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Park Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Arkansas

PARK SUPERINTENDENT IV

Morrilton, AR · On-site

$76K - $112K/yr

Direct budget planning, fiscal management, and revenue generation strategies to ensure financial sustainability.Supervise facility managers, park interpreters, park rangers, naturalists, maintenance ...

City of Snohomish, WA

Associate Planner

Snohomish, WA · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

Prepare draft staff reports for long-range plans, land use actions, historical preservation, park planning, and development proposals and present to the Boards and Commissions, and Hearing Examiner ...

City of Snohomish

Associate Planner

Snohomish, WA · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

Prepare draft staff reports for long-range plans, land use actions, historical preservation, park planning, and development proposals and present to the Boards and Commissions, and Hearing Examiner ...

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All JobsPark Planning Jobs

Park Planning information

See salary details

$19.5K

$67.1K

$98.5K

How much do park planning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for park planning in the United States is $67,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $80,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is park planning?

Park planning is the process of designing, organizing, and managing public parks and recreational spaces to meet the needs of communities. This involves considering environmental, social, and economic factors to create spaces that are accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable for everyone. Park planners work with local governments, architects, and the public to develop plans that balance recreation, conservation, and community interests. Their work ensures that parks are safe, attractive, and provide a variety of activities for all ages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in park planning, and why are they important?

To thrive in Park Planning, you need knowledge of landscape architecture, urban planning, and environmental science, typically supported by a relevant degree and sometimes professional licensure (e.g., PLA, AICP). Familiarity with GIS software, CAD programs, and project management tools is often required for designing and evaluating park spaces. Strong communication, collaboration, and community engagement skills help you work effectively with stakeholders and the public. These capabilities ensure that parks are thoughtfully designed, sustainable, and meet diverse community needs.

What are some common challenges faced in a park planning role, and how can they be addressed?

One of the most common challenges in park planning is balancing the diverse needs of the community with environmental sustainability and budget constraints. Planners must often engage in extensive public outreach to gather input and foster consensus among stakeholders, which can be time-consuming and complex. Additionally, coordinating with various government agencies and managing multiple projects simultaneously requires strong organizational and communication skills. Addressing these challenges involves proactive stakeholder engagement, transparent decision-making processes, and staying updated on best practices in sustainable design.

What is the difference between Park Planning vs Landscape Architecture?

AspectPark PlanningLandscape Architecture
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Landscape Architecture or Environmental Design
Work EnvironmentPublic parks, urban spaces, government agenciesPrivate firms, government agencies, environmental consulting
Industry UsageFocuses on designing and planning public parks and recreational spacesBroader scope including gardens, campuses, and environmental restoration

While both roles involve designing outdoor spaces, Park Planning primarily concentrates on creating and managing public parks and recreational areas, often within urban planning contexts. Landscape Architecture encompasses a wider range of projects, including private gardens, commercial landscapes, and environmental restoration, with a focus on aesthetic, functional, and ecological considerations.

How to get into park planning?

To pursue a career in park planning, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, urban planning, environmental science, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, developing skills in GIS and design software, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects in this field.
More about Park Planning jobs

What cities are hiring for Park Planning jobs?

Cities with the most Park Planning job openings:

What states have the most Park Planning jobs?

States with the most job openings for Park Planning jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Park Planning jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Park Planning jobs are:

Park Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Park Planning job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,056 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Mid- to Senior-level Interpretive Planner/Designer

PlaceWorks

Berkeley, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Mid- to Senior-level Interpretive Planner/Designer
Location
Berkeley, CA - US (Primary)
Sacramento, CA - US
Category
Open Space & Resource Planning, Park Planning
Job Type
Full-time Exempt
Career Level
Mid Level
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Travel
Job Description
Job Description:
PlaceWorks has an immediate need for a mid-to senior-level interpretive planner/designer to join our team. We are looking for an individual with 6 - 8 years of professional experience in project management, interpretive planning and exhibit design who is creative, outgoing, self-starting, and passionate about helping shape and improve communities through their work. In addition, this planner/designer must have a strong interest in parks and open space, and engaging underserved communities in the development in the interpretation of California's natural and cultural history.
Working in a collaborative and casual work environment under the guidance of skilled senior staff, this team member will help lead PlaceWorks' Landscape and Park Planning teams currently working with local and State agencies, and particularly, California State Parks, as well as with community organizations and non-profit partners, to manage projects involving interpretive planning and design. We have a current need for this planner/designer to assist with the following:
  • Help lead projects coordinating interpretive planning, design and fabrication for interpretive media, including but not limited to interpretive media related to California Native American heritage and culture.
  • Help lead projects requiring research, evaluation of interpretive materials, and development of interpretive guidelines and standards.
  • Support several projects with California State Parks that will engage California communities, including communities of color, tribes, underserved communities, and others regarding park and open space access. Current projects include an emphasis in increasing and improving arts, culture and interpretation in parks, and more accurately and comprehensively addressing African American and tribal history and culture in park programs and exhibits.
  • Assist with the planning, design and development of interpretive master plans for parks and public spaces, as well as the public outreach and engagement related to these projects.

This position is ideally based in our Berkeley office or Sacramento office. However, remote work may be considered for qualified candidates who reside more than one hour from either office location. Remote employees must be located within California to support team collaboration. We are open to this position being part-time or full-time, depending on the range of skills a candidate possesses.
You're most likely a fit if:
  • You love planning for the future of communities and making a difference with your work.
  • You have strong writing and communication skills.
  • You are creative, self-starting, outgoing, collaborative, a good listener, and passionate about your work.
  • You can work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment with team members across the state.
  • You have a diverse portfolio of completed projects, including exhibits and/or interpretive panels and interpretive planning documents (such as Interpretation Master Plans).
  • You have strong writing skills as well as verbal communication and interpersonal skills, and solid client communication abilities.
  • You're comfortable with public speaking and presenting-you'll be expected to represent PlaceWorks at community meetings and interviews.
  • You're able to attend and travel to client meetings and community workshops which may occasionally occur on weekday nights and weekends.
  • You have experience managing complex projects, including schedules, budgets, client coordination, subconsultant coordination, and staff delegation.
  • You have strong leadership and management abilities to grow, mentor, and lead staff members. You can cultivate a culture in which all staff feel respect, trust, and safety, and are empowered to be their authentic selves.
  • You have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Suite, and PowerPoint).
  • You have a reliable means of transportation to and from work, and to perform site visits and attend meetings when needed.

In addition to the above, you'll stand out even more if:
  • You are a NAI certified interpretive Planner.
  • You have experience working in parks and open spaces, such as National Parks, State Parks, and/or regional parks and/or preserves.
  • You have experience working with California Native American tribes.
  • You have a strong interest in California natural and cultural history.
  • You have experience in park and open space planning and/or design.
  • You have confident and fluid freehand drawing and graphic skills.
  • You are a registered California landscape architect, or have NAI certification.

We work in a wide array of communities throughout California, and we encourage candidates from non-traditional backgrounds to apply.
The pay range for this position is $85,000 - $140,000 per year, dependent upon experience and other relevant factors.
Application Instructions:
When applying, attach your cover letter, resume, and a writing sample or design portfolio as three (3) separate PDF attachments. Each attachment must be under 500KB. Alternatively, include a link to your writing sample/design portfolio if it exceeds 500KB. In your cover letter, please specify which office location you are interested in.
Job Requirements
(see above job description)
We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.

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