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Land Use Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Genuine Search Group

Land Use Planner

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Senior Land Use Planner We are seeking an experienced Senior Land Use Planner to join our growing planning team. This role is ideal for a planning professional with 8+ years of California land use ...

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

... 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

... 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

$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 ...

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 ...

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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 Aug 26, 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, 68% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 4% 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.

Land Use Planner

Genuine Search Group

Pleasanton, CA • On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Senior Land Use Planner

We are seeking an experienced Senior Land Use Planner to join our growing planning team. This role is ideal for a planning professional with 8+ years of California land use planning experience who is passionate about creating thoughtful, practical, and sustainable development solutions. You will collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, and multidisciplinary teams on a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, industrial, mixed use, and master planned development projects.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare land use plans, site layouts, grading concepts, and entitlement exhibits.
  • Perform land use, zoning, and CEQA research to support project approvals.
  • Develop Specific Plans, tentative maps, master plans, and residential lotting and street layouts.
  • Prepare planning reports, entitlement applications, and supporting documentation.
  • Coordinate entitlement packages and manage submittals through local approval agencies.
  • Work directly with municipalities, public agencies, consultants, and stakeholder groups throughout the entitlement process.
  • Support development review, environmental permitting, and site planning efforts.
  • Collaborate with engineering and landscape architecture teams to deliver integrated land development solutions.
  • Participate in public meetings, community presentations, and agency coordination.
  • Mentor junior planning staff and provide technical guidance on planning and entitlement projects.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in City and Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 8 years of California land use planning experience.
  • Strong understanding of land use planning, zoning regulations, CEQA, environmental permitting, and the Subdivision Map Act.
  • Experience managing entitlement and development approval processes for residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed use projects.
  • Knowledge of site planning, grading concepts, and sustainable community design principles.
  • Excellent written, verbal, graphic, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects while working independently and collaboratively.
  • Authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience preparing Specific Plans and comprehensive planning documents.
  • Background in land development or site design.
  • Experience coordinating with local municipalities and regulatory agencies throughout the entitlement process.
  • Strong public presentation and stakeholder engagement experience.

Software Skills

  • AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Microsoft Office Suite

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive hourly compensation ($55–$75/hour, based on experience)
  • Performance bonuses
  • Profit sharing and 401(k)
  • Student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Health Savings Account contributions
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Wellness reimbursement program
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Collaborative, team oriented work environment with professional development opportunities and regular team events


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