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Land Use Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Land Use Attorney

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $175K/yr

Thatch, is a high profile, AV rated land use and real estate law firm with a combined history spanning more than 45 years. The firm is seeking a highly motivated attorney to handle land use ...

Much of our land use, development, and local government practice's success is attributable to our extensive network of personal and professional relationships. Clients seek us because they know we ...

Much of our land use, development, and local government practice's success is attributable to our extensive network of personal and professional relationships. Clients seek us because they know we ...

Much of our land use, development, and local government practice's success is attributable to our extensive network of personal and professional relationships. Clients seek us because they know we ...

The successful candidate will focus on land use law and real estate development, working closely with various stakeholders including property owners, developers, government officials, and other ...

Land Use Attorney

Edison, NJ ยท On-site +1

$145K - $165K/yr

Environmental, Land Use & Real Estate -- Three Practices, One Standout Seat This Jobot Job is ... Partners here see it as their job to feed associates work and train them properly, not throw them ...

Advise clients on zoning, land use, and development regulations Represent clients in obtaining entitlements, including rezonings, variances, special exceptions, and site plan approvals Appear before ...

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Land Use Associate information

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$10

$19

$33

How much do land use associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for land use associate in the United States is $19.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Land Use Associate vs Land Planning Technician?

AspectLand Use AssociateLand Planning Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, environmental science, or related field; often requires knowledge of zoning lawsAssociate's or bachelor's degree; technical training in GIS, mapping, or land development
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits; involved in planning meetings and public hearingsPrimarily office work; GIS mapping, data analysis, and drafting
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, planning agencies, environmental firmsEngineering firms, land development companies, government agencies

Both roles support land use and planning projects but differ in education requirements and daily tasks. Land Use Associates focus more on policy, regulations, and public engagement, while Land Planning Technicians handle technical mapping and data analysis. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in land planning and development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a land use associate?

To thrive as a Land Use Associate, you need a strong understanding of zoning laws, environmental regulations, and land use planning, often backed by a degree in urban planning, law, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, legal research tools, and permitting systems is typically expected. Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills help professionals effectively advocate for clients and collaborate with public agencies. These skills and qualities ensure successful navigation of complex regulatory environments and the achievement of development objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by land use associates when working on development projects?

Land Use Associates often navigate complex zoning regulations, balance the interests of multiple stakeholders, and manage tight project deadlines. They frequently collaborate with local government officials, developers, and community members to ensure compliance and address concerns. Successfully managing these competing priorities requires strong organizational, communication, and negotiation skills. It's also common to encounter unexpected regulatory or environmental hurdles, so adaptability and proactive problem-solving are crucial in this role.

What does a land use associate do?

A Land Use Associate typically assists attorneys or planners in researching, analyzing, and preparing documentation related to land development, zoning, and environmental regulations. Their work often involves reviewing municipal codes, preparing permit applications, and communicating with government agencies or stakeholders. Land Use Associates play a key role in helping clients navigate the legal and regulatory aspects of land use projects, ensuring compliance and facilitating project approvals.
More about Land Use Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Land Use Associate jobs? Cities with the most Land Use Associate job openings:
What states have the most Land Use Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Land Use Associate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Land Use Associate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,327 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Land Use Counsel (7+ years experience)

VAN NESS FELDMAN LLP

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

$205K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Van Ness Feldman is seeking a land use attorney with at least 7 years of relevant experience in the areas of land use, environmental, or municipal law to join our Environmental, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Real Estate team. The ideal candidate will be based in our Seattle office.

Who We Are

Our robust land use team is well regarded for our successful representation of major private and public sector clients in permitting complex development projects. The team has significant experience interpreting and navigating state and local land use and environmental regulations and is highly sought-after for our unparalleled relationships with local, state, and federal agency officials and their attorneys, which allows us to quickly assess implications of proposed development. Providing the full-range of land use counsel—from conception through permitting to construction—our team regularly works with engineers, economists, scientists, planners, and elected officials to understand unique local circumstances in permitting all types of proposed development.

What You’ll Do

The successful candidate will work alongside senior members of our land use team or lead our land use associates or planners on a broad range of matters for the firm’s long standing clients in the energy, public utility, municipal, commercial, and residential sectors. Responsibilities for this position will include land use litigation, due diligence, securing and defending entitlements, and strategic counsel.


Skills and Qualifications:

Role Specific Skills and Experience

  • Experience in the interpretation, compliance, and defense of actions under Washington State's planning and land use statutes including the Growth Management Act (GMA), Planning Enabling Act, Local Project Review Statute (ch. 36.70B RCW), and Shoreline Management Act (SMA), as well as other state regulations governing development, and accompanying environmental review pursuant to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)
  • Experience representing clients in local and state administrative litigation proceedings, including before Hearing Examiners, City and County Councils, the Shorelines Hearings Board, Pollution Control Hearings Board, Growth Management Hearings Board and in related judicial appeals, including appeals pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act and the Land Use Petition Act.

Basic Qualifications

  • Graduated with a JD or LLM from an ABA-accredited law school
  • Active admission or eligibility for admission in the jurisdiction in which the candidate will practice
  • 7+ of experience

Preferred Qualifications

  • Multiple years of experience first-chairing land use, environmental, or related matters in the private or public sector
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail and accuracy
  • Excellent research, drafting, and writing skills, and ability to produce high-quality work on tight timelines
  • Excellent oral communication skills including the ability to communicate clearly, directly, and practically with clients and colleagues
  • Ability to manage matters independently and proactively drive work forward
  • Ability to quickly learn new issues and apply that understanding in practice


About Us

Van Ness Feldman is a nationally recognized law firm focused on energy, environmental, and natural resources law and policy. Home to 100 attorneys and policy professionals, the Firm has offices in Washington, DC; Seattle; the Bay Area; Houston; and Louisiana. For nearly 50 years, the Firm has provided strategic business advice, legislative and policy advocacy, legal and regulatory compliance counsel, representation in administrative proceedings and litigation, and support for project development, permitting, and transactions.

In addition to joining an active and highly collaborative team, the candidate will be part of a Firm that is committed to supporting a healthy work/life balance. Attorneys are expected to be in the office at least three days a week / twelve days a month, but scheduling is flexible. The Firm rewards attorneys who exceed the target with a generous bonus. The culture at VNF relies on mutual respect, appreciation, and support. A focus on professional development is central, including regular feedback and training opportunities. VNF seeks individuals who share this approach and bring a collaborative mindset and take pride in thoughtful, high-quality work.


Van Ness Feldman is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For this position, the good-faith annual base salary for this position is $205,000 - $235,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and office location. In addition to base salary, compensation may include a bonus based on hours and other applicable criteria. The Firm also offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) profit-sharing plan, paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, life and disability insurance, employee assistance resources, and professional development opportunities.

Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process may contact recruiting@vnf.com.