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Land Use Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Wacounty

Land Use Planning Section Manager

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$112K - $137K/yr

Land Use and Transportation FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt About the Opportunity: This posting is open until filled with a first review date of 6/25/2026. Manager to providestrategic leadership and ...

Kimley-Horn

Practice Leader - Land Development

Portland, OR

$89K - $123K/yr

Extensive client contacts and relationships with local architects, developers, land use attorneys, planners and/or land owners * Strong technical skills with AutoCAD Civil3D * Business development ...

Kimley-Horn

Practice Leader - Land Development

Portland, OR · On-site

$89K - $123K/yr

Extensive client contacts and relationships with local architects, developers, land use attorneys, planners and/or land owners * Strong technical skills with AutoCAD Civil3D * Business development ...

Kimley-Horn

Practice Leader - Land Development

Portland, OR · On-site

$89K - $123K/yr

Extensive client contacts and relationships with local architects, developers, land use attorneys, planners and/or land owners * Strong technical skills with AutoCAD Civil3D * Business development ...

Kimley-Horn

Practice Leader - Land Development

Portland, OR · On-site

$89K - $123K/yr

Extensive client contacts and relationships with local architects, developers, land use attorneys, planners and/or land owners * Strong technical skills with AutoCAD Civil3D * Business development ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLand Use JobsLand Use Jobs in Portland, OR

Land Use information

See Portland, OR salary details

$26.5K

$87.8K

$158.3K

How much do land use jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for land use in Portland, OR is $87,777.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,424.00 and $102,867.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a land use professional?

Land use professionals are experts who specialize in planning, managing, and regulating how land is developed and used within communities. They work with various stakeholders, including government agencies, developers, and the public, to ensure that land development aligns with environmental, economic, and legal considerations. Their work involves zoning, urban planning, environmental assessment, and advising on policies that promote sustainable and efficient land usage.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in land use planning, and how are they addressed within a team environment?

Land use professionals often navigate complex challenges such as balancing development goals with environmental regulations, addressing community concerns, and coordinating input from multiple stakeholders. These challenges are typically addressed through collaborative teamwork, where planners, engineers, legal experts, and public officials work together to find practical, sustainable solutions. Open communication, regular meetings, and stakeholder engagement are crucial for resolving conflicts and ensuring that land use plans are both feasible and aligned with community needs.

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 strong background in urban planning, geography, or environmental science, typically supported by a relevant degree and sometimes AICP certification. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), zoning regulations, and land management software is crucial. Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical thinking are standout soft skills for collaborating with stakeholders and addressing community needs. These skills ensure that land development projects are sustainable, legally compliant, and serve the best interests of both the environment and the community.

What is the difference between Land Use vs Land Planning?

AspectLand UseLand Planning
Required credentialsTypically requires degrees in urban planning, geography, or related fields; certifications varySimilar credentials; often includes certifications in planning or environmental management
Work environmentFieldwork, site analysis, policy developmentDesigning plans, policy formulation, community engagement
Employer and industry usageGovernment agencies, urban development firms, environmental organizationsMunicipalities, planning consultancies, government departments
Common search and comparison intentUnderstanding roles in land management and developmentPlanning and designing land use strategies

Land Use focuses on the practical application of managing how land is utilized, including zoning and policy enforcement. Land Planning involves designing and developing comprehensive plans for land development, often incorporating community needs and environmental considerations. Both roles overlap but differ in scope and focus, with Land Use emphasizing regulation and management, and Land Planning emphasizing strategic design and development.

Land Use jobs near you
Infographic showing various Land Use job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,777 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Land Use Planner

AKS Engineering & Forestry, LLC

Tualatin, OR

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

We're hiring! We're looking for a Senior Land Use Planner to join our Planning team in our Tualatin, Oregon office. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and love the challenges that come with this type of consulting work, this is an outstanding opportunity to work side by side with a well-respected and talented multi-disciplinary team of professionals in a dynamic organization. 

What You'll Do
  • Research: Perform timely and accurate property, zoning, and utility research to ensure compliance with municipal land use regulations. 
  • Application Preparation: Prepare, organize, and submit required materials for land use applications, including subdivisions, zone changes, conditional use permits, and site plan reviews. 
  • Analysis: Analyze and break down complex issues affecting property, transportation networks, utility infrastructure, etc., to respond to client inquiries and assess the feasibility of property development. 
  • Collaboration: Coordinate effectively with in-house engineering, surveying, and landscape architectural co-workers, permitting agency staff, and other project team members. 
  • Proposal Development: Develop clearly written and detailed scopes of work for proposals. 
  • Client Interaction: Coordinate with clients on project data and scheduling. 
  • Meeting Organization: Set up, organize, and attend neighborhood meetings. 
  • Project Management: Create, organize, and maintain project schedules, define critical paths, and track milestone dates. 
  • Relationship Building: Develop and maintain effective positive working relationships with co-workers, clients, permitting agency staff, and other project team members. 
  • Travel: Able to travel out of town as necessary, occasionally overnight. 
Who You Are
  • Extensive experience performing land use planning/land development-related activities. 
  • A bachelor's degree in planning, landscape architecture, geography, or related field or equivalent work experience. 
  • Experience interpreting and applying City and County Comprehensive Plans and Development Codes. Knowledge of Oregon's Statewide Planning System.  
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Proficient with word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, and scheduling software (Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, Adobe, etc.). Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Ability to work independently while providing support to Senior Land Use Planners or Project Managers with minimal supervision. 
  • Ability to manage multiple and conflicting deadlines and prioritize workload. Able to think critically and provide creative and realistic solutions. 
  • You have a "Do what needs to be done" mindset, taking ownership beyond assigned tasks and stepping in wherever needed to keep projects, teams, and customers supported and running smoothly.
Nice to Have
  • Proficiency in the use of AutoCAD/Civil 3D, Photoshop, and geographic information systems (GIS). 

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