Entry Level Community Development Jobs in California

We are an award-winning California-based environmental consulting firm with 550+ professionals and more than 30 years of diverse experience serving clients in transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government sectors. Our mission is to deliver practical, science-based environmental and planning solutions that support communities, infrastructure, and natural systems.

As a people-centric organization, we value collaboration, fairness, and transparency, and are committed to fostering a workplace that supports both personal and professional growth while offering robust career opportunities. We are especially proud of our recent Great Place To Work® certification, which reflects an independent assessment of our culture and our team member experiences.

Rincon Consultants, Inc. is seeking enthusiastic Entry-Level Community Planners to join our growing team. This is an opportunity for early-career professionals passionate about community planning, land use policy, housing, and sustainable development to gain hands‑on experience and build their careers in environmental consulting.

In this role, you’ll support the preparation of General Plans, Community Plans, Specific and Master Plans, Housing Elements, Zoning Code updates, and land use analyses. You’ll also contribute to environmental compliance efforts under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), including analyzing environmental impacts associated with planning and development projects.

Working alongside experienced planners and multidisciplinary project teams, you’ll gain exposure to a variety of community planning, housing, land use, environmental compliance, and public engagement projects throughout California.

This role may offer a hybrid work setup, blending time in the office with remote work as business needs evolve. We enjoy coming together in person to collaborate, connect with teammates, and partner with clients. We may prioritize candidates who live within 50 miles of a Rincon office.

Eligible office locations for this role include Carlsbad, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.

• Assist with preparing General Plans, Community Plans, Housing Elements, Specific and Master Plans, and other comprehensive planning documents under the guidance of experienced team members.
• Support the development and updating of zoning codes, permitting policies, development standards, and other land use regulations, with a particular focus on housing and community development.
• Conduct research and data analysis to support recommendations related to land use, housing, transportation, community facilities, and community development.
• Collaborate with clients, public agencies, and interdisciplinary teams to advance project goals and support alignment with applicable local policies and regulations.
• Assist with preparing CEQA documents and analyses evaluating environmental impacts associated with planning and development projects.
• Support the preparation, coordination, and facilitation of public meetings, workshops, and consensus‑building sessions to gather stakeholder and community input.
• Review project plans and development proposals for consistency with applicable local codes, policies, plans, and regulations.
• Assist with tracking assignments, schedules, and deliverables to help projects remain on time and within budget.
• Conduct site visits to gather information and support planning and project development efforts.
• Support project managers and team members with additional planning, research, analysis, and project needs as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to technical documents and deliver presentations.
• A collaborative mindset and eagerness to learn from experienced planners and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to support multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Demonstrated interest in land use planning, community development, housing policy, and/or environmental compliance processes, including CEQA.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability and willingness to travel locally for project needs.
• A valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

• Academic, internship, or professional experience related to community planning, land use, housing, environmental planning, or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with General Plans, Specific Plans, Housing Elements, zoning codes, or other local planning documents.
• Familiarity with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and environmental review processes.
• Experience conducting planning‑related research, data analysis, or policy analysis.
• Experience or coursework involving public outreach, community engagement, workshops, or stakeholder coordination.
• Familiarity with GIS or similar mapping and spatial analysis tools.
• Experience working collaboratively on multidisciplinary projects or teams.
• Knowledge of California land use, housing, or community development issues.

The base salary range for this full‑time position is $60,000 to $75,000 plus a generous benefits program. Salary ranges are based on the market median of similar jobs, according to third‑party salary benchmark surveys. Base pay is determined based on internal equity and a candidate’s job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package designed to support employee well‑being, growth, and financial security. Our benefits are designed to offer flexibility and choice, including health coverage options, employer‑sponsored insurance, retirement benefits, generous time off, and programs that support learning, growth, and community engagement.

Explore more about our culture, benefits, and life at Rincon on our Culture and Benefits page.

Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre‑employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, those hired who may be assigned to federal projects will be subject to further drug testing, including screening for cannabinoids (THC/marijuana), in compliance with the Drug‑Free Workplace Act of 1988 and other applicable federal regulations, which take precedence over California state and local laws.

Rincon Consultants does not accept unsolicited applicant/candidate resumes from search firm recruiters and/or temporary agencies that do not have a signed contract and specified work order with Rincon Consultants. Further, such resumes received will be deemed the sole property of Rincon Consultants and no fees will be paid in the event Rincon Consultants subsequently hires such individual. Rincon Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.