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Community Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

COMMUNITY PLANNER

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$85K/yr

You will serve as a COMMUNITY PLANNER in the ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, G-4, FACILITIES DIVISION of MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT.Qualifications:In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position ...

As the Community Planner ,you will be responsible for developing solutions for US Air Force Base community planning tasks which may include comprehensive planning, transportation, capital ...

Community Planner ID: 1566 Location: San Antonio, TX Department: Administrative More about this job > Description Community Planner Overview of the Position: ECOMPEX, Inc., a premiere Government ...

Community Planner

New York, NY ยท On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The New York City Council, an equal opportunity employer, is seeking a Community Planner to serve in the Planning and Land Use Division. The Planning and Land Use Division is comprised of city ...

As the Community Planner ,you will be responsible for developing solutions for US Air Force Base community planning tasks which may include comprehensive planning, transportation, capital ...

Community Planner Overview of the Position: ECOMPEX, Inc., a premiere Government Contract (Gov-Con) service provider, is seeking a Community Planner to provide supportive services for our government ...

Community Planner III

PA ยท On-site +1

$63K/yr

The Chester County Planning Commission is committed to engaging with communities and our planning partners as we continue to balance preservation and growth in the county. The Planning Commission ...

Community Planner III

West Chester, PA ยท On-site +1

$63K/yr

Summary The Chester County Planning Commission seeks a Community Planner to assist in advancing sound and innovative planning efforts throughout Chester County. The position, classified as a Planner ...

Community Planner II

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

As a Community Planner II at Bolton & Menk, you'll play a key role in shaping growing communities across the Twin Cities, while expanding your impact and visibility and helping advance our mission ...

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Community Planner information

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$45K

$100.9K

$137.5K

How much do community planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for community planner in the United States is $100,911.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $137,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a community planner?

A community planner develops assists in the planning and development of public space. Community planners typically work for the city; they think strategically about the use of local resources and create long-term and short-term plans for the municipality. As a community planner, examples of projects you may oversee include development of new bike paths, housing communities, or public parks. Once plans are approved, you issue permits to developers and construction crews. You also monitor the projects to ensure the city sticks to its official development budget. Other job duties include drafting legislation, planning new construction, conducting field investigations, mapping land areas, and predicting development trends.

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

To thrive as a Community Planner, you need a solid background in urban planning, geography, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in planning and relevant certification (such as AICP). Familiarity with GIS software, zoning codes, and planning regulations is typically required. Strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills help you effectively engage with stakeholders and navigate complex projects. These skills and qualifications are essential for developing sustainable, functional, and community-focused plans that address the needs of diverse populations.

What are some common challenges community planners face when engaging with diverse stakeholders?

Community Planners often work with a wide range of stakeholders, including residents, business owners, government officials, and advocacy groups, each with unique interests and priorities. Balancing these diverse perspectives while fostering consensus can be challenging, especially when addressing sensitive issues like zoning changes or development projects. Effective communication, active listening, and adaptability are essential skills to ensure all voices are heard and solutions are equitable. Successful Community Planners regularly facilitate public meetings and workshops to build trust and collaboratively shape community goals.

What is the difference between Community Planner vs Urban Planner?

AspectCommunity PlannerUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or related field; certification often preferredBachelor's or master's degree in urban planning or related field; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLocal government agencies, community organizations, non-profitsMunicipal governments, private consulting firms, government agencies
Industry UsageFocuses on community development, public engagement, and local projectsFocuses on city-wide or regional development, infrastructure, and zoning

Community Planners and Urban Planners share similar educational backgrounds and certifications. However, Community Planners typically work more directly with local communities and focus on neighborhood-level projects, while Urban Planners often handle broader city or regional planning initiatives. Both roles are essential in shaping sustainable, functional communities and often collaborate on development projects.

Is it hard to get a job as a community planner?

Getting a job as a community planner can be competitive, often requiring a relevant degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field, along with experience or internships. Strong skills in GIS software, public engagement, and knowledge of local regulations can improve employment prospects, but job availability varies by region and economic conditions.

What qualifications do you need to be a community planner?

Community planners typically need a bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, geography, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in urban planning or a related discipline, along with relevant experience and knowledge of planning software and regulations.

Where do community planners make the most money?

Community planners tend to earn higher salaries in regions with strong urban development and higher living costs, such as major metropolitan areas. Factors like experience, education, and certifications also influence earning potential, with those working for government agencies or private firms often earning more than those in non-profit sectors.

What cities are hiring for Community Planner jobs?

Cities with the most Community Planner job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Community Planner jobs?

The top employers for Community Planner jobs are:

What states have the most Community Planner jobs?

States with the most job openings for Community Planner jobs include:

Infographic showing various Community Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,911 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Community Planner

Chinatown Community Development Center

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Job Summary: The Community Planner is part of the Community Planning Team, a team responsible for working with community members to elevate the voice of community and supporting a variety of short- and long-range planning projects to improve the quality of life in Chinatown. Issue areas include transportation, economic development, affordable housing and open space. The Planner must see participatory planning, outreach, organizing and education as a core component of the work. The Planner will assist with project management and community planning initiatives.

Status: Full-time, Nonexempt, Regular

Location: Chinatown neighborhood, San Francisco

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00a.m. - 5:30p.m., plus some weekend and night hours

Salary: $38.36 - $40.00 per hour; Comprehensive Benefits

The Organization: A private non-profit founded in 1977, Chinatown Community Development Center believes in a comprehensive vision of community. We own and/or manage approximately 36 affordable housing buildings serving over 4,500 low-income seniors, single adults, formerly homeless adults, and families of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds in San Francisco’s Chinatown, Tenderloin, Western Addition, and Polk Gulch neighborhoods. We also build housing, develop grassroots leadership, and engage low-income residents and youth. Our employees are passionate about the mission; thrive in a family organizational culture; and embody values of empowerment, teamwork, and compassion. Chinatown CDC serves a diverse population and is committed to hiring practices that provide culturally competent services. We encourage people of color to apply.

Essential Functions

  • Develop deep and meaningful relationships with Chinatown community members and stakeholders
  • Collaborate with teammates. Stakeholders and members of the Community Organizing team members in meetings and informally most days
  • Attend meetings with City of San Francisco staff to learn about a support community stakeholder to provide input on city plans and programs

What You Will Do

Community Planning:

  • Identify and assess community priorities within San Francisco’s Chinatown
    • Focus on housing, transportation, economic development, and open space issues
    • Coordinate, organize, and document, community input/data from Chinatown residents, merchants and visitors
  • Analyze and draft responses to plans, proposals, or recommendations from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, San Francisco Planning Department and other city or state agencies incorporating stakeholder feedback and uplifting community voices
  • Assess impact of proposed citywide projects on neighborhood merchants, residents and physical environment and help them provide meaningful feedback to City Agencies
  • Gather, analyze and provide information/statistics on Chinatown neighborhood, such as demographics and trends
  • Collaborate with Planning Team, Community Building and Engagement staff and community stakeholders in defining the organization’s position on planning-related issues and in strategizing plan of action
  • Outreach/Educate grassroots leaders on issues that affect Chinatown through providing workshops and meetings at community meetings.
  • Give public testimony to City agencies, civic committees, and neighborhood groups as needed
  • Assist in advocacy efforts on issues significantly affecting Chinatown community especially on Land Use, Transportation, and Open Space issues.
Other
  • Represent organization with community residents, governmental agencies and committees, neighborhood groups, and city-wide organizations
  • Embody organization values (respect & compassion, empowerment, teamwork)
  • Contribute to a safe and pleasant work environment
  • Follow policies, procedures, and safe work practices
  • Other duties as assigned

What You Bring

  • Excellent communication and outreach skills
  • Excellent public speaking skills and ability to facilitate meetings
  • Familiarity with Chinatown neighborhood and issues relevant to the community
  • Familiarity with local government processes, ordinances, and legislation
  • Familiarity with neighborhood planning concepts
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team structure
  • Ability to be flexible and perform a variety of work activities
  • Excellent written and verbal skills in English
  • Capacity to attend evening meetings

Education and Experience (Minimum Qualifications)

  • Bachelor’s Degree in urban planning, urban studies, geography, policy, economics, or related fields, with experience in neighborhood planning, transportation issues, economic development, or advocacy/community work.
  • Proficiency with PC computer systems, including Word, Excel, Outlook

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s Degree in urban planning, urban studies, geography, policy, economics, or related fields, or one (1) year experience in neighborhood planning/organizing, transportation issues, demographic statistics, economic development, advocacy/community work.
  • Meaningful and established relationship in Chinatown community and the broader AAPI community
  • Ability to speak fluently in Cantonese.

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