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Coastal Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Malibu, City of (CA)

Assistant Planner

Malibu, CA · On-site

$96K - $125K/yr

IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate has knowledge of land use planning laws and practices, development and zoning administration, and California local government and coastal planning. Knowledge of ...

SAFEbuilt

Senior Planner

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

Experience with coastal planning, resiliency, or hurricane related planning consideration is a plus. COMPENSATION amp; BENEFITS: SAFEbuilt pays competitive wages and has a comprehensive benefit ...

ECO Magazine

NY · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

The Statewide Planning Unit conducts comprehensive planning, policy research, and analysis related to a wide range of coastal resource and land management issues; develops resources and guidance ...

SAFEbuilt

Senior Planner

Miami, FL · On-site

Experience with coastal planning, resiliency, or hurricane related planning consideration is a plus. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: SAFEbuilt pays competitive wages and has a comprehensive benefit offering.

SAFEbuilt

Senior Planner

Miami, FL · On-site

Experience with coastal planning, resiliency, or hurricane related planning consideration is a plus. COMPENSATION amp; BENEFITS: SAFEbuilt pays competitive wages and has a comprehensive benefit ...

SAFEbuilt

Senior Planner

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

Experience with coastal planning, resiliency, or hurricane related planning consideration is a plus. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: SAFEbuilt pays competitive wages and has a comprehensive benefit offering.

Onslow County, NC

Senior Planner

Jacksonville, NC · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Methods and procedures used in planning, coastal planning, and urban development; * North Carolina General Statute as it relates to land use and development regulations; * Public engagement and ...

Onslow County

Senior Planner

Jacksonville, NC · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Methods and procedures used in planning, coastal planning, and urban development; North Carolina General Statute as it relates to land use and development regulations; Public engagement and public ...

Halff

Coastal Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

This role focuses on the planning, design, and implementation of coastal engineering projects across the Gulf Coast, South Atlantic Ocean coast, and the Caribbean with emphasis on flood protection ...

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All JobsEnergy and Environment JobsCoastal Planning Jobs

Coastal Planning information

See salary details

$19.5K

$67.1K

$98.5K

How much do coastal planning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for coastal planning in the United States is $67,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $80,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is coastal planning?

Coastal planning is the process of managing and developing coastal areas to balance environmental protection, community needs, and economic growth. It involves assessing risks like erosion, flooding, and climate change while ensuring sustainable use of resources. Coastal planners work with governments, communities, and scientists to create policies and projects that protect coastlines and support local development. This field is essential for preserving natural habitats, reducing disaster risks, and maintaining healthy coastal economies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a coastal planner?

To thrive as a Coastal Planner, you need expertise in environmental science, urban planning, and regulatory frameworks, often supported by a degree in planning, geography, or environmental studies. Familiarity with GIS software, environmental impact assessment tools, and permitting processes is typically required. Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving skills set successful coastal planners apart. These abilities are crucial for balancing ecological preservation with community development and regulatory compliance in dynamic coastal environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in coastal planning roles?

Professionals in coastal planning often encounter challenges such as balancing environmental conservation with economic development, navigating complex regulatory frameworks, and managing the interests of various stakeholders including local communities, developers, and government agencies. Additionally, they must address the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise and increased storm frequency, which require adaptive and forward-thinking approaches. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and ongoing public engagement are key components of successfully addressing these challenges.

What is the difference between Coastal Planning vs Coastal Engineering?

AspectCoastal PlanningCoastal Engineering
Primary FocusDeveloping policies and strategies for sustainable coastal zone useDesigning and constructing coastal structures and infrastructure
Required CredentialsEnvironmental or urban planning degrees, certifications in coastal managementEngineering degrees, civil or coastal engineering licenses
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, planning firms, environmental organizationsConstruction sites, engineering firms, consulting companies
Industry UsagePolicy development, land use planning, environmental conservationDesign, construction, and maintenance of coastal defenses and structures

Coastal Planning focuses on policy, land use, and sustainable development of coastal areas, while Coastal Engineering emphasizes designing and building structures to protect or utilize coastlines. Both roles often collaborate but serve different functions within coastal management.

What cities are hiring for Coastal Planning jobs?

Cities with the most Coastal Planning job openings:

What states have the most Coastal Planning jobs?

States with the most job openings for Coastal Planning jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Coastal Planning jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Coastal Planning jobs are:

Coastal Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Coastal Planning job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,056 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Senior Coastal Engineer

Providence, RI • On-site

GZA GeoEnvironmental
Environmental Consulting Services • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about GZA GeoEnvironmentalexternal

$120K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. (GZA) is seeking a Senior Coastal Engineer to assist in expanding the waterfront and coastal engineering practice. This position can be based out of the Providence, RI and/or Amesbury, MA GZA office locations. We expect this Waterfront/Coastal Engineer to be an enthusiastic, outgoing person willing to embrace external networking and marketing activities to help us grow our practice.
As a Senior Engineer, you will manage a staff of interrelated professionals dedicated to providing high-level expertise on complex coastal projects focused on coastal modeling; coastal planning; shoreline and estuary adaptive management; and natural, nature-based features. The position requires the individual to represent GZA in client interactions from proposal development, contracting and project performance phases and to be responsible for day-to-day execution of technical, risk-management and financial aspects of each project. The growth aspect of this role will involve working with other GZA's leaders, corporate marketing and communications team to expand the practice and further establish GZA Environmental services within the local market. The role will require strategic planning activities and professional networking, and the hiring, management, development and mentoring of staff. The candidate should be self-motivated, well organized, detail oriented, quality focused, safety-minded, and must be able to multi-task. Principal-level positions require ownership within the firm while Senior Consultant/Project Manager positions have ownership opportunities with the firm and the potential for advancement to the principal level based on performance.
Key Duties:
  • Leading business development activities with support and assistance form colleagues and GZA corporate marketing and communications team
  • Managing a project team, delegating to office and field staff
  • Conducting both internal and client communications
  • Monitoring team performance for compliance with contractual agreements and budgets
  • Conducting/reviewing technical analyses/calculations
  • Managing/Designing/Reviewing coastal modeling (hydrodynamic, wave, sediment transport)
  • Managing/Designing/Reviewing site hazard characterization and vulnerability assessments
  • Managing/Designing/Reviewing coastal protection structures, natural & nature-based features, and shoreline/estuary enhancement/restoration solutions
  • Leading and assisting with coastal and waterfront business development initiatives
  • Preparing proposals and reviewing/writing reports
  • Coordinating and leading team meetings with project staff and clients

Qualifications:
  • PhD. or M.Sc. in civil, coastal, ocean or marine engineering or sciences, or related field
  • P.E. license required
  • 15+ years of experience in coastal structures, numerical modeling, and nature-based solutions
  • Relevant local experience with regulatory knowledge and working relationships with the New England business community, and federal, state, and local agencies
  • Demonstrate professional judgment, consistency, strong attention to detail, and background of high-quality work products
  • Doer-seller aptitude with industry knowledge
  • Proficient in coastal modeling software (SWAN, CMS, XBeach, CEDAS) is a plus
  • Professional licensure or the ability to obtain the licensing within the next 6 months
  • Ability to collaborate in a multi-office, team environment
  • Self-motivated, detail oriented, safety-minded, and able to multi-task
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with clients, design team members, contractors, and construction managers
  • Strong probabilistic design and environmental data analysis

The base salary for this position may range between $120,000.00 to $200,000.00. The actual base salary and total compensation will depend on many factors, including location, candidate experience, education, professional licensure, and other qualifications.
About GZA:
  • Professional development and enrichment
  • Exciting work environment
  • Generous, company-subsidized benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, and 401K retirement plan
  • Significant performance-based bonuses in addition to base salary

GZA is an employee-owned multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm with a history of more than 60 years of providing innovative engineering solutions to improve the natural and built environment. We are an ENR Top 500 Design firm focused on geotechnical, environmental, water, ecological, and construction management services. With a staff of interrelated professionals dedicated to providing high-level expertise on complex projects above, below, and at ground-level, GZA's experts provide seamless integration across practice areas, client type, and location.
GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. is an Affirmative/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, marital or veteran status, age or other protected status.
Note to Staffing Agencies:
GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies, recruiting firms, or other third parties. All unsolicited resumes will be considered a gift, and GZA will not be obligated to pay a referral fee. GZA explicitly reserves the right to hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. This policy is in place to ensure we respect the relationships with our preferred vendors and avoid any potential misunderstandings.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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