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Community Planner Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Markon

Cryptologic Cyber Planner 3

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$145K - $155K/yr

Completion of the Intelligence Community Planner's Course (ICPC) or other relevant operational planning training required * Experience developing operational plans, CONOPS, campaign plans, or ...

Stantec

Urban Planner (Designer)

Washington, DC · On-site

$71K - $100K/yr

This role will support planning efforts for college and university campuses, with opportunities to contribute to related urban and community planning projects. The ideal candidate will have an ...

Stantec

Urban Planner (Designer)

Washington, DC · On-site

$71K - $100K/yr

Facilitate campus and community engagement activities, such as workshops, charrettes, and ... Professional planning experience ideally in a higher education or institutional context.

MDLE LLC

Urban / Federal Planner

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Collaborate with diverse teams of interdisciplinary professionals to complete urban design and/or military community and campus planning projects. * Gather information from multiple sources and ...

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All JobsCommunity Planner JobsCommunity Planner Jobs in Washington

Community Planner information

See Washington salary details

$51K

$114.3K

$155.7K

How much do community planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for community planner in Washington is $114,291.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,100.00 and $155,200.00 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.
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Community Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Planner job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,291 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

Lead Community Planner

Careers | Federal Highway Administration

Washington, DC

$169K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

This position is responsible for providing leadership, program expertise, and technical support for the implementation of Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA’s) transportation planning process with an emphasis on planning, programming, and project development. This position is also responsible for providing technical assistance to FHWA staff, State and local agencies, and other parties in the development and implementation of transportation planning techniques and processes.

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the mandatory education and specialized experience requirements.
To qualify for the Grade 15, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-14, it must include:

  • Experience developing or implementing laws, regulations, policies, and/or initiatives as they relate to transportation planning or project development processes at a local, regional, state, or national level; AND
  • Experience representing the organization during public meetings and conferences and addressing programmatic and technical issues and questions raised by a range of stakeholder groups

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs):  Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  • Compliance - Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
  • Planning and Evaluating - Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
  • Teaching Others - Helps others learn through formal or informal methods; identifies training needs; provides constructive feedback; coaches others on how to perform tasks; acts as a mentor.
  • Oral Communication (*) - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education:

Degree: Community planning; or related field such as urban affairs, architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, sociology, geography, economics, political science, or public administration that included at least 12 semester hours in the planning process, socioeconomic and physical elements of planning, urban and regional economic analysis, and development finance.

Note: Applicants with degrees in related fields, such as those listed above, who do not have the 12 semester hours of specified course work must have had at least 1 year of work experience in community planning acquired under the supervision and guidance of a community planner. OR


Combination of education and experience:  Courses equivalent to a major in one of the above disciplines, or a combination of related courses totaling at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the above disciplines of which at least 12 semester hours were in the planning process, and socioeconomic and physical elements of planning, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Employment Type: OTHER

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