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Senior Urban Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Planner III

Ontario, CA ยท On-site

$45/hr

... urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK ... This senior-level planning role requires extensive technical knowledge, project leadership, and ...

Planner III

Ontario, CA ยท On-site

... urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK ... This senior-level planning role requires extensive technical knowledge, project leadership, and ...

Planning - Urban Designer

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$90 - $130/hr

... of Senior Urban Designer. Initiates urban design concepts. Supports team design content creation ... Initiates urban design concepts based on knowledge of site planning strategies (including land use ...

New

Senior Planner

Albany, NY ยท On-site

$90 - $110/hr

Senior Planner Department: Community Planning Employment Type: Full Time Location: Albany, NY ... Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in urban planning and land use policies to ...

Senior Planner

Colonie, NY ยท On-site

$90 - $110/hr

Senior Planner Department: Community Planning Employment Type: Full Time Location: Albany, NY ... Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in urban planning and land use policies to ...

Urban Designer 4

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$86 - $100/hr

Contribute to new and ongoing planning and interdisciplinary projects focused on resilience ... the Senior Urban Designer. * Prepare graphics, narratives, and presentations that clearly ...

Urban Designer 4

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$118K - $122K/yr

Contribute to new and ongoing planning and interdisciplinary projects focused on resilience ... the Senior Urban Designer. * Prepare graphics, narratives, and presentations that clearly ...

Urban Designer 4

Boston, MA ยท On-site +1

$118K - $122K/yr

Contribute to new and ongoing planning and interdisciplinary projects focused on resilience ... the Senior Urban Designer. * Prepare graphics, narratives, and presentations that clearly ...

Senior Planner

Arlington, WA ยท On-site

$96K - $138K/yr

The Senior Planner leads or is significantly involved with larger, more complex planning ... Requires comprehensive knowledge of urban planning, land use regulation,environmental issues, and ...

Senior Planner

Vail, CO ยท On-site

$82 - $123/hr

Join Us as a Senior Planner! The Town of Vail is seeking a dedicated and talented individual to ... Bachelor's Degree in Land Use/Urban Planning, City Planning, Urban Design, or a closely related ...

Planner II & Planner Senior

Gilbert, AZ ยท On-site +1

$72K - $121K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Land Use Planning, Geography, Public ... Pay Range for a Senior Planner is $81,173.00 to $121,760.00 These positions are currently eligible ...

Senior Planner

Arlington, WA ยท On-site

$96K - $138K/yr

The Senior Planner leads or is significantly involved with larger, more complex planning ... Requires comprehensive knowledge of urban planning, land use regulation,environmental issues, and ...

Senior Planner

Vail, CO ยท On-site

$86K - $130K/yr

Position Overview Senior Planner - Town of Vail, Colorado Deadline for the first review of ... Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Land Use Planning, Urban Design, or a closely related field

Senior Planner

Fountain, CO ยท On-site

$74K - $99K/yr

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Urban Planner information

See salary details

$50K

$89.7K

$124.5K

How much do senior urban planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 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.

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.

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 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.

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, and employment prospects are generally favorable in government agencies, consulting firms, and private sectors.

What is a senior urban planner?

A senior urban planner is a professional responsible for developing and managing urban development projects, land use plans, and community designs. They often lead teams, analyze data, and use planning tools like GIS, requiring experience and often advanced certifications in urban planning or related fields.
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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:

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, 80% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% 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.

$45/hr

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

About Us
HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support services and permitting facilitation. Since our founding in 1998, we have earned a reputation for delivering outstanding, accurate services in extremely time-sensitive, multilayered environments. That "industry-recognized" performance has propelled our expansion and the ability to provide engineering services in all 50 states. With 25 offices nationwide, including concentrations in the Midwest and on the Coasts, HBK brings together a dedicated team whose main focus is the design and protection of utilities and utility networks. We have successfully performed engineering work for a complete spectrum of utility infrastructure projects providing solutions and construction support from Coast to Coast in areas ranging from complex urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK Engineering was acquired by Quanta Services. Quanta Services provides infrastructure services for electric power, pipeline, and communications industries and employees over 50,000 people. Quanta's focus on the utility industry and HBK's focus on constructability in our designs has made our integration into the Quanta family of companies seamless.
About this Role
HBK Engineering is seeking a talented and experienced individual to join our Design Team in Ontario, CA. This senior-level planning role requires extensive technical knowledge, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration. The role encompasses the end-to-end management of highly complex overhead and underground distribution infrastructure projects and their involvement with transmission, distribution, substation, telecommunication, and generation facilities. It requires a firm understanding of Distribution Design concepts, project types, and requirements for coordination with permitting, environmental, customer relations, governmental bodies, and various external organizations.
The individual shall have the knowledge depth and experience level considered a subject matter expert. The individual is expected to provide the quality oversight of deliverables in addition to the training, coaching and mentoring of planning team members. Planner 3's are an integral part of the leadership team and help to ensure the planning staff stay at the forefront of the market. Location: Ontario, CA
What You'll Do
Project Management & Leadership
  • Manage and serve as the project leader for assignments in specialized or unique areas where the scope of work, construction methods, and technical methods are particularly complex, critical, or sensitive.
  • Develop recommendations, plans, and corrective actions related to operational trends and conditions. Influence and anticipate operational needs.
  • Provide high-level inputs, reviews, and guidance as a senior staff expert, having high influence on final decisions that carry major operational and financial impact on the Company.
  • Officially provide project reviews and execute rigorous Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) checks on Distribution Design projects or equivalent scopes of work.
  • Act as a primary interface with Engineering, internal organizations, external organizations, and major governmental/regulatory agencies.
  • Lead job/site walks and detailed scope reviews, ensuring accuracy and adherence to standards.

Technical Design & Execution
  • Deliver comprehensive design and engineering services on multiple concurrent projects, ranging from single units to large complex infrastructure, with strict adherence to industry standards, regulations, and deadlines.
  • Apply in-depth design and construction knowledge for Lighting, Underground (UG), and Overhead (OH) Utility systems.
  • Provide high-level technical expertise and guidance in the identification, analysis, and resolution of the most complex design issues utilizing published construction standards and regulations.
  • Prepare thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation, calculations, drawings, and sketches.
  • Execute effective planning, organizing, scheduling, and monitoring of all work activities.

Mentorship & Team Development
  • Provide leadership, direction, specific training, and continuous mentoring to staff. Act as a supervisor in their absence, when necessary.
  • Coach new team members, proactively sharing knowledge and facilitating professional growth in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrate the ability to lead teams, manage conflicts, and drive projects to successful completion within specified timelines and budgets.
  • Commit to continuous improvement of job-related, technical, and professional knowledge, skills, and performance.

What You'll Bring
  • A minimum of 8 years of experience as a planner, with a significant portfolio of successfully executed large-scope projects. (Related education, training, and certifications may be considered in lieu of specific experience.)
  • Prior experience as a P2 (Planner Level 2).
  • Five or more years of foundational experience in Electrical Utility Distribution Design, Transmission Design, or Distribution Line construction.
  • Bachelor's degree in a specialized or related field, or an equivalent amount of education, training, and work experience.
Demonstrated Technical Skills & Knowledge (SME Level)
  • Advanced knowledge of electrical engineering principles, utility construction standards, and industry best practices.
  • Thorough understanding (at a Subject Matter Expert level) of relevant design software, including AUD, DM, and SAP. Proven AutoCAD and/or Microstation skills are preferred.
  • Thorough understanding (at a Subject Matter Expert level) of relevant pole loading software, including SPIDA 7, SPIDA Calc, O-Calc, or equivalent. Demonstrated experience utilizing these tools for overhead design and engineering principles.
  • Experience working with current utility industry Geographical Information Systems (GIS), planning database systems, and material ordering systems (WMIS experience is a HUGE PLUS).
  • Firm understanding and efficient navigation of all company manuals, applications, processes, and workflows.
  • Strong understanding of the client's unit Statement Of Work (SOW).
Core Competencies & Communication
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and impactfully, both internally and with the client.
  • Ability to demonstrate effective analytical and advanced problem-solving skills.
  • Must be able to demonstrate excellent values, including teamwork and integrity.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Field & Travel Requirements
  • Position may require up to 30% travel and time in the field throughout the service territory, including remote regions (coast, desert, mountains) across California.
  • Must be comfortable working in various weather conditions. Occasional lifting of typically less than 40lbs may be required.

***Candidate will be required to submit a comprehensive body of work for review prior to the interview process. This submission will form the basis for further technical discussion during the interview
What You'll Get
  • Leadership opportunities through coaching and mentoring responsibilities
  • Professional growth with increased independence and minimal oversight
  • Experience in peer review processes under professional engineering supervision
  • Advanced project management and risk management experience
  • Enhanced client communication and technical reporting responsibilities
  • Field experience through walkdowns and stakeholder interactions
  • Travel opportunities for project work and professional development
  • Collaborative work environment with project management and engineering leadership
  • Clear career progression pathway within the HBK Organization's Engineering Track
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Continued preparation for Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.

Compensation Range
The anticipated compensation for this position is USD $45.00/Hr. - USD $65.00/Hr. depending on experience and qualifications.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company's Human Resources department.