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Interpretive Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Indio, CA

Assistant Planner

Indio, CA · On-site

$80K - $118K/yr

The Assistant Planner is the entry-level class in the professional planning series that allows the ... Prepares interpretive maps, graphs, charts, models, and reports; plans, organizes, and executes ...

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Interpretive Planner information

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$39.5K

$74.3K

$110.5K

How much do interpretive planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for interpretive planner in the United States is $74,255.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,500.00 and $81,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Interpretive Planner job?

An Interpretive Planner develops strategies to communicate information and tell engaging stories about cultural, historical, or natural sites. They create exhibits, signage, programs, and interactive experiences that help visitors understand and connect with a place or topic. This role involves research, collaboration with designers and subject matter experts, and ensuring that content is accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. Interpretive Planners often work for museums, parks, heritage sites, and visitor centers, balancing education with creativity to enhance public engagement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Interpretive Planner position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Interpretive Planner, you need expertise in interpretive design, educational programming, and project management, often supported by a degree in museum studies, history, environmental education, or a related field. Familiarity with exhibit design software (like Adobe Creative Suite or SketchUp), visitor evaluation methods, and industry standards such as the National Association for Interpretation certification is valuable. Excellent communication, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills help you translate complex information into engaging visitor experiences. These abilities are crucial for successfully planning and delivering interpretive content that inspires, educates, and connects with diverse audiences.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of an Interpretive Planner?

As an Interpretive Planner, your typical day involves researching content, developing interpretive themes, collaborating with exhibit designers, and drafting interpretive plans for various projects such as museums, parks, or cultural sites. You might attend team meetings, consult with stakeholders, and review visitor feedback to refine educational materials and interactive experiences. The role also includes coordinating with curators, educators, and community groups to ensure accuracy and relevance. This dynamic and collaborative environment provides variety and the chance to see your work directly impact public engagement and learning.

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What cities are hiring for Interpretive Planner jobs? Cities with the most Interpretive Planner job openings:
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Interpretive Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interpretive Planner job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,255 per year, or $35.7 per hour.
Mid- to Senior-level Interpretive Planner/Designer

Mid- to Senior-level Interpretive Planner/Designer

PlaceWorks

Berkeley, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Mid- to Senior-level Interpretive Planner/Designer
Location
Berkeley, CA - US (Primary)
Sacramento, CA - US
Category
Open Space & Resource Planning, Park Planning
Job Type
Full-time Exempt
Career Level
Mid Level
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Travel
Job Description
Job Description:
PlaceWorks has an immediate need for a mid-to senior-level interpretive planner/designer to join our team. We are looking for an individual with 6 - 8 years of professional experience in project management, interpretive planning and exhibit design who is creative, outgoing, self-starting, and passionate about helping shape and improve communities through their work. In addition, this planner/designer must have a strong interest in parks and open space, and engaging underserved communities in the development in the interpretation of California's natural and cultural history.
Working in a collaborative and casual work environment under the guidance of skilled senior staff, this team member will help lead PlaceWorks' Landscape and Park Planning teams currently working with local and State agencies, and particularly, California State Parks, as well as with community organizations and non-profit partners, to manage projects involving interpretive planning and design. We have a current need for this planner/designer to assist with the following:
  • Help lead projects coordinating interpretive planning, design and fabrication for interpretive media, including but not limited to interpretive media related to California Native American heritage and culture.
  • Help lead projects requiring research, evaluation of interpretive materials, and development of interpretive guidelines and standards.
  • Support several projects with California State Parks that will engage California communities, including communities of color, tribes, underserved communities, and others regarding park and open space access. Current projects include an emphasis in increasing and improving arts, culture and interpretation in parks, and more accurately and comprehensively addressing African American and tribal history and culture in park programs and exhibits.
  • Assist with the planning, design and development of interpretive master plans for parks and public spaces, as well as the public outreach and engagement related to these projects.

This position is ideally based in our Berkeley office or Sacramento office. However, remote work may be considered for qualified candidates who reside more than one hour from either office location. Remote employees must be located within California to support team collaboration. We are open to this position being part-time or full-time, depending on the range of skills a candidate possesses.
You're most likely a fit if:
  • You love planning for the future of communities and making a difference with your work.
  • You have strong writing and communication skills.
  • You are creative, self-starting, outgoing, collaborative, a good listener, and passionate about your work.
  • You can work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment with team members across the state.
  • You have a diverse portfolio of completed projects, including exhibits and/or interpretive panels and interpretive planning documents (such as Interpretation Master Plans).
  • You have strong writing skills as well as verbal communication and interpersonal skills, and solid client communication abilities.
  • You're comfortable with public speaking and presenting-you'll be expected to represent PlaceWorks at community meetings and interviews.
  • You're able to attend and travel to client meetings and community workshops which may occasionally occur on weekday nights and weekends.
  • You have experience managing complex projects, including schedules, budgets, client coordination, subconsultant coordination, and staff delegation.
  • You have strong leadership and management abilities to grow, mentor, and lead staff members. You can cultivate a culture in which all staff feel respect, trust, and safety, and are empowered to be their authentic selves.
  • You have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Suite, and PowerPoint).
  • You have a reliable means of transportation to and from work, and to perform site visits and attend meetings when needed.

In addition to the above, you'll stand out even more if:
  • You are a NAI certified interpretive Planner.
  • You have experience working in parks and open spaces, such as National Parks, State Parks, and/or regional parks and/or preserves.
  • You have experience working with California Native American tribes.
  • You have a strong interest in California natural and cultural history.
  • You have experience in park and open space planning and/or design.
  • You have confident and fluid freehand drawing and graphic skills.
  • You are a registered California landscape architect, or have NAI certification.

We work in a wide array of communities throughout California, and we encourage candidates from non-traditional backgrounds to apply.
The pay range for this position is $85,000 - $140,000 per year, dependent upon experience and other relevant factors.
Application Instructions:
When applying, attach your cover letter, resume, and a writing sample or design portfolio as three (3) separate PDF attachments. Each attachment must be under 500KB. Alternatively, include a link to your writing sample/design portfolio if it exceeds 500KB. In your cover letter, please specify which office location you are interested in.
Job Requirements
(see above job description)
We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.

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