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Land Use Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

W3Global Inc.

Senior Land Use Planner

Roseville, CA · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Senior Land Use Planner - Entitlements & Site Design Location: Roseville, CA Employment Type: Full-time, On-site - $55 - $75/ hr A dynamic Northern California civil engineering and planning firm is ...

SLR Search

Hybrid Land Use Associate

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$225K - $265K/yr

... land use, planning and zoning - Proven ability to represent clients (property owners, developers, tenants, or municipalities) throughout the land entitlement and development process. Strong ...

SLR Search

Hybrid Land Use Associate

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$225K - $265K/yr

... land use, planning and zoning - Proven ability to represent clients (property owners, developers, tenants, or municipalities) throughout the land entitlement and development process. Strong ...

SLR Search

Hybrid Land Use Associate

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$225K - $265K/yr

... land use, planning and zoning - Proven ability to represent clients (property owners, developers, tenants, or municipalities) throughout the land entitlement and development process. Strong ...

Optimum Results Staffing

Land Use Associate

Irvine, CA · On-site

$250K - $315K/yr

... process from planning through execution. Ideal Candidate Profile: * 4 to 7 years of legal ... Land use due diligence * Processing entitlements * Environmental review under CEQA * Additional ...

Direct Counsel

Land Use Associate Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$225K - $250K/yr

Project planning and implementation strategies * Regulatory and governmental approvals for commercial, residential, mixed-use, and infrastructure projects * Land use and environmental risk assessment ...

County of Nevada

Principal Planner

Nevada City, CA · On-site

$131K - $160K/yr

The Planning Department applies community land-use policies and strives to meet the needs of individuals and businesses. It is their goal to protect the environment to ensure Nevada County remains a ...

Zipline

Counsel, Land Use

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Build and maintain relationships with municipalities, planning and zoning commissions, city ... S. land use, zoning, and municipal law, with experience obtaining complex or first-of-their-kind ...

Zipline

Counsel, Land Use

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Build and maintain relationships with municipalities, planning and zoning commissions, city ... S. land use, zoning, and municipal law, with experience obtaining complex or first-of-their-kind ...

County of Nevada, CA

Principal Planner

Nevada City, CA · On-site

$131K - $160K/yr

The Planning Department applies community land-use policies and strives to meet the needs of individuals and businesses. It is their goal to protect the environment to ensure Nevada County remains a ...

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All JobsLand Use Planner JobsLand Use Planner Jobs in California

Land Use Planner information

See California salary details

$46.4K

$81.4K

$116.5K

How much do land use planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for land use planner in California is $81,401.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,700.00 and $96,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a land use planner?

Land use planners are professionals who develop plans and policies for the use of land in urban, suburban, and rural areas. They analyze data and trends to guide the growth and development of communities while balancing economic, environmental, and social factors. Their work often involves zoning, community engagement, and ensuring projects comply with local regulations. Land use planners play a key role in creating sustainable and livable communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a land use planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Land Use Planner, you need a background in urban planning, geography, or a related field, along with strong analytical and project management skills. Familiarity with GIS software, zoning regulations, and relevant certifications such as AICP are commonly required. Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure effective planning, community consensus, and regulatory compliance in shaping sustainable and functional spaces.

What are some common challenges faced by land use planners when balancing community interests and regulatory requirements?

Land Use Planners often encounter the challenge of balancing diverse community interests—such as economic development, environmental conservation, and housing needs—while ensuring compliance with complex zoning laws and regulations. This requires strong negotiation and communication skills, as planners must facilitate public meetings, gather stakeholder input, and sometimes navigate conflicting priorities. Additionally, they collaborate closely with government agencies, developers, and citizens to create sustainable and equitable land use plans. Successfully managing these challenges can lead to meaningful community impact and valuable professional growth.

What is the difference between Land Use Planner vs Urban Planner?

AspectLand Use PlannerUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or related field; certification often preferredBachelor's or master's in urban planning, geography, or related field; certification beneficial
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, consulting firms, private developers; focus on land zoning and developmentMunicipalities, government agencies, private firms; focus on city development and policy
Industry UsageUsed in land zoning, environmental planning, and development projectsUsed in city planning, community development, and infrastructure projects

Both roles involve planning and development, but Land Use Planners primarily focus on land zoning and environmental considerations, while Urban Planners concentrate on city-wide development and community growth. The skills and credentials overlap significantly, making them closely related careers in the planning industry.

Are land use planners in high demand?

Land use planners are in steady demand due to ongoing urban development, infrastructure projects, and environmental conservation efforts. Employment opportunities often require knowledge of zoning laws, GIS tools, and environmental regulations, with job growth expected to align with regional planning needs.

How to become a land use planner?

To become a land use planner, typically a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, environmental science, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions and obtaining certification, such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), can enhance career prospects and demonstrate professional competence.

What are the most commonly searched types of Land Use Planner jobs in California?

The most popular types of Land Use Planner jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Land Use Planner jobs in California?

For Land Use Planner jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Land Use Planner jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Land Use Planner jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Land Use Planner jobs?

Cities in California with the most Land Use Planner job openings:

Land Use Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Land Use Planner job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,401 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Senior Land Use Planner

W3Global Inc.

Roseville, CA • On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Senior Land Use Planner - Entitlements & Site Design
Location: Roseville, CA
Employment Type: Full-time, On-site - $55 - $75/ hr

A dynamic Northern California civil engineering and planning firm is seeking a Senior Land Use Planner to join their Roseville office. This role is perfect for a creative, detail-oriented professional with a background in landscape architecture, urban planning, or city/regional planning who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced team environment focused on land development projects.

Role Overview

You'll work hand-in-hand with engineering and project management teams on a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use developments. Expect to handle everything from conceptual site planning to navigating complex entitlement processes, while bringing fresh design ideas to practical, buildable solutions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct zoning and land use research, including CEQA analysis and compliance support.

  • Develop land use plans, grading concepts, residential lotting, street layouts, and site design schemes.

  • Prepare planning exhibits, entitlement documents, tentative maps, and specific plan materials.

  • Manage and organize entitlement application packages from submission through agency approvals.

  • Coordinate with public agencies, community stakeholders, special interest groups, and project consultants.

  • Lead or support public presentations and community engagement efforts.

What You Bring

  • Bachelor's degree in City and Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture (BLA), or a closely related field from an accredited university.

  • 8+ years of hands-on experience in California land development, with proven expertise in land planning, entitlements, and site development approvals.

  • Strong working knowledge of zoning principles, CEQA processes, environmental permitting, and the Subdivision Map Act.

  • Solid grasp of site design fundamentals, including horizontal/vertical relationships, sustainability analysis, and practical design constraints.

  • Excellent written, graphic, and verbal communication skills, with comfort presenting to public audiences.

  • Ability to work independently with guidance, while contributing to a high-energy, team-focused culture.

Recommended Technical Skills

  • AutoCAD Civil 3D for site planning and exhibit production.

  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for high-quality graphics and visuals.

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reports and presentations.

  • Hand-sketching and conceptual design abilities (digital and traditional).

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive hourly pay in the range of $55-$75, based on experience, skills, and qualifications.

  • Performance bonuses and profit-sharing/401(k) opportunities.

W3Global logo

About W3Global

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

W3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs. As a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Frisco, TX, US

Year founded

2006

View All W3Global Jobs