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Town Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gulfshoresal

$216K - $324K/yr

The Town of Erie is seeking a strategic, trusted, and highly communicative leader to serve as its ... A strong financial background, including experience in budgeting, capital planning, organizational ...

Carrboro, Town of (NC)

Planning Director

Carrboro, NC · On-site +1

$105K - $135K/yr

Reporting to the Assistant Town Manager, the Planning Director provides professional operational and executive leadership for the department's planning, zoning, development review, building ...

Gulfshoresal

WI · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

The ideal candidate is an effective communicator, strategic planner, and team‑builder who can unite staff, manage conflict constructively, and engage openly with residents and departments. The Town ...

Gulfshoresal

Town Manager

Clarksville, IN · On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

Skilled in municipal finance, operations, and strategic planning * An effective advisor who can ... The Town Council consists of seven part-time members. The Council selects one member to serve as ...

Houlton Maine

$115K - $130K/yr

Planning Knowledge: Familiarity with comprehensive planning, community zoning, and public works ... The Town offers a very competitive negotiable salary of approximately $115,000 to $130,000 plus a ...

Houlton Maine

Town Manager Job Opening

Houlton, ME · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Planning Knowledge: Familiarity with comprehensive planning, community zoning, and public works ... The Town offers a very competitive negotiable salary of approximately $115,000 to $130,000 plus a ...

Fraser Colorado

Assistant Town Manager

Fraser, CO

$70K - $115K/yr

Oversee and support all Town Marketing and Communications with direct supervision of the Marketing and Communications Manager. * Assist the Planning and Zoning Department with master planning ...

Town of Jupiter

Planner

Jupiter, FL · On-site

$65K/yr

Interprets and applies Town codes, comprehensive plan, strategic plan, ordinances, and resolutions ... Performs site plan, special exception, planned unit development, and variance application review ...

Town of Johnstown

Planner I

Johnstown, CO · On-site

$61K - $86K/yr

The Town of Johnstown, Colorado is actively recruiting a Planner I to be part of our dynamic and passionate team. Our friendly neighborhoods, excellent public services, and quality shopping centers ...

Town of Huntersville

$57K - $72K/yr

Prepares amendments and draft language for the Town's Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. Reviews ... Assists Senior and Principal Planners with the process of rezoning and other major subdivisions.

Town of Jupiter, FL

Planner

Jupiter, FL · On-site

$65K/yr

Planning & Zoning Opening Date: 09/01/2026 Closing Date: 9/13/2026 5:00 PM Eastern PURPOSE OF ... Interprets and applies Town codes, comprehensive plan, strategic plan, ordinances, and resolutions ...

Town of Marblehead

Conservation Agent

Marblehead, MA · On-site

$66K - $86K/yr

... planning goals and objectives of the Town. Incumbent serves as the main point of contact with residents and customers for all Conservation related activities and questions. Supervision Required: The ...

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Town Planner information

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How much do town planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for town planner in the United States is $30.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $35.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a town planner?

Town planners, also known as urban planners, are professionals who develop plans and programs for land use in towns, cities, and regions. Their role is to balance the needs of the community, the environment, and the economy to create sustainable and functional spaces. They analyze data, consult with stakeholders, and help shape policies regarding zoning, transportation, housing, and public spaces. Town planners also work to ensure that development meets legal and environmental regulations. Their work aims to improve quality of life and manage urban growth responsibly.

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

To thrive as a Town Planner, you need a solid understanding of urban planning principles, zoning laws, and environmental regulations, typically supported by a degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, planning application systems, and relevant certifications such as AICP (in the US) or RTPI (in the UK) is often required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills help differentiate top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for designing sustainable communities, ensuring regulatory compliance, and balancing diverse interests in urban development projects.

What are some common challenges town planners face when balancing community needs with regulatory requirements?

Town planners often encounter the challenge of aligning diverse community interests with zoning laws, environmental regulations, and development guidelines. Balancing the vision of residents, business owners, and local officials can be complex, especially when opinions on growth, land use, or infrastructure investments differ. Planners must use strong communication and negotiation skills to facilitate consensus, while ensuring that all proposals meet statutory requirements and promote sustainable, equitable development.

What is the difference between Town Planner vs Urban Designer?

AspectTown PlannerUrban Designer
Required CredentialsDegree in urban planning, geography, or related field; certification often preferredDegree in urban design, architecture, or landscape architecture; certification optional
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, planning departments, consulting firmsDesign studios, architecture firms, public agencies
Industry UsageFocuses on land use, zoning, and development policiesFocuses on aesthetic, functional, and spatial aspects of urban spaces

While both roles involve shaping urban environments, Town Planners primarily focus on land use policies and development regulations, whereas Urban Designers concentrate on the visual and functional design of urban spaces. They often collaborate but serve different aspects of city development.

Is it hard to get a job as a town planner?

Getting a job as a town planner can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a degree in urban planning or a related field, along with experience and sometimes certification. Strong skills in GIS, zoning laws, and project management can improve employment prospects, but job availability varies by region and economic conditions.

What do you do as a town planner?

A town planner develops plans and programs for land use, zoning, and community development to ensure sustainable growth. They analyze data, collaborate with stakeholders, and prepare reports to guide urban development projects, often using geographic information systems (GIS) tools. Their work involves understanding regulations, environmental considerations, and community needs to create effective urban environments.

What qualifications do you need to be a town planner?

To become a town planner, you typically need a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field, with many roles preferring a master's degree or professional accreditation. Strong skills in analysis, communication, and knowledge of planning laws and software are also important. Certification from a professional planning body can enhance job prospects and credibility.

What subjects do you need to be a town planner?

To become a town planner, relevant subjects typically include geography, urban planning, architecture, environmental studies, and civil engineering. Strong skills in mathematics, computer-aided design (CAD), and knowledge of planning laws and regulations are also important.
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Town Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Town Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,335 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Town Manager

On-site

Gulfshoresal
See more jobs at Gulfshoresalexternal

$216K - $324K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

The Town of Erie is seeking a strategic, trusted, and highly communicative leader to serve as its next Town Manager. This is a unique opportunity to lead a growing community as it builds upon its strong organizational culture, implements its recently adopted Home Rule Charter, and guides thoughtful growth while preserving the qualities that make Erie such a desirable place to live, work, and visit. Appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the Town Council, the Town Manager is the Town's chief administrative officer and is responsible for providing strategic leadership, overseeing the effective administration of municipal operations, and implementing the policies and priorities established by the Town Council. The Town Manager serves as the Council's principal advisor, ensuring transparent communication, sound organizational management, and the efficient delivery of high-quality public services.

Qualifications
  • Ten years of progressively responsible experience in municipal government, including at least seven years in executive or senior administrative leadership, is required.
  • Demonstrated success building collaborative relationships and working effectively with elected officials is required.
  • A strong financial background, including experience in budgeting, capital planning, organizational leadership, and long-term fiscal stewardship, is required.
  • A bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, public policy, finance, or a similar field is required.
  • Experience serving as a City/Town Manager or as a Deputy/Assistant City/Town Manager in a similarly complex organization is preferred.
  • Experience leading a complex municipality, with responsibility for strategic growth, community planning, economic development, and redevelopment initiatives, is highly desirable.
  • Experience leading organizations through complex water resource, infrastructure, and capital planning challenges, including familiarity with western water issues, long-term water supply planning, transportation systems, and sustainable infrastructure investment, is also highly desirable.
  • A master’s degree in public administration, public policy, or a closely related field is desired.
  • ICMA Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM) certification is beneficial.

An equivalent combination of experience and education that enables success as the Town Manager will be considered.

Compensation and Benefits

The full salary range for the Town Manager position is $216,000 – $324,000, with an expected hiring range of $250,000 – $300,000 and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate.

The Town of Erie offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support employees\' health, financial security, work-life balance, and overall well-being, including robust medical coverage, a generous retirement program with employer match, paid parental leave, extensive paid time off, and employer-paid disability and life insurance. Employees also enjoy a variety of lifestyle and professional development benefits, including wellness programs, education reimbursement, Community Center membership, volunteer leave, and opportunities for continued learning and growth. Learn more about our options and employee-based benefits at www.erieco.gov/benefits.

Questions

For more information or questions regarding the Town of Erie or the Town Manager position, please contact Heather Gantz at hgantz@raftelis.com.

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