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Land Use Planner Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ProspectBlue

Land Use Planner

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

ProspectBlue is partnering with a well-established law firm to identify a Land Use Planning & Entitlements Manager for its Real Estate practice in Fredericksburg, Virginia. This position plays a key ...

ATCS

Senior Transportation Planner/Modeler

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

ATCS is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated Senior Transportation Planner/Modeler to join our ... Applying urban models (also known as land use models or socio-economic models) to forecast land use ...

ATCS

Senior Transportation Planner/Modeler

Herndon, VA · On-site

ATCS is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated Senior Transportation Planner/Modeler to join our ... Applying urban models (also known as land use models or socio-economic models) to forecast land use ...

ATCS

Senior Transportation Planner/Modeler

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

ATCS is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated Senior Transportation Planner/Modeler to join our ... Applying urban models (also known as land use models or socio-economic models) to forecast land use ...

Goochland County

Planner II

Goochland, VA · On-site

$62K - $77K/yr

The Planner II serves as a senior technical member of the Planning and Zoning Department and contributes to long-range planning efforts, ordinance updates, and complex land use analysis. Essential ...

Goochland County, VA

Planner II

Goochland, VA · On-site

$62K - $77K/yr

The Planner II serves as a senior technical member of the Planning and Zoning Department and contributes to long-range planning efforts, ordinance updates, and complex land use analysis. Essential ...

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All JobsLand Use Planner JobsLand Use Planner Jobs in Virginia

Land Use Planner information

See Virginia salary details

$46.6K

$81.8K

$117K

How much do land use planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for land use planner in Virginia is $81,774.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $96,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a land use planner do?

A land use planner develops plans and policies to manage the development and use of land in communities. They analyze zoning laws, environmental impact, and community needs to create sustainable development strategies, often using GIS tools and working with government agencies and the public. Certification such as AICP can enhance career prospects in this field.

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.

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 and obtaining certification, such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), can enhance job prospects and professional credibility.

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 are popular job titles related to Land Use Planner jobs in Virginia? For Land Use Planner jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Land Use Planner jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Land Use Planner jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Land Use Planner jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Land Use Planner job openings:
Land Use Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Land Use Planner job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,774 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Land Use Planner

ProspectBlue

Fredericksburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Job Description ProspectBlue is partnering with a well-established law firm to identify a Land Use Planning & Entitlements Manager for its Real Estate practice in Fredericksburg, Virginia. This position plays a key role in supporting attorneys with complex land use, zoning, and entitlement matters from project initiation through approval. The successful candidate will serve as a central point of coordination among clients, legal counsel, consultants, and local government officials to help advance development projects efficiently.

This is a fully onsite opportunity based in the firm's Fredericksburg office. Key Responsibilities Coordinate and prepare zoning, entitlement, and land use applications, including rezoning requests, special exceptions, variances, ordinances, approvals, and property research. Develop supporting documentation such as project narratives, findings, justification statements, and zoning code analyses while reviewing comprehensive plans and applicable regulations.

Collaborate with and oversee technical consultants in the preparation and review of zoning exhibits, plats, and related development materials. Administer state and local lobbying registration requirements and ensure timely reporting compliance. Prepare affidavits, economic disclosure forms, and other required documentation while communicating with municipal staff throughout the entitlement review process.

Assist attorneys with documentation related to real estate acquisitions, financing, development, and property dispositions. Support all phases of the land development process, including subdivision approvals, rezoning applications, conditional use permits, and variance requests. Create and maintain maps, exhibits, and presentation materials; attend public meetings, planning commissions, and governing body hearings, presenting project information when appropriate.

Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Land Use Planning, Urban Planning, or a related discipline preferred; paralegal certification or equivalent professional experience in a related field will also be considered. Three to five years of experience supporting land use, zoning, planning, or real estate matters within a law firm, municipal agency, private consulting firm, or a comparable environment. Working knowledge of land use planning, zoning regulations, community development, public planning, or economic development principles and practices.

Familiarity with planning and entitlement procedures, with the ability to interpret and apply applicable laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; experience using document management systems is a plus. Excellent organizational, project coordination, and time management abilities with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

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