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Policy Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Interwest Consulting Group

Senior Planner

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$85 - $130/hr

Advance/policy planning, state and federal permitting procedures and compliance with CEQA and NEPA may all be required. * Experience working for a city or county planning agency in California (as ...

Interwest Consulting Group

Senior Planner

Downey, CA · On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

Advance/policy planning, state and federal permitting procedures and compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) may all be required.

Interwest Consulting Group

Senior Planner

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

Advance/policy planning, state and federal permitting procedures and compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) may all be required.

Interwest Consulting Group

Senior Planner

Poway, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Advance/policy planning, state and federal permitting procedures and compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) may all be required.

Jobtailor

Senior Urban Planner

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Manage policy planning projects and programs within Planning departments, under the general direction of the Principal Planner, Senior Principal Planner, and/or Director. * Comprehensive experience ...

New

Interwest Group

Senior Planner

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

Advance/policy planning, state and federal permitting procedures and compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) may all be required.

Interwest Group

Senior Planner

Poway, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Advance/policy planning, state and federal permitting procedures and compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) may all be required.

The Kennedy Commission

Policy Analyst

Irvine, CA · On-site

$30K/yr

The Kennedy Commission is seeking a full-time Policy Analyst. A qualified candidate will be an ... use and planning, among others. Our work will help mitigate community inequities and disparate ...

Interwest Group

Senior Planner

Downey, CA · On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

Advance/policy planning, state and federal permitting procedures and compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) may all be required.

The Kennedy Commission

Policy Analyst

Irvine, CA · On-site

$30K/yr

The Kennedy Commission is seeking a full-time Policy Analyst. A qualified candidate will be an ... use and planning, among others. Our work will help mitigate community inequities and disparate ...

Interwest Consulting Group

Senior Planner

Poway, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Advance/policy planning, state and federal permitting procedures and compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) may all be required.

Interwest Group

Principal Planner

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Direction of planning studies and long-range/policy planning initiatives * Advisory support to local agency planning departments * Navigation of state and federal permitting processes * Ensuring ...

ITT CANNON LLC

Sr. Operations Planner

Valencia, CA · On-site

Maintain and continuously improve planning-related master data including lead times, order policies, planning BOMs, routings, yield, and scrap assumptions. * Collaborate with Master Schedulers to ...

AURRERA HEALTH GROUP LLC

Policy Consultant

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Strategic Planning and Change Management * Technical Assistance * Health Care Data Analysis What You'll Do * Support client projects through health policy research, analysis, and written deliverables.

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Policy Planner information

What is a policy planner?

Policy Planners are professionals who research, develop, and evaluate policies and programs for organizations or government agencies. They analyze data, consult with stakeholders, and recommend strategies to address social, economic, or environmental issues. Policy Planners often prepare reports, advise decision-makers, and help ensure that policies align with organizational goals and public needs. Their work plays a key role in shaping effective and sustainable solutions for communities and institutions.

What are some common challenges policy planners face when building consensus among stakeholders?

Policy Planners often encounter the challenge of balancing diverse and sometimes conflicting interests among stakeholders, such as government agencies, community groups, and private organizations. Achieving consensus requires strong communication and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to present data-driven analyses that address varying concerns. Policy Planners must be adept at facilitating meetings, managing expectations, and finding creative compromises to develop effective and widely supported policies. Building trust and maintaining transparency throughout the planning process are also critical for overcoming resistance and ensuring successful policy adoption.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a policy planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Policy Planner, you need a solid background in urban planning, public policy, or a related field, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data analysis tools, and planning regulations is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and stakeholder engagement skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are crucial for developing informed, sustainable policies that address community needs and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Policy Planner vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolicy PlannerPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, think tanks, NGOsGovernment agencies, research organizations, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in planning and development of policies at strategic levelsUsed in analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting policies and data

Policy Planners focus on developing and designing policies, while Policy Analysts evaluate and interpret existing policies. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and work in related environments, but their core functions differ: planning versus analysis.

What are popular job titles related to Policy Planner jobs in California?

For Policy Planner jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Policy Planner jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Policy Planner jobs in California are:

Policy Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Planner job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Planner

Interwest Consulting Group

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$85 - $130/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Senior Planner

Interwest Consulting Group was founded in 2002 and has become a leader in providing municipal services to cities and counties throughout the Western United States. We currently have over 400 employees specializing in public works, building and safety, planning, engineering, and real estate acquisition.

Job Requirements
  • Updating zoning code and development standards
  • Assisting with or completing planning studies
  • Overseeing CEQA review of projects, possibly including preparing IS/MND’s
  • Generally supporting local agency planning departments
  • Advance/policy planning, state and federal permitting procedures and compliance with CEQA and NEPA may all be required.
  • Experience working for a city or county planning agency in California (as staff or consultant) with experience processing moderately complex to complex development applications is required.
Skills
  • Can work independently and have strong customer service skills.
  • Have excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and projects
  • Are creative problem‑solvers
  • Can work on several projects or issues simultaneously
  • The ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines
Education/Experience
  • Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in planning, landscape architecture, public administration, geography, architecture, civil engineering, environmental sciences, or a closely related field and 7+ years’ experience with substantial work in California planning agencies.
Compensation

Salary Range: $85,000 - $130,000

Benefits

Benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid holidays, paid time off, matching 401K plan, wellness programs, and more. Interwest is committed to career progression through paid training and step increases for additional certifications and licenses.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SAFEbuilt is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor.

Accommodation Statement

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at jobs@safebuilt.com or call 970-292-2000.

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