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Contract Urban Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AHBL, Inc.

Urban Planner

Tacoma, WA · On-site

What you will do We are looking for an Urban Planner to help us make a real impact in our Seattle ... on-call consulting contracts. What we are looking for * A high level of organization and ...

AHBL

Urban Planner

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

What you will do We are looking for an Urban Planner to help us make a real impact in our Seattle ... on-call consulting contracts. What we are looking for * A high level of organization and ...

City of Salt Lake City

Principal Planner

Hall, NY

$67K - $91K/yr

Initiates and manages the consultant selection process, implementation of plans, and contract ... Knowledge of principles and practices of urban planning, building construction, site development ...

Ecompex, Inc.

Community Planner

San Antonio, TX · On-site

ECOMPEX, Inc., a premiere Government Contract (Gov-Con) service provider, is seeking a Community ... Bachelor's degree in related fields such as Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Geophysics ...

Ecompex

Community Planner

San Antonio, TX · Hybrid

ECOMPEX, Inc., a premiere Government Contract (Gov-Con) service provider, is seeking a Community ... Bachelor's degree in related fields such as Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Geophysics ...

William Paterson University

$46K - $63K/yr

Predoctoral Fellow of Urban Planning and Policy William Paterson University seeks applications from ... contract, with full benefits and a competitive salary. Appointment to the second year is contingent ...

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Contract Urban Planner information

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$38.5K

$69.3K

$101.5K

How much do contract urban planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract urban planner in the United States is $69,253.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract urban planner?

Contract urban planners are professionals hired on a temporary or project-specific basis to help design, develop, and implement plans for land use in urban areas. They often work with local governments, private developers, or planning agencies to address issues like zoning, transportation, housing, and environmental sustainability. Unlike full-time staff, contract urban planners provide their expertise for a set duration or particular project, offering flexibility and specialized knowledge where needed.

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

To thrive as a Contract Urban Planner, you need expertise in land use planning, zoning regulations, and urban design, typically supported by a degree in urban planning or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, AutoCAD, and planning documentation systems is often required. Strong communication, project management, and negotiation skills set successful planners apart when collaborating with stakeholders and leading public engagement. These competencies are crucial for developing effective, sustainable plans that address community needs and regulatory requirements.

What are some typical challenges contract urban planners face when working with multiple stakeholders on short-term projects?

Contract Urban Planners often manage projects with tight deadlines and diverse stakeholder groups, including local governments, developers, and community members. One of the main challenges is balancing differing priorities and expectations while ensuring regulatory compliance. Effective communication and negotiation skills are crucial, as is the ability to quickly understand local zoning laws and community needs. Building consensus in a limited timeframe requires adaptability and strong organizational skills.

What is the difference between Contract Urban Planner vs Contract Environmental Planner?

AspectContract Urban PlannerContract Environmental Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Certification (AICP preferred)Bachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Certification (e.g., LEED, CEnvP)
Work EnvironmentCity planning departments, consulting firms, government agenciesEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, NGOs
Employer & Industry UsageUrban development, infrastructure projects, municipal planningEnvironmental impact assessments, sustainability projects, regulatory compliance
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Contract Urban Planner and Contract Environmental Planner roles share similar credentials and often work within government or consulting environments. However, urban planners focus on city development and land use, while environmental planners concentrate on environmental impact and sustainability. Both roles are essential in planning projects but serve different specialized purposes.

More about Contract Urban Planner jobs

What cities are hiring for Contract Urban Planner jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Urban Planner job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Urban Planner jobs?

The most popular types of Urban Planner jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Urban Planner jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Urban Planner jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Contract Urban Planner jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Urban Planner jobs are:

Contract Urban Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Urban Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $69,253 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Urban Planner

AHBL, Inc.

Tacoma, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Step into a role where your talent drives real-world impact. At AHBL, we’re looking for professionals who thrive in a collaborative environment and see every project as an adventure. If you enjoy working closely with clients and cross-functional teams to bring projects from concept to construction, we want to meet you!
At AHBL, we don’t just shape cities—we help to build vibrant communities where the work is rewarding. Our teams enjoy coming to work and flourish through innovation and creativity.
Since 1969, our multi-discipline firm has delivered innovative solutions in engineering, planning, landscape architecture, and land surveying. Our team is passionate about creative problem-solving, and we take pride in the meaningful, diverse projects we deliver.
What you will do 
We are looking for an Urban Planner to help us make a real impact in our Seattle office. If you enjoy working with a team that values creativity, celebrates successes, and supports each other through challenges, then AHBL is the place for you!
In this role you will work on a variety of current and long-range planning projects for public and private sector clients throughout Washington and the west coast. You will be performing professional planning services in a team environment and will enjoy frequent contact with AHBL’s clients, including contacts with the city, county, and state officials and staff, citizens’ groups, and other professionals. Your work will include the preparation of comprehensive plans, subarea plans and development regulations. You will also prepare parks, recreation, and open space plans, as well as environmental review documents under the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). This will involve research, writing, preparing graphics and maps, and public engagement. Your work will include participating in multi-disciplined teams to help design and entitle projects as well as work under our on-call consulting contracts.
What we are looking for 
  • A high level of organization and communication to help us drive projects to completion.
  • Diligent attention to detail because the details are what make a project successful.
  • A desire to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.
  • Motivation to meet our clients’ deadlines and rise to the occasion when the pressure is on.

Here's our list of must-haves:
  • Bachelor’s degree in planning, landscape architecture, or an equivalent field
  • 3-5 years of professional planning experience
  • Knowledge of philosophies, principles, practices, and techniques of planning
  • Understanding of land use controls (e.g., zoning, subdivision, landscape codes)
  • Excellent oral, written, and graphic communication skills and an interest in public engagement
Highly desirable:
  • Geographic Information System (GIS) skills
  • Urban design skills
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Actual pay will be based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law.  
  • Planner III - $80,200.00 - $99,500.00
  • Planner IV - $85,680.00 - $109,500.00
  • Annual discretionary performance-based bonus
  • 100% paid employee medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, life insurance and long-term disability protection. Subsidized dependent coverage
  • Option of PPO health plan or HDHP with Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
  • Optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) Benefits. PTO is accrued at 16.5 days (132 hours) annually for new hires.
  • 8 company-paid holidays each calendar year
  • Discretionary company-matched 401(k) plan
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Additional voluntary benefits include voluntary hospital indemnity coverage, voluntary accident insurance, and voluntary critical illness insurance
WHY AHBL?
  • We offer a fun and friendly atmosphere with team outings and ensure that the work is always enjoyable.
  • We encourage out of the box thinking and innovative approaches to every project.
  • Our teams celebrate successes and support each other through challenges.
  • Our projects are primarily in the Pacific Northwest, so our work shapes the communities where we live and work.
  • We offer continuous learning and professional development to advance your career.

 

AHBL is committed to the principles of equal opportunity by providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We provide equal opportunity to all candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, ancestry, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, mental or physical disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

AHBL will also take affirmative action as called for by applicable laws and Executive Orders to ensure that covered individuals, including protected veterans and qualified disabled persons are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.

AHBL will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us.

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About AHBL

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Tacoma, WA, US

Year founded

1969

Social media

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