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Associate Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Planner

San Diego, CA · On-site

$35 - $42/hr

RICK is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary planning, design, and engineering firm with a 71-year history of enriching communities throughout San Diego and the western United States. With more than ...

Assistant / Associate Planner

Tracy, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Associate Planner: This is the full journey-level class in the professional Planner series. Incumbents are expected to perform the full range of professional and technical planning work in current ...

Assistant / Associate Planner

Tracy, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Associate Planner: This is the full journey-level class in the professional Planner series. Incumbents are expected to perform the full range of professional and technical planning work in current ...

Assistant/Associate Planner City of Sonoma Updated: 5/3/2017 Definition To perform professional level planning duties in current and long-range planning; to prepare and present a variety of reports ...

As an Associate Planner, you'll assist with reporting, forecasting, and inventory analysis to help ensure the right products are available at the right time across our retail and/or e-commerce ...

Showing results 41-60

Associate Planner information

See California salary details

$38K

$77.3K

$106.6K

How much do associate planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate planner in California is $77,258.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,200.00 and $90,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate planner do?

An Associate Planner typically assists in the development and implementation of plans for land use, urban development, or organizational projects. They conduct research, analyze data, prepare reports, and help coordinate public meetings or stakeholder consultations. Working under the supervision of senior planners, they support projects related to zoning, community development, or resource management. This role often serves as an entry-level position for those pursuing a career in planning, offering valuable experience in both public and private sector environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Planner, you need a solid understanding of urban planning principles, data analysis, and land use regulations, usually supported by a degree in urban planning or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, Microsoft Office Suite, and planning-specific databases is commonly required, and AICP certification can be advantageous. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you effectively collaborate with stakeholders and present findings. These competencies are crucial for ensuring sound planning decisions, regulatory compliance, and successful project outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by associate planners when balancing multiple projects with tight deadlines?

Associate Planners often manage several projects simultaneously, which can make prioritization and time management challenging, especially when unexpected changes arise. Juggling competing deadlines requires strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with both internal teams and external stakeholders. Utilizing project management tools and regularly updating supervisors on progress can help mitigate these challenges. As you gain experience, you'll develop strategies to efficiently handle shifting priorities and tight timelines.

How much does an associate planner earn?

An associate planner typically earns between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. The role often involves using planning tools and working in team environments.

How to become an associate planner with no experience?

To become an associate planner with no experience, candidates should focus on obtaining a relevant bachelor's degree such as urban planning, geography, or environmental studies. Gaining skills in GIS software, data analysis, and project management through coursework or internships can improve prospects, and entry-level positions often require strong communication and organizational skills.

Is being an associate planner a good career?

An associate planner is an entry-level position in urban or regional planning that offers opportunities to develop skills in data analysis, zoning, and community engagement. It can lead to advancement into senior planning roles and typically requires a relevant degree and proficiency with planning tools like GIS. The career provides a stable job environment with potential for growth in public or private sectors.

What is an associate planner?

An associate planner is an entry-level or junior professional in urban, regional, or transportation planning who assists senior planners with data analysis, research, and project development. They typically use planning software, such as GIS, and may require a relevant degree in planning, geography, or a related field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Planner jobs in California?

The most popular types of Planner jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Associate Planner jobs?

Cities in California with the most Associate Planner job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Planner job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,258 per year, or $37.1 per hour.

Associate Planner

RICK

San Diego, CA • On-site

$35 - $42/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

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Job description

RICK is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary planning, design, and engineering firm with a 71-year history of enriching communities throughout San Diego and the western United States. With more than 350 employees, RICK offers a full range of services from initial planning through concept development, final designs and plans, and implementation. We pride ourselves on growing with the times, staying true to our fundamentals, and evolving with technology paradigm shifts and sustainable design. RICK fosters a close-knit, people-focused culture that yields an 85% employee retention rate.

WE CREATE vibrant, authentic and complete communities. New development, from large-scale greenfield master planned developments to small-scale or infill projects, must fit within the context of the surroundings. All land uses, urban design, and mobility networks must be designed around interconnected development patterns and integrated with recreational and entertainment opportunities. These features provide a balanced variety of living styles and options and create complete neighborhoods and authentic social experiences. RICK designs concepts and prepares plans that create vibrant communities offering authentic and culturally rich places to live.

RICK Planning + Design Division services include:

·                     General/Community Plans

·                     Specific Plans

·                     Master/Downtown/TOD Plans

·                     Economic Analysis

·                     Urban Design

·                     Zoning & Land Use Analysis

·                     Design Guidelines

·                     Conceptual Design

·                     Site Planning

·                     Concept Planning & Yield Analysis

·                     CEQA/NEPA

·                     Streetscape Design

·                     Visual Simulations/Renderings

·                     Community Engagement

·                     Development Feasibility Analysis

·                     Entitlement Processing

·                     Project Management


Qualifications

Candidate will have a Masters Degree in Planning or related field plus a minimum of two years’ experience or a Bachelors Degree and equivalent work experience of four years.  Work experience must include playing a strong role in the preparation and processing of wide range of planning documents including General Plans, Specific Plans, Community/Corridor Master Plans, Development Applications, Zoning and other Ordinances, and development applications. Candidate must also possess experience in assisting in the management of projects, participating in public engagement activities, participation in business development such as preparation of proposals, and participation in professional organizations.

Position requires excellent oral and written communication skills, strong organization, and management abilities.  Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suites and ArcGIS is strongly preferred. Experience in the land development process for both the private and public sector is preferred.  Position requires ability to effectively coordinate and present at public meetings; an understanding of production processes; and knowledge of local codes, policies, and City/County guidelines. 

A good driving record is a must.

Rick Engineering Company (RICK) is an Equal Opportunity

RICK employees are protected by laws designed to protect employees from discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit-based factor. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs. RICK employees are also protected against retaliation if they engage in a protected activity, whistleblowing, or the exercise of any appeal or grievance right provided by law.

Company Description

RICK is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary planning, design, and engineering firm with a 68-year history of enriching communities throughout the western United States. RICK offers a full range of services from initial planning through concept development, final designs and plans, and implementation.