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Urban Environmental Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Join us. AECOM's Northern California Environmental Planning & Permitting team is growing and seeking an experienced Urban and Environmental Planner III to join our team. This hybrid position ...

Join us. AECOM's Northern California Environmental Planning & Permitting team is growing and seeking an experienced Urban and Environmental Planner III to join our team. This hybrid position ...

Join us. AECOM's Northern California Environmental Planning & Permitting team is growing and seeking an experienced Urban and Environmental Planner III to join our team. This hybrid position ...

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in the field of Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Policy, or a related degree * 7+ years of progressively ...

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in the field of Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Policy, or a related degree * 7+ years of progressively ...

Environmental Planner

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in the field of Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Policy, or a related degree * 7+ years of progressively ...

Environmental Planner

Reston, VA

$74K - $95K/yr

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in the field of Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Policy, or a related degree * 7+ years of progressively ...

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in the field of Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Policy, or a related degree * 7+ years of progressively ...

Environmental Planner

Reston, VA · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in the field of Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Policy, or a related degree * 7+ years of progressively ...

Environmental Planner

Rockville, MD · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in the field of Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Policy, or a related degree * 7+ years of progressively ...

Environmental Planner

Reston, VA · On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in the field of Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Policy, or a related degree * 7+ years of progressively ...

Environmental Planner

Rockville, MD · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in the field of Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Policy, or a related degree * 7+ years of progressively ...

Environmental Planner

Reston, VA · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in the field of Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Policy, or a related degree * 7+ years of progressively ...

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in the field of Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Policy, or a related degree * 7+ years of progressively ...

Environmental Planner

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$67K - $86K/yr

A Bachelors/Master's Degree in Urban or Environmental Planning, Environmental Studies, or a related field. Five to ten years of experience with NEPA requirements and document preparation. Preparation ...

Environmental Planner

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$66K - $85K/yr

A Bachelors/Master's Degree in Urban or Environmental Planning, Environmental Studies, or a related field. Five to ten years of experience with NEPA requirements and document preparation. Preparation ...

Environmental Planner

Atlanta, GA

$67K - $86K/yr

A Bachelors/Master's Degree in Urban or Environmental Planning, Environmental Studies, or a related field. Five to ten years of experience with NEPA requirements and document preparation. Preparation ...

Environmental Planner

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$84K - $122K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Studies, Geography, Urban Planning, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field. * Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in ...

Environmental Planner

Portland, OR · On-site

$84K - $104K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Natural Resources, or a related field. * 5+ years of professional experience in environmental planning, permitting, or land use planning.

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Urban Environmental Planner information

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$38.5K

$69.3K

$101.5K

How much do urban environmental planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for urban environmental planner in the United States is $69,253.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of urban environmental planning, high salaries reaching or exceeding $500,000 annually are rare and typically associated with senior executive roles, such as chief sustainability officers or consulting firm partners, often requiring extensive experience, advanced degrees, and a strong network. Most urban planners and environmental specialists earn significantly less, with top executives in related industries earning the highest compensation. Achieving such income levels usually involves leadership positions, private sector consulting, or owning a successful firm.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Urban Environmental Planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Urban Environmental Planner, you need a strong background in urban planning, environmental science, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a relevant degree and sometimes a professional planning certification (e.g., AICP). Familiarity with GIS software, environmental impact assessment tools, and local zoning regulations is essential. Strong analytical thinking, stakeholder communication, and negotiation skills help planners balance diverse interests and facilitate sustainable development. These abilities are crucial for developing effective, legally compliant, and environmentally responsible urban plans that benefit communities.

How do Urban Environmental Planners typically collaborate with other professionals and stakeholders during a project?

Urban Environmental Planners frequently work as part of interdisciplinary teams that include architects, engineers, public officials, and community members. They facilitate communication between these groups to ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into urban development plans. This often involves leading public consultations, coordinating with regulatory agencies, and balancing diverse interests to develop sustainable, practical solutions. Strong collaboration skills are essential, as planners need to bridge technical expertise and community priorities throughout the planning process.

Is Urban Planner a good career?

Urban Environmental Planners develop strategies for sustainable city development, often working with local governments and environmental agencies. The role requires strong analytical skills, knowledge of zoning laws, and proficiency with GIS tools, with employment prospects generally stable due to ongoing urban growth and infrastructure needs.

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

AspectUrban Environmental PlannerUrban Planner
Required credentialsBachelor's or master's in environmental planning, geography, or related fields; often certifications in environmental planningBachelor's or master's in urban planning, geography, or related fields; licensure may be preferred
Work environmentFocus on environmental impact assessments, sustainability, and ecological considerations within urban settingsFocus on land use, zoning, community development, and urban design
Employer & industry usageGovernment agencies, environmental consulting firms, urban development projectsMunicipal governments, planning commissions, private development firms

While both roles involve urban development, Urban Environmental Planners specialize in integrating environmental sustainability into urban projects, whereas Urban Planners focus on land use and community development. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are Urban Environmental Planners?

Urban Environmental Planners are professionals who develop plans and programs to manage the growth and revitalization of cities, towns, and metropolitan areas while ensuring the protection and sustainability of the environment. They work to balance development needs with environmental concerns, such as air and water quality, green spaces, and climate resilience. Their responsibilities often include conducting environmental impact assessments, advising policymakers, and engaging with communities to create sustainable urban environments. These planners play a crucial role in shaping cities to be both livable and ecologically responsible.

How much does an environmental planner earn?

Environmental planners typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Professionals with advanced certifications or specialized skills in GIS or environmental law may earn higher wages.

What does an environmental Urban Planner do?

An environmental urban planner develops plans and policies to promote sustainable development and improve environmental quality within urban areas. They analyze land use, coordinate with stakeholders, and use tools like GIS to design solutions that balance growth with environmental conservation. The role often requires knowledge of environmental regulations and strong communication skills.
More about Urban Environmental Planner jobs
What cities are hiring for Urban Environmental Planner jobs? Cities with the most Urban Environmental Planner job openings:
What states have the most Urban Environmental Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Urban Environmental Planner jobs include:
Infographic showing various Urban Environmental Planner job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,253 per year, or $33.3 per hour.
Urban and Environmental Planner

Urban and Environmental Planner

AECOM

Sacramento, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


AECOM rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM's Northern California Environmental Planning & Permitting team is growing and seeking an experienced Urban and Environmental Planner III to join our team. This hybrid position (combination of remote and office) could be based in AECOM's Sacramento, Oakland, or San Francisco offices.

The successful candidate would join our team to engage with our expanding pool of public and private sector clients to complete land planning projects and associated environmental impact analyses, including CEQA compliance processes and documentation. Other responsibilities may include supporting business development activities, including coordination and preparation of materials for proposals and client engagement. Roles would include serving as project manager, deputy project manager, task manager, or technical specialist depending on the assignment. Work will include collaboration with AECOM leaders and our clients to remain at the leading edge of environmental planning and community planning and design.

We are seeking candidates with a demonstrated ability to manage tasks on environmental planning and compliance projects, successfully interface with clients, and prepare proposals and deliverables that respond to our clients' needs.  

Key responsibilities include:

  • Contribute to management and preparation of comprehensive planning and strategic urban planning documents and regulatory documents, such as zoning codes.
  • Lead and support environmental planning and compliance work, including the development of environmental documents and studies in compliance with CEQA, NEPA, and other state and federal environmental regulations.
  • Analyze and describe environmental impacts of project activities for environmental documents that support CEQA and/or NEPA review and permitting.
  • Coordinate project tasks among technical staff, subcontractors, and clients.
  • Financial and schedule management and reporting on ongoing tasks and projects.
  • Assist with quality reviews of colleague and subconsultant deliverables.
  • Support the development of work scopes, staffing, and cost estimates for tasks under existing and new contracts.
  • Engage in business development activities and pursuits, including responding to proposals, client engagement, and identifying, researching, and tracking potential business opportunities.

About AECOM's Environment Business Line
Join AECOM to be part of an expert global team who is connected through a well-developed, worldwide, internal technical practice network through which you can learn from and brainstorm with the best in the world. AECOM is an industry-leading, world class environmental firm, and we want you to succeed within it.  We respect and encourage your own pathway to excellence via our Freedom to Grow initiative.
AECOM is known for our award-winning technical excellence, leading-edge science and innovative project delivery. We provide sustainable solutions for some of the world's most challenging issues. Our global clients and their projects span a variety of market sectors and geographies and require innovative technical solutions to solve wide-ranging environmental problems.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in environmental planning or related field.
  • 4 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in urban planning, environmental analysis and document preparation pursuant to CEQA/NEPA.
  • Valid U.S. Driver's license is required for this role.
  • Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications:            

  • 6+ years of relevant experience in urban planning studies, environmental analysis and document preparation pursuant to CEQA/NEPA.
  • Experience with, and interest in, urban planning, community planning, long-range policy planning, urban design, zoning, market feasibility, or economic development strategies.
  • Experience with planning documents such as specific plans, general plans, and master plans.
  • Ability to work independently in the area of technical report writing related to CEQA/NEPA compliance as well as other types of technical reports and regulatory (federal, state, local) permitting documents.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as interpersonal skills to effectively interact with teams of staff, subconsultants, and clients.
  • Experienced in environmental studies, CEQA/NEPA documentation, regulatory compliance and permitting, and agency consultations for energy projects.
  • Experience supporting business development efforts in pursuit of new projects.
Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 


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