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Urban Planner Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

The Urban Planner II is responsible for supporting the successful implementation of the City's land development and permitting procedures and the initiatives of the Office of Zoning & Development.

The Urban Planner II is responsible for supporting the successful implementation of the City's land development and permitting procedures and the initiatives of the Office of Zoning & Development.

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning or closely related field; five (5) years of experience in planning and development activities with a minimum of two years supervisory ...

Networks - Initiates and maintains extensive contacts with transportation planning, engineering, urban design and/or planning leaders and other discipline/office leaders (internal/external)

New

Coordinates with project manager, project designer and other disciplines on multiple large scale and complex transportation planning, urban design, or landscape architectural projects to ensure that ...

Coordinates with project manager, project designer and other disciplines on multiple large scale and complex transportation planning, urban design, or landscape architectural projects to ensure that ...

Urban Innovation Fellow

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$47.10K - $63.90K/yr

URBAN INNOVATION FELLOWS PROGRAM: Advancing Impact Through Innovation The Atlanta Beltline Urban ... Commitment to equitable and inclusive outcomes in planning, development, and implementation efforts.

Principal Planner

Stockbridge, GA · On-site

$69.97K - $108.46K/yr

Bachelor's degree in urban planning, Geography, Public Administration, or related field (master's preferred). * 5+ years of progressively responsible planning experience, including supervisory duties.

Under minimal direction, performs a variety of more highly complex professional planning, environmental planning, landscape architecture and urban design project responsibilities, and leads technical ...

Planner

Conyers, GA · On-site

$45.09K - $58.75K/yr

... urban planning issues. Work is performed in accordance with county codes and ordinances, departmental policies and procedures, best planning practices, and state and federal planning and zoning ...

Senior Planner

Conyers, GA · On-site

$57.48K - $72K/yr

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Extensive knowledge of urban and regional planning, land use regulations, zoning, site planning, transportation planning, and community development. Ability to review ...

Senior Planner

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$45.94K/yr

... urban planning issues. Please note: Failure to fully complete both the Work Experience and Education sections may result in your application being denied. To be considered for employment, all ...

... urban planning issues. Please note: Failure to fully complete both the Work Experience and Education sections may result in your application being denied. To be considered for employment, all ...

PLANNER I

Douglasville, GA · On-site

$26.18/hr

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field; and one (1) year of work experience in planning; or an ...

Master's degree in urban planning, public policy, economics, environmental science, transportation/civil engineering, or related subjects, or equivalent professional experience. * 10+ years of ...

Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Community Development, or a closely related field. * Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible ...

Environmental Planner

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$67.30K - $86.50K/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

$66.50K - $85.50K/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 ...

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Urban Planner information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$43K

$73.3K

$116.2K

How much do urban planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for urban planner in Decatur, GA is $73,258.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,600.00 and $82,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Do Urban Planners 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 does an urban planner do?

An urban planner is a professional who develops plans and programs for land use in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Their work involves analyzing community needs, considering environmental and economic factors, and designing solutions for transportation, housing, and public spaces. Urban planners work with government agencies, developers, and the public to create sustainable, functional, and attractive communities. They also ensure that development complies with zoning laws and environmental regulations.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Urban Planner jobs in Decatur, GA? The most popular types of Urban Planner jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What are popular job titles related to Urban Planner jobs in Decatur, GA? For Urban Planner jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Urban Planner jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Urban Planner jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Urban Planner jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Urban Planner job openings:
Urban Planner II - SAP

Urban Planner II - SAP

City of Atlanta

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


City Of Atlanta (Georgia) rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

293rd of 641 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

General Description and Classification Standards

The City of Atlanta Department of City Planning (DCP) is committed to implementing Atlanta City Design and transforming Atlanta into the best possible version of itself. Adopted into the city charter in December 2017, Atlanta City Design articulates an aspiration for the future city that Atlantans can fall in love with, knowing that if people love their city, they will make better decisions about it.

The Office of Zoning & Development regulates and ensures compliance within established zoning districts for items related to land use (such as height, size, and placement of buildings on a lot, the density at which buildings may be constructed, design of public spaces and the necessary parking facilities).

The Urban Planner II is responsible for supporting the successful implementation of the City's land development and permitting procedures and the initiatives of the Office of Zoning & Development. Duties at this level include but are not limited to providing quality customer service to the stakeholders of Atlanta; ensuring that project applications, project reviews, enforcement actions, and open record requests are processed efficiently and in a timely manner; and performing administrative, analytical, and technical functions in the development, implementation and monitoring of the City's land use and zoning programs and policies.

This is a fully seasoned professional level capable of independently carrying out most assignments typical of the profession.

Supervision Received

Direction received is very general and focuses on end results and is typically collaborative in nature.

Works under very general supervision. Depending on the organization structure, may work independently with responsibility for an assigned function or program.

Minimum Qualifications - Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in urban planning, engineering, public administration, public policy, or related field. 3 years of related experience in technical review of site plans and architectural elevations is required.

Preferred Education & Experience

Master's degree in urban planning, urban design, engineering, architecture, public administration, public policy, or related field and 3 - 5 years of experience in technical review of site plans and architectural elevations (equivalent professional experience may be considered for substitution for the required degree on an exception basis); some supervisory experience desired.

Licensures and Certifications

Position would be expected to have licensure or professional certifications appropriate to the position. Required: Valid Georgia driver's license

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification (preferred)

Essential Capabilities and Work Environment

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical office environmental conditions associated with job.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

This position, Urban Planner II, is within the Land Development Team - responsible for the review of Special Administrative Permit (SAP) and Land Subdivision (SD) and related applications. These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned. Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Review for Land Development projects:

Evaluate and process applications for Special Administrative Permits for completeness and accuracy, with a strong focus on urban design. This includes the comprehensive review of proposed developments in Quality-of-Life zoning districts by conducting the technical review of site plans and architectural elevations for compliance with city ordinances, policies, and plans. Represent the Office of Zoning & Development in an advisory capacity to the various Development Review Committees (DRC) for certain areas in the City. Lead pre-application meetings for anticipated SAP applications.

Evaluate land subdivision applications for compliance with the City's Subdivision Ordinance. Coordinate subdivision review process with internal and external review agencies. Maintain records and documents in clear and consistent manner.

  • General Office of Zoning & Development / Departmental Programs

Attends public meetings as required such as Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) meetings. Accepts and intakes applications and questions from internal and external customers for all zoning-related topics as part of fulfilling "Planner on Duty" and "Planner of the Month" responsibilities. Provides information to the public regarding development regulations. Acts as liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers, and elected officials in the process of reviewing complex developments. Assists in resolving customer issues. Conducts field evaluations and assessments. Provides information to GIS personnel to keep the zoning and land use maps up to date. Maintains planning documents, codes and related regulations for research, documentation, and public access.

Decision Making

Applies organizational policies. Establishes work methods, timetables, performance standards, etc. Selects from multiple procedures and methods to accomplish tasks.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list.

Skill in: oral communication and interpersonal relationships to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public; creative problem-solving to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems. Ability to: read and interpret city master plans, regulatory codes, technical and operational documents, reports, research material and information, blueprints and maps; analyze applications and apply relevant regulatory ordinances and codes; operate a GIS computer system; prepare and present oral, written and graphic reports, documents, brochures and pamphlets, maps, and related planning and development documentation; operate standard office equipment including a personal computer using program applications appropriate to assigned duties; communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, customers, citizen groups and other employees.

 

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