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Senior Urban Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stratus Team LLC

Senior Urban Planner

Miami, FL · On-site

The Role The Senior Urban Planner I leads major components of long-range planning, zoning, mobility planning, and policy development projects. This role is responsible for managing analytical ...

Ulteig

Senior Urban Planner

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The Opportunity Ulteig is seeking a motivated Senior Urban Planner to join our Water & Environment group. This role is responsible for leading and supporting signature projects contributing to city ...

Ulteig

Senior Urban Planner

Los Angeles, CA

The Opportunity Ulteig is seeking a motivated Senior Urban Planner to join our Water & Environment group. This role is responsible for leading and supporting signature projects contributing to city ...

Ulteig

Senior Urban Planner

Los Angeles, CA

The Opportunity Ulteig is seeking a motivated Senior Urban Planner to join our Water & Environment group. This role is responsible for leading and supporting signature projects contributing to city ...

ZGF Architects

Urban Designer 4

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

... Senior Urban Designer / Department Head. * Present solutions in-house and externally; serve as ... Demonstrate knowledge of building, planning and zoning codes, design guidelines and standards as ...

New York City Council

Senior Urban Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

The New York City Council, an equal opportunity employer, is seeking a Senior Urban Designer to ... The Planning and Land Use Division is comprised of city planners, attorneys, and administrative ...

Perkins & Will

Senior Urban Designer

Boston, MA

$110K - $118K/yr

As a Senior Urban Designer , you will be responsible for leading all phases of the design process ... Collaborate with client and/or public to create strategic planning options. * Strategize, outline ...

Perkins and Will

Senior Urban Designer

Boston, MA · On-site

$110K - $118K/yr

As a Senior Urban Designer , you will be responsible for leading all phases of the design process ... Collaborate with client and/or public to create strategic planning options. * Strategize, outline ...

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Senior Urban Planner information

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$50K

$89.7K

$124.5K

How much do senior urban planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior urban planner in the United States is $89,714.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do top senior urban planners make?

Top senior urban planners typically earn between $90,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Those with advanced certifications or working in high-cost areas may earn higher salaries, often exceeding $140,000.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior urban planner?

To thrive as a Senior Urban Planner, you need in-depth knowledge of urban design, zoning regulations, and land use planning, typically supported by a relevant degree and several years of professional experience. Familiarity with GIS software, CAD programs, and planning-related certifications such as AICP are highly valuable. Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are crucial for developing effective urban strategies, fostering community collaboration, and ensuring sustainable city growth.

How does a senior urban planner typically collaborate with other departments and stakeholders during a project?

Senior Urban Planners play a central role in coordinating across various departments such as transportation, environmental services, and housing. They regularly lead meetings with engineers, architects, government officials, and community groups to ensure all perspectives are integrated into planning proposals. Effective communication and consensus-building are essential, as Senior Urban Planners often mediate between diverse interests to develop workable solutions. This collaboration is key to creating sustainable and community-oriented urban designs.

What does a senior urban planner do?

A Senior Urban Planner is responsible for developing and overseeing plans and programs for land use in urban areas. They analyze data, consult with stakeholders, and create strategies to promote sustainable growth, manage resources, and improve the quality of life in communities. Senior Urban Planners often lead teams, coordinate with government agencies, and ensure that development projects comply with zoning laws and environmental regulations. Their work helps shape the physical and social infrastructure of cities and towns.

Are senior urban planners in high demand?

Senior urban planners are in high demand due to increasing urban development, infrastructure projects, and sustainable planning initiatives. They often require strong skills in GIS, environmental analysis, and project management, with employment prospects generally favorable in government agencies, consulting firms, and private sectors.

What is the difference between Senior Urban Planner vs Urban Planner?

AspectSenior Urban PlannerUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, 5+ years experience, professional certification (e.g., AICP)Bachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning or related field, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLead projects, oversee teams, coordinate with stakeholdersAssist in planning projects, research, data analysis, and drafting plans
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, consulting firms, government agenciesLocal governments, private planning firms, non-profits

Senior Urban Planners typically have more experience, leadership responsibilities, and advanced credentials compared to Urban Planners. They often oversee projects and teams, while Urban Planners focus on research and supporting planning efforts. Both roles are essential in urban development but differ mainly in scope and seniority.

More about Senior Urban Planner jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Urban Planner jobs? Cities with the most Senior Urban Planner job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Urban Planner jobs? The most popular types of Urban Planner jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Urban Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Urban Planner jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Urban Planner jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Urban Planner jobs are:
Senior Urban Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Urban Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,714 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Senior Urban Planner

Stratus Team LLC

Miami, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About Stratus

Stratus® is an integrated, multi-disciplinary engineering, architecture, interior design, and consulting firm. Consistently ranking among the Top 500 Design Firms in Engineering News-Record, the firm offers a deep bench of industry experts through a highly collaborative approach, delivering innovative solutions across the full project lifecycle. Operating coast to coast, Stratus® serves clients nationwide while maintaining a strategic commitment to supporting high-growth economies and building vibrant communities that foster the professional growth of its team. Serving public- and private-sector clients, the firm is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality service wherever projects take shape. Across the Civic, Commercial, Industrial, Transportation, Education, Water Resources, and Government sectors, we bring precision, insight, and purpose to every project, from targeted renovations to large-scale infrastructure. Stratus® designs spaces, systems, and solutions that perform, endure, and make an impact, delivering on our promise of Better Plans. Better Places.


The Role

The Senior Urban Planner I leads major components of long-range planning, zoning, mobility planning, and policy development projects. This role is responsible for managing analytical workstreams, coordinating multidisciplinary inputs, developing planning recommendations, and producing high-quality deliverables that guide client decision-making. The Senior Urban Planner I frequently interfaces with client teams, community stakeholders, and public agencies, contributing to outreach activities, facilitating discussions, and presenting findings. This role supports project management functions, mentors junior staff, and ensures technical accuracy, regulatory alignment, and strategic clarity across all planning outputs.


Responsibilities

  • Lead significant portions of planning projects, including comprehensive plans, small-area plans, policy frameworks, zoning assessments, and multimodal studies
  • Conduct and oversee complex zoning and land-use analyses, including code interpretation, scenario testing, and policy implications
  • Develop planning recommendations, synthesizing spatial analysis, regulatory frameworks, demographic trends, and client goals
  • Prepare key sections of major planning documents, including goals, strategies, implementation steps, and supporting narrative content
  • Conduct advanced GIS spatial analyses, including forecasting, suitability modeling, redevelopment potential, and land-use capacity
  • Facilitate client and stakeholder meetings, presenting findings, collecting input, and revising recommendations to reflect priorities and constraints
  • Lead components of community engagement, including workshops, charrettes, open houses, and public presentations
  • Evaluate development proposals for zoning compliance, infrastructure implications, transportation impacts, and policy alignment
  • Coordinate with interdisciplinary teams, including engineering, architecture, urban design, environmental, and economic specialists
  • Monitor and support project schedules, assisting project managers by tracking deliverables, level-of-effort, and task progress
  • Mentor Urban Planner I–III staff, providing oversight, feedback, and training on research, GIS, analyses, and report development
  • Ensure accuracy and quality control of planning analyses, maps, graphics, and written deliverables

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Geography, Environmental Studies, or related field
  • Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible planning experience
  • Demonstrated experience managing key components of large-scale planning projects
  • Strong portfolio or work samples demonstrating advanced planning analysis, writing, and map production

Preferred

  • Master’s degree in Planning or related discipline
  • AICP certification (or progress toward certification)
  • Experience presenting to public audiences, elected officials, or regulatory bodies
  • Familiarity with economic analysis tools, transportation modeling, or environmental review processes

Why you’ll love Stratus

  • A team-oriented environment that values transparency, creativity, and shared success
  • Meaningful career paths, leadership opportunities, and space to specialize
  • Learning & Development – Education and Professional Licensing
  • We believe flexible, hybrid work supports the balance and well-being our team deserves
  • Excellent Health Care Programs – Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Company-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Life Insurance options for employees, spouses, and dependents
  • 401k Retirement Plan with employer match
  • Paid Holidays & Competitive PTO plans

Interested in learning more about Stratus, please visit https://www.stratusteam.com/.


Equal Opportunity Statement

Stratus is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Stratus Team’s management Team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.