities with its needs for the future.  

The Current & Historic Preservation Planning (CHPP) Division prepares and administers the City's General Plan, all zoning and subdivision ordinances, and reviews and makes recommendations on land use development applications in order to guide the future growth and development of the City. It also provides public information regarding planning issues, manages inter-jurisdictional review, promotes historic preservation, and performs environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). 

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until the positions are filled. Submit all required materials as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered. 

If you have problems creating a user account or submitting your online application, please contact NEOGOV applicant support directly at 855.524.5627 (Applicant Support Hours: 8am- 5pm, Monday through Friday).

When assigned under LRP:

• Assist in various land use, housing, and sustainability planning projects, such as community plans, Zoning Ordinance updates, and other efforts to implement the City's General Plan.
• Preparing workshop materials and visual aids and participating in community outreach efforts.
• Compile, organize, process and analyze data for the preparation, completion and presentation of assigned projects and reports 
• Conducting field investigations and surveys; preparing written reports; performing basic research. 
• Respond to public inquiries; prepare maps and graphics; and participate in other projects as assigned.
• Update City Website 

• Assist in the daily administration of historic preservation and current planning, urban design, land use, and CEQA
• Assist in application review and customer service for Historic Preservation applications
• Provide analysis, research and preparation of staff reports for Historic Preservation projects including: Mills Act Contracts; Nominations for Designation as a Cultural Resource; and Certificates of Appropriateness
• Assist in managing the City's Mills Act Program, including monitoring property work plans
• Compile, organize, process and analyze data for the preparation, completion and presentation of assigned projects and reports 
• Conduct field investigations and surveys; prepare written reports; perform basic research. 
• Respond to public inquiries; prepare maps and graphics; and participate in other projects as assigned. 

• Must be a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in planning, architecture, or a related field.
• Proof of current enrollment is required (through the end of the 2026 school year or later).
• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Canva, ArcGIS, and Adobe Creative Suite is desired.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Must demonstrate excellent writing and communication skills, think creatively, work independently, and handle multiple projects.
• This position is not eligible for remote work. 

• Principles and practices of urban planning and urban design
• Historic preservation, research, analysis and report writing
• Microsoft Windows (Excel, Word) and website software.

Ability to: 

• Properly organize work, including time management and project initiation
• Research, analyze and make sound recommendations
• Communicate clearly verbally and in writing
• Develop graphic communication tools and website
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the staff, public and community groups
• Research complex historic preservation and planning issues
• Prosses comfort and ease with public speaking and ability to take direction.
• Initiate and complete long-term projects

• Excellent research and writing abilities
• Strong visual communication/presentation skills
• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, Word, GIS, and Adobe Creative Suite