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Urban Planner Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

MDLE LLC

Urban / Federal Planner

Alexandria, VA · On-site

MDLE is seeking an enthusiastic, motivated, technology-focused Urban / Military Planner for our federal team in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Charlottesville office is comprised of architects and ...

HNTB

Airport Terminal Planner

Arlington, VA · On-site

Develops conceptual planning alternatives for urban and transportation planning projects. * Leads tasks under general direction related to the preparation and production of technical plans, studies ...

Kimley-Horn

Environmental Planner

Reston, VA · On-site

$115K - $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 ...

Kimley-Horn

Environmental Planner

Reston, VA · On-site

$115K - $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 ...

City of Fredericksburg

Transit Planner

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$49K - $54K/yr

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in transportation planning, urban planning or related field; experience in transit or local government preferred. * A ...

City of Alexandria, VA

Principal Planner

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$82K - $144K/yr

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Thorough knowledge of urban planning, urban design, zoning administration, and project management; ability to communicate clearly and effectively both ...

City of Alexandria

Principal Planner

Alexandria, VA

$82K - $144K/yr

The Opportunity This Principal Planner will be leading the Public Facilities team, as well as general urban planning activities. Major responsibilities include: Manage the workflow of the assigned ...

COLORADO NETWORK STAFFING INC

Planner II

Arlington, VA

$32.75 - $62.96/hr

Summary Planner II will independently collect, assimilate, and manage land use planning, community planning, and urban design project information for the team; prepare project requirements ...

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All JobsUrban Planner JobsUrban Planner Jobs in Virginia

Urban Planner information

See Virginia salary details

$43.6K

$74.4K

$118K

How much do urban planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for urban planner in Virginia is $74,390.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $83,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an urban planner do?

Urban planners identify community needs and make plans to develop, expand, or revitalize various communities or areas in their cities. Urban planners may assess plans for proposed development, like new schools, to ensure the investment will benefit the community by meeting the needs of a changing population. As cities grow and change, planners help communities manage shifting economic, social, and environmental needs. Some urban planners work large-scale plans, while some work in focused areas on specific issues. Good urban planners have at heart what is the best use of a community’s land and resources overall—residentially, commercially, and recreationally.

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

To thrive as an Urban Planner, you need a strong background in urban design, land use planning, and environmental policy, typically supported by a degree in urban planning or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, zoning regulations, and public engagement platforms is important, and certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) can be advantageous. Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical thinking are essential soft skills for collaborating with stakeholders and addressing community needs. These competencies ensure effective, sustainable, and inclusive planning that enhances urban environments and meets regulatory and community goals.

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

Urban planners often navigate the complex task of balancing the diverse needs of communities—such as affordable housing, green spaces, and transportation access—with local, state, and federal regulations. This can involve negotiating with developers, addressing resident concerns, and ensuring compliance with zoning laws and environmental policies. Effective collaboration with stakeholders and strong communication skills are essential to finding practical solutions that meet both legal requirements and community goals. Planners may also need to adapt quickly to changing priorities or unexpected obstacles, making flexibility a valuable asset in this role.

What is the difference between Urban Planner vs City Planner?

AspectUrban PlannerCity Planner
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Geography, or related fieldSimilar credentials, often with additional local government experience
Work EnvironmentPublic agencies, consulting firms, non-profitsMunicipal government departments, urban development agencies
Industry UsageBroadly used across urban development projectsPrimarily within city government and local planning offices
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in urban developmentFocus on local government planning roles

Urban Planners and City Planners often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, focusing on developing and implementing urban development projects. However, Urban Planners typically work across various organizations and broader projects, while City Planners are usually employed within municipal governments focusing on local policies and zoning. Both roles are essential in shaping urban spaces, with their differences mainly in scope and employment setting.

Are urban planners in high demand?

Urban planners are in growing demand due to increasing urbanization and the need for sustainable development. Employment opportunities are expected to expand as cities focus on infrastructure, transportation, and environmental planning, often requiring knowledge of GIS tools and planning regulations.

Is urban planner a good career?

Urban planners develop plans and programs for land use and community development, often working for government agencies or private firms. The career offers opportunities for impact, requires strong analytical and communication skills, and typically requires a relevant degree and certification. Job prospects depend on regional growth and infrastructure needs.

What jobs can you do with urban planning?

Urban planners can work in government agencies, private consulting firms, or non-profit organizations, focusing on land use, transportation, and community development. They often use GIS software and require knowledge of zoning laws and environmental regulations. Career options include transportation planner, land use analyst, city planner, and environmental planner.
More about Urban Planner jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Urban Planner jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Urban Planner jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Urban Planner jobs in Virginia?

For Urban Planner jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Urban Planner jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Urban Planner jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Urban Planner jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Urban Planner job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Urban Planner jobs in VA?

For Urban Planner jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Urban Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Urban Planner job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $74,390 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Urban Planner / Designer (Waltham, MA or Denver, CO HYBRID role)

ICF

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

URBAN PLANNER / DESIGNER

Job Description:

ICF seeks an Urban Planner / Designer to work within our Environmental and Regulatory Implementation Services (ERIS) team. You will become an integral part of a team that is providing technical assistance to communities and non-profit organizations across the U.S. in the areas of contaminated site redevelopment, adaptive reuse, community revitalization and engagement, and economic development. This position will primarily support programs with EPA's Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization (OBLR), whose mission is to help communities, states, tribes, and others to assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse contaminated properties.

The Urban Planner / Designer is expected to apply their academic and past academic or work experience/knowledge to a wide range of technical assistance projects and will interact directly with local, state, and federal clients.

The position is remote, with a preference for close proximity to ICF's Waltham, MA or Denver, CO locations.

PLEASE SUBMIT a work sample or portfolio at time of application.

What you'll do:

  • Support the development of small area plans, downtown revitalization policies and strategies, site reuse strategies, and site plans covering a broad range of reuse scenarios and scales including mixed-use, transportation, economic development, housing, open space, public realm improvements, adaptive reuse of existing buildings, and infill development.
  • Perform research, data collection, and qualitative and quantitative data analysis in support of a broad range of redevelopment projects.
  • Analyze and synthesize various data sets, such as demographic, real estate, and consumer spending data, and prepare compelling graphs, charts, tables, and other forms of data visualization.
  • Support the development of a wide range of client work products, including reports, community engagement materials, conceptual designs, market analyses, best practices, presentations, and fact sheets.
  • Support a wide range of stakeholder outreach and engagement activities, including in-person and virtual community engagement (e.g., charettes, workshops, meetings, etc.) and associated outreach and communication materials.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in urban planning, urban design, or related technical field.
  • Minimum 2 years of work experience supporting technically oriented projects in community revitalization and economic development areas; experience with brownfields site redevelopment or other related infill development.
  • Willingness to travel, as needed.

Additional professional skills and experience we are looking for:

  • Knowledge of current planning and policy trends related to land use planning, community and economic development, multi-modal transportation, real estate, climate change and adaptation strategies, and affordable housing.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize demographic, economic, market and workforce data to draw actionable conclusions.
  • Knowledge of community engagement techniques, and public speaking experience.
  • Team oriented individual with a "can-do" spirit who is adaptable to learning new topics and capable of multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency in conducting quantitative analyses using Excel, R, or other software.
  • Demonstrated experience in Adobe Creative Suite is required.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in urban planning, urban design, or related technical field.
  • Knowledge of spatial analytics (ArcGIS), drafting and 3-D modelling software (CAD, Rhino, and/or Sketchup) and rendering software (Lumion and/or Enscape) is a plus.
  • Familiarity with, or have working knowledge of, general building code, zoning codes, ADA Standards for Accessible Design, and other related standards is preferred.
  • Experience in multi-family housing, mixed-use, and community-oriented uses and programming; experience with adaptive reuse is a plus; experience with landscape and public realm design is a plus.
  • AICP certification desired, but not required.

#Indeed

#LI-CC1


Bot and Third-Party Applications

Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration.Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration.Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contactCandidateaccommodation@icf.comfor assistance.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer.Together, our employees are empowered to share theirexpertiseand collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEOpolicy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals withsincerely heldreligious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To requestan accommodation,please emailCandidateaccommodation@icf.comand we will be happy toassist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extentrequiredto provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more aboutworkplacediscriminationrightsor our benefit offerings which are included in theTransparency in (Benefits) CoverageAct.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate orassistwith responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is notpermitted. This policy is in place tomaintainthe integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodationthat involves the use of AI. Ifsuch anaccommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance atcandidateaccommodation@icf.com. Weare dedicated to providingthe necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.


Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$67,063.00 - $114,008.00Colorado Remote Office (CO99)

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