Join the City of Pinole, a vibrant waterfront community in West Contra Costa County, as a Housing Development & Outreach Intern. This role offers a unique opportunity to support the City’s affordable housing initiatives and engage directly with developers, property owners, and community organizations. You’ll be part of a small, dedicated team working to advance the City’s Housing Element programs while gaining valuable experience in real-world housing policy implementation.

Work Environment

• Schedule: 20 hours per week from June to August, with flexible scheduling.
• Format: Hybrid; some in-person work is encouraged to gain hands-on experience in a municipal planning environment.
• Additional Learning Opportunities: If the intern has specific interests—such as completing a plan review, writing a staff report, or presenting at a meeting—City staff will work to incorporate those experiences when possible.
  
  

DEFINITION

Provides a variety of pre-entry-level administrative, analytical, and communication support to City operations and obtains professional development.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

This class receives direct supervision and training from an appropriate City employee or official.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

It is designed to provide pre-entry-level work experience on a variety of projects. Assignments vary, depending upon the needs of the City, but all require administrative, analytical, and communication skills in addition to basic professional knowledge.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach to RHNA site owners and affordable housing developers.
• Refine and manage the Developer Interest List and track engagement.
• Promote the City’s Affordable Housing Incentives Program, including expedited review opportunities.
• Research best practices in permitting incentives and contribute to internal policy development.
• Collaborate with local faith-based and nonprofit organizations to explore development opportunities.
• Develop outreach materials and prepare a summary report of activities and recommendations.
  
  

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Performs research and analysis to complete assigned projects;
• Prepares various written documents, including project memos, emails, newsletters, flyers, press releases, articles, posts, and letters;
• Performs verbal communication with the public and other stakeholders either in person or on the phone;
• Provides information and serves as a liaison between City and the public on basic inquiries;
• Attends community meetings and events;
• Performs general administrative tasks, such as word processing, filing, note taking, and meeting coordination; and
• Maintains a variety of working and official files.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge Of

• Basic professional standards and practices for an office and government work setting;
• Basic principles of municipal administration;
• Principles and techniques of conducting research and analysis and making sound recommendations;
• Computer applications related to the work;
• Records management principles and practices; and
• Techniques for providing excellent customer service to a variety of stakeholders.
  
  

Skill in:

• Conducting basic administrative functions;
• Conducting research and analysis;
• Preparing clear written materials;
• Clear verbal communication;
• Maintaining accurate records and files;
• Understanding and following oral and written directions;
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, effectively multi-task, meet deadlines, and use sound judgment within specific procedural guidelines; and
• Effectively representing the City with various individuals and groups.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Interest in city government and public service. Enrolled in high school or college. Some prior work experience is desirable.

Desired Qualifications

• Enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Housing Studies, or a related field.
• Strong communication, organizational, and research skills.
• Familiarity with Canva or other design tools for public-facing content.
• Interest in affordable housing, municipal planning, and public engagement.
• Ability to work independently and manage tasks with minimal oversight.
  
  

Working Conditions: Must be able to work in a standard office setting.

Physical Demands: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; strength and stamina to lift and carry 25 pounds; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.

This position is unpaid and non-benefitted.

01

HDI: Please select all that apply:

• I am a high school student or graduate.
• I am enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Housing Studies, or a related field.
• I have an interest in affordable housing, municipal planning, and public engagement.
• I have some work experience.
• I am familiar with Canva or other design tools for public-facing content.
• None of the above.
  
  

02

HDI: Briefly describe your familiarity with Canva or other design tools for public-facing content.

• Required Question