1

Land Use Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We have an immediate opening in our Austin office for a Real Estate Land Use Associate with a minimum of five years of experience preferred. We are open to candidates looking to relocate to Austin or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Land Use Associate information

See salary details

$10

$19

$33

How much do land use associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 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, and why are they important?

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:
What job categories do people searching Land Use Associate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Land Use Associate jobs are:
Infographic showing various Land Use Associate job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,327 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Associate - Land Use & Environmental

Genie Matthews and Associates

San Diego, CA โ€ข Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Land Use & Environmental Associate

A well-established California midsize law firm is seeking a Land Use & Environmental Associate with 3โ€“5 years of experience to join its expanding practice group in Los Angeles, Oakland, or San Diego. The firm has built a strong reputation over the past 40 years as a "go-to" law firm for handling high-profile and high-stakes matters for both public entities and private sector clients across California.

The Land Use and Environmental Group works on sophisticated, large-scale development matters involving high-profile public and private projects throughout the state. Attorneys in this practice advise clients on complex land use entitlements, regulatory permitting, and environmental review processes, including compliance with CEQA and other California land use regulations. This is an opportunity to work on impactful development projects in a collaborative, client-focused environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Advise clients on complex land use entitlements and development approvals
  • Provide counsel on CEQA compliance and environmental review processes
  • Handle regulatory permitting and planning and zoning matters
  • Draft motions, pleadings, legal memoranda, and advocacy materials
  • Assist with or manage land use and environmental litigation matters
  • Collaborate with public agency and private sector clients on high-profile development projects

Qualifications:

  • J.D. from an accredited law school and active California Bar membership
  • 3โ€“5 years of substantive land use and environmental law experience
  • Extensive knowledge of CEQA, planning and zoning laws, and California land use processes
  • Land use litigation experience preferred
  • Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative team environment
  • Excellent academic credentials and a strong commitment to client service

Benefits:

  • Hybrid work schedule with flexibility for in-office collaboration
  • Reasonable billable hours requirement
  • Annual discretionary and billable-hours bonuses
  • Competitive health insurance benefits
  • 401(k) with partial match and profit-sharing