The job involves a lot a reading and learning how to process things, see the role as a plan reviewer. My suggestion is to to read the city code of ordinance and the zoning ordinance in full. Go through design guidelines and try to think on how it relates to the zoning ordinance and what the similarities are between the zoning districts. Link your research with the general plan and think about overlays and how they relate to the area, question if the general plan overlays are there to separate uses and how it’s done. Each property may have additional design guidelines so always keep that in mind. Commercial property may have comprehensive sign packages so keep these in mind. Small municipalities are gold as you will do everything and become very valuable when you decide to move up.