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Community Development Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Community Development Planning information

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$38.5K

$73K

$101K

How much do community development planning jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development planning in the United States is $73,013.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a community development planner do?

A community development planner designs and implements strategies to improve local neighborhoods, focusing on housing, infrastructure, and public spaces. They analyze community needs, collaborate with stakeholders, and use planning tools like GIS to develop sustainable growth plans. Strong communication and knowledge of zoning laws are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Community Development Planning vs Urban Planning?

AspectCommunity Development PlanningUrban Planning
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Community Development, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Geography, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLocal government agencies, non-profits, community organizationsMunicipal governments, private consulting firms, government agencies
Industry UsageFocuses on community needs, social programs, and local development projectsFocuses on city-wide land use, zoning, and infrastructure planning

Community Development Planning and Urban Planning share overlapping skills and work environments, but differ in scope. Community Development Planning emphasizes local community needs and social programs, while Urban Planning focuses on city-wide land use and infrastructure. Both roles are vital in shaping sustainable, livable communities but serve distinct functions within the planning industry.

What is community development planning?

Community development planning is a process that involves assessing the needs of a community and creating strategic plans to improve its social, economic, and physical well-being. Professionals in this field work with local stakeholders, government agencies, and organizations to develop initiatives and projects that address issues such as housing, infrastructure, economic growth, and public services. The goal is to foster sustainable development that benefits all members of the community while encouraging participation and inclusion. Community development planners often use data analysis, policy research, and public engagement to guide their decisions.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can pay around $2,000 a day typically include specialized roles such as senior corporate executives, certain medical specialists, high-level consultants, and experienced legal professionals. These positions often require advanced education, extensive experience, and sometimes certifications or licenses, and may involve demanding schedules or high responsibility levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Community Development Planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Development Planner, you need expertise in urban planning, community engagement, and policy analysis, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in urban planning or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, zoning regulations, and planning frameworks is often required, along with certifications like AICP. Strong interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and facilitation skills help build consensus and foster collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders. These skills ensure effective project implementation, sustainable community growth, and positive stakeholder outcomes.

What jobs can you do with community development?

Community development professionals can work in roles such as urban planners, community organizers, economic development specialists, and policy analysts. These jobs often involve project management, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge of local government processes, with some positions requiring relevant certifications or degrees in urban planning, public administration, or related fields.

What are the most common challenges faced by professionals in Community Development Planning, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Community Development Planning often encounter challenges such as balancing the diverse needs of stakeholders, securing adequate funding, and navigating regulatory requirements. Addressing these challenges requires strong communication skills to facilitate community engagement, creative problem-solving to develop feasible project proposals, and staying informed about relevant policies and grant opportunities. Collaborating closely with local government officials, non-profit organizations, and residents helps ensure that development plans are both practical and broadly supported.

Where do urban planners get paid the most?

Urban planners tend to earn the highest salaries in regions with strong economic activity, such as major metropolitan areas or states with high living costs. Salaries are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the complexity of projects they manage, with private sector roles often paying more than public sector positions.
More about Community Development Planning jobs
What cities are hiring for Community Development Planning jobs? Cities with the most Community Development Planning job openings:
What states have the most Community Development Planning jobs? States with the most job openings for Community Development Planning jobs include:
Infographic showing various Community Development Planning job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,013 per year, or $35.1 per hour.
Community Development Planning Opportunities

Community Development Planning Opportunities

City of Grand Junction, CO

Grand Junction, CO • On-site

$35.52 - $46.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


City Of Grand Junction rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

146th of 659 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Description
Community Development Planning Opportunities (Associate Planner, Senior Planner, Principal Planner)
HIRING RANGE:
Associate Planner: $6,156 - $6,929 Monthly
Senior Planner: $6,798 - $7,652 Monthly
Principal Planner: $7,146 - $8,042 Monthly
To watch our Recruitment Video and hear from our team click here.
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply early, as we anticipate conducting our first round of virtual interviews during the week of July 6th.
About the Positions:
The City of Grand Junction is seeking qualified candidates for planning opportunities within our Community Development Department. We are hiring for one or more positions at the Associate Planner, Senior Planner, and/or Principal Planner level, with placement based on qualifications, experience, and organizational needs.
Join a collaborative planning team that plays a key role in shaping the future of Colorado's largest city on the Western Slope. From development review and long-range planning to policy development and implementation, our planners work on projects that have a visible impact on the community. You'll have the opportunity to contribute meaningful ideas, take ownership of projects, and work alongside talented professionals who are passionate about thoughtful community development.
About Our Culture:
At the City of Grand Junction, we lead the way with continuous improvement, collaborative partnerships, and exemplary service. Our core values are demonstrated by our willingness to challenge the status quo, ability to work together using all areas of expertise to achieve a common goal, and commitment to fulfilling the needs of our community through thoughtful interactions.
What You'll Do:
  • Help residents, developers, consultants, and City staff navigate planning, zoning, development, and land use processes while providing exceptional customer service.
  • Review development proposals, conduct research and analysis, and prepare recommendations that support thoughtful community growth and compliance with City regulations.
  • Prepare and present reports, ordinances, and recommendations to boards, commissions, City Council, and other stakeholders.
  • Collaborate on planning projects, policy initiatives, and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and other adopted City plans, with opportunities to lead complex projects based on experience and position level.

To view the full Associate Planner job description, click here.
To view the full Senior Planner job description, click here.
To view the full Principal Planner job description, click here.
What We're Looking For:
Associate Planner
  • One year of responsible professional urban planning and zoning experience.
  • Equivalent to a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning or related field.

Senior Planner
  • Three years of increasingly responsible urban planning and development experience.
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning or related field.

Principal Planner
  • Five years of increasingly responsible urban planning and development experience.
  • Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning or related field.

Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
Notice to Applicants:
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, we kindly request that you do not include the dates of your education to include years of attendance or graduation on your application, resume or attachments.
City Employee Health Clinic:
The City is committed to supporting the health and well-being of employees, and their families. Our near-site Sage Health & Wellness Center offers free or low-cost healthcare services for employees and their dependents enrolled in a City health plan. Services include preventative care, health assessments and coaching, treatment for common illnesses, lab services, physical therapy, a medical massage therapist, and behavioral health counseling. The clinic also offers wellness programs, challenges, and classes that empower employees and their families to stay healthy and thrive.
Explore the Area:
Grand Junction, Colorado is the gateway to the mountains and canyonlands of western Colorado and eastern Utah. Centrally located between Denver, CO (250 miles east) and Salt Lake City, UT (270 miles west), Grand Junction is surrounded by 1.2 million acres of public land. Residents enjoy world-class whitewater rafting on the Colorado and Green Rivers, golfing, fishing, skiing and snowboarding, and exploring mountain bike and hiking trails through the Colorado National Monument and the Grand Mesa National Forest. Grand Junction has a robust downtown and hosts multiple art, music, food, and market events annually. With a population of over 150,000 in Mesa County (65,000 within the City limits) we have many of the big town amenities without the big town stresses such as traffic and trail congestion. With an average of 245 days of sunshine, Grand Junction is the perfect place to work and play.
Learn more about our area on Visit Grand Junction's website and Instagram!
At the City of Grand Junction, we proudly operate as an Equal Opportunity Employer, purposely building an inclusive workforce representative of various cultures, perspectives, and experiences. We believe in respect for all and do not discriminate based on hair, race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
If you have any questions or need assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please contact our Human Resources office at 970.244.1512.
About Us
What We Offer:
We know that a healthy and happy workforce is a thriving workforce, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports quality work-life harmony, including 32 days of paid annual leave to be used for personal and/or sick days, 11 paid holidays, health insurance options, employer-matched retirement, a City employee health clinic, a City employee child care center, wellness program, and an Employee Assistance Program. Of equal importance, we offer an opportunity to serve the community you love and live in. Our employees find their work rewarding and fulfilling, knowing that their day job makes a positive impact.
To view more information about our benefits visit: https://www.gjcity.org/333/Employee-Benefits
About the Team
The Community Development Department develops, implements, and modifies City plans and regulations and maintains information related to zoning, setbacks, and land use.