ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Land Use Jobs (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 ...

Direct Counsel

Land Use Associate Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$225K - $250K/yr

Land Use Associate Attorney Century City (Los Angeles), CA Direct Counsel is seeking a Land Use Associate to join a premier California-based law firm with a highly regarded land use, environmental ...

SLR Search

Land Use Associate Attorney

Minneapolis, MN · Hybrid

$150K - $200K/yr

Hybrid Land Use Associate Attorney Benefits: - Starting salary in the $150K-$200K range - Paid Parental Leave - Life Insurance - Critical Illness and Group Accident Coverage - CLE and Bar Dues ...

Direct Counsel

Land Use Associate Attorney

Miami, FL · Hybrid

Mid-Level Land Use Associate Attorney (3-5 Years) Location: Miami, FL Direct Counsel is seeking a Mid-Level Land Use Associate to join a well-established, full-service law firm with a strong and ...

Cybercoders

Environmental/Land Use Attorney

Sacramento, CA · Hybrid

$165K - $210K/yr

Environmental/Land Use Attorney Established 100+ Years Premier Firm Seeking Environmental and Land Use Attorney for Environmental and Land Use Law in Sacramento, California An established firm based ...

SLR Search

Hybrid Land Use Associate

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$225K - $265K/yr

Hybrid Land Use Associate Benefits: - Salary Targeting $225K-$265K - Bonus Potential - Retirement Plan - Employee Assistance Program - Flexible Spending Account - Life/AD&D Insurance - Medical ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLand Use Jobs

Land Use information

See salary details

$26.5K

$87.9K

$158.5K

How much do land use jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for land use in the United States is $87,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying conservation job?

The highest paying conservation jobs are often senior roles such as Conservation Directors or Chief Conservation Officers, which can earn six-figure salaries. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills, often working for government agencies, large NGOs, or private conservation firms.

How to become a land use planner?

To become a land use planner, typically a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's degree for advanced positions. Gaining experience through internships and obtaining certification, such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), can improve job prospects. Strong skills in GIS software, zoning laws, and environmental regulations are also important in this field.

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.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In land use or related fields, high-paying roles such as real estate developers, project managers, or consulting specialists can earn around $4,000 weekly, often requiring experience, strong negotiation skills, and industry knowledge rather than formal degrees. These roles typically involve managing large projects, property negotiations, or advising on land use planning, and may require certifications or specialized training.

What are land use professionals?

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 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.

How do you get into land acquisition?

To pursue a career in land acquisition, individuals typically need a background in real estate, urban planning, or related fields, along with strong negotiation and research skills. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in real estate firms or government agencies can be helpful, and obtaining relevant certifications or licenses may be required depending on the region.

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.
More about Land Use jobs
What cities are hiring for Land Use jobs? Cities with the most Land Use job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Land Use jobs? The most popular types of Land Use jobs are:
What states have the most Land Use jobs? States with the most job openings for Land Use jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Land Use jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Land Use jobs are:
Land Use jobs near you
Infographic showing various Land Use job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,890 per year, or $42.3 per hour.
Contract Land Use Planner

Contract Land Use Planner

Harvest Technical Services, Inc.

San Francisco, CA • Hybrid

$65 - $75/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Hybrid


Job Overview:

  • The Contract Land Use Planner is a temporary professional position that resides in the Planning and Compliance Department. The Contract Planner will support the Planning Manager in the update of the 23-year old Management Plan. The new management plan will provide the Agency guidance for operations, business and visitorship management strategies, land and building uses, natural landscape restoration, and infrastructure investments for the next 20 years.
  • The Contract Land Use Planner will receive a wide variety of assignments relating to the update, which will require interface with staff across all Agency divisions. Assignments will typically require research, data analysis, written and verbal communication, project team coordination, and administrative tasks in support of the planning process.


Responsibilities May Include:

  • Develop, update policies and implementation strategies Agency-wide with regard to land use, transportation, resource management, and the public realm.
  • Manage consultant teams to prepare technical studies in financing, operations, facilities planning, land use, transportation, and resource management.
  • Manage the Working Group consisting of agency leadership and subject matter experts to identify and introduce proactive planning, design, and implementation measures that will further the Agency’s goals in sustainability, financial and operational excellence, and visitorship.
  • Participate on intra-agency technology and database management teams to improve coordination and integration of data to better inform project planning.
  • Track, collect, analyze, and present Planning & Compliance department metrics, against Agency key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Develop and manage implementation of a sustainability program to further Agency sustainability goals such as resiliency, waste reduction, water use reduction, and renewable energy, in coordination with the Sustainability Planner.
  • Assist with the annual planning process for Planning & Compliance department operations and projects.
  • Manage the Agency’s long-term Capital and Renewal Project List. This includes but not limited to updating prioritization criteria and project scopes, schedules and costs. 
  • Assist with the maintenance and implementation of the Agency’s long-term transportation project list.  
  • Prepare and present memorandums and PowerPoint presentations for the Leadership Team, Executive Team, and other audiences.
  • Organize, establish, and document Planning & Compliance department procedures.
  • Other duties as assigned. 


Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in planning, or related field AND seven (7) years of experience with the planning, design, and construction of architecture, utilities, and/or transportation projects, preferably involving historic properties. A masters’ degree in planning may substitute for two years of the experience requirement.
  • Three to four years of direct experience with urban or park planning.
  • Three to four years of direct experience in long-range planning, policy and program development, including development of city general plans, campus master plans, Specific Plans, area plans, facility master plans, and the like.
  • Knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of design, engineering, and project management as applied to architecture, planning, design, permitting, construction, inspection, operation, and maintenance. 
  • Knowledge of budgeting procedures and techniques.
  • Knowledge of NEPA/CEQA, environmental laws, codes and regulations.
  • Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), software, and applications.
  • Knowledge of urban design principles and the ability to develop and apply design guidelines to agency and tenant projects.
  • Knowledge of sustainability practices and principles, including zero waste, biodiversity, native and drought tolerant landscapes, biological stormwater treatments, green energy, energy efficient design, and transportation.
  • Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally, and skill in making presentations in connection with assigned projects.
  • Ability to schedule, plan, and effectively lead meetings.
  • Ability to read and interpret maps, plans, and drawings, and to maintain detailed files and records. 
  • Ability to develop for agency adoption and apply to agency and tenant projects rules and regulations, policies and procedures, and applicable reference codes, guidelines and standards.
  • Proficient with general office computer programs, administrative functions, maintenance of project records. 
  • Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects effectively and meet firm deadlines.
  • Ability to manage consultants and their contracted budgets and scopes of work.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to help develop good working relationships at various levels.
  • Strong writing and reading comprehension necessary to prepare project descriptions and document correspondence around project details.
  • Possession of a valid California Driver's License.


Desired Qualifications:

  • Innovative, detail-oriented, and experienced in highly visible/controversial projects.
  • Strong analytical skills to interpret research data for reports and apply mathematic techniques in practical situations.
  • Reading comprehension to understand technical and legal materials.
  • Ability to provide effective supervision and staff management.
  • Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines.
  • Attends evening and weekend meetings when required.
  • AICP Certification.
  • LEED Certification.


The hiring range for this position is $65.00 to $75.00 per hour. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity, and may also vary depending on candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience amongst other factors.


Harvest Technical Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.