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Land Use Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Land User Planner

Tysons Corner, VA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Venable LLP's Land Use & Zoning Practice Group seeks a Land User Planner with a minimum of three years of experience to join the practice in the Tysons, VA or Washington, D.C. office. In this role ...

Land Use Specialist

Shell Lake, WI · On-site

$24.80 - $25.55/hr

Working knowledge of zoning and planning research and investigative techniques. * Working knowledge of the principles and practices of cartographic drafting. * Working knowledge of the use and ...

Senior Land Use Planner We are seeking a Senior Land Use Planner to manage and contribute to a variety of projects, including master plans, redevelopment studies, zoning ordinances, affordable ...

Principal Planner About theDepartment/Division/Section: Thework of theDepartment of Land Use&Transportation (LUT) is organized into five divisions: Administrative Services; Capital Project Services;

Land Use Ordinance Officer

Sacaton, AZ · On-site

$38K - $48K/yr

Land Use Planning & Zoning Closing Date: Continuous The Land Use Ordinance Officer performs field and office work in the review of and processing of submitted requests and inquiries. This position ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Land Use Planner information

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$47K

$82.5K

$118K

How much do land use planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for land use planner in the United States is $82,481.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $97,500.00 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.
More about Land Use Planner jobs
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What are the most commonly searched types of Land Use Planner jobs? The most popular types of Land Use Planner jobs are:
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Infographic showing various Land Use Planner 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 $82,481 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Land Use Planner - Development Review

GNRC

Nashville, TN

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) is seeking an experienced land use planner to join its Community and Regional Planning Department. GNRC facilitates the development of regional plans for transportation, solid waste, economic development, and a growing list of additional issues. At the local level, GNRC provides subscription-based staffing support to municipal and county planning commissions and develops local comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances on a fee-for-service basis.


The duties of the land use planner include:

  • Providing professional planning and technical assistance to local communities to include reviewing site plans, preliminary and final plats, and conditional use and zoning permits for compliance with adopted plans, policies, and regulations;
  • Assisting with the development of community plans by 1) documenting and analyzing existing conditions and trends, 2) identifying and assessing best practices and tools, and 3) recommending policies, actions, or investment strategies tailored to address the specific planning objectives;
  • Preparing and presenting staff reports to planning boards, boards of zoning appeals, stakeholder organizations, and the general public;
  • Conducting research and analysis on planning issues to develop recommended updates to local or regional plans, policies, and regulations;
  • Assisting with the development of maps and data visualizations using ArcGIS and other planning applications;
  • Remaining current on state and federal regulations that govern or guide the various planning processes; and
  • Performing other special projects as assigned by the Director of Community and Regional Planning.


Qualifications: The preferred candidate will have practical experience in current planning for a municipal or county government and in the preparation of long-range comprehensive plans at the local or regional level. A master's degree in community and regional planning or a related field is required, along with at least two years of professional experience. A bachelor's degree and four years of experience in planning may be substituted for the master's degree. Foreign degrees and credentials will be considered.


Compensation: The starting pay rate will be subject to experience and qualifications. GNRC offers a fully paid pension through the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System and provides a dollar for dollar match to a 401k up to 3% of gross salary. Inquire for more information about benefits.


Remote Work Policy:While GNRC provides flexibility for remote/hybrid working conditions, this is not a remote position. The selected candidate will be expected to work from the GNRC office with regularity.


Travel Expectations:This position will require regular travel throughout the Middle Tennessee area during and after normal business hours to attend daytime and evening local planning meetings. A valid driver's license and access to personal transportation is required.


About GNRC:The Greater Nashville Regional Council was established by the TN General Assembly as an association of local governments empowered to convene local and state leaders for the purposes of planning and programming state and federal investments into a range of social services and public infrastructure. GNRC serves as the region's federally-recognized Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD), Economic Development District (EDD) and administers the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) on behalf of the Nashville Area MPO Transportation Policy Board . More information is available atGNRC.org.


Position open until filled.

GNRC is an EOE, AA Employer