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Urban Planner Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

HBK Engineering, LLC

Planner III

Ontario, CA · 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 ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Planner III

Ontario, CA · 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 ...

PlaceWorks

Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner

Santa Ana, CA · Hybrid

$27.88 - $41.83/hr

PlaceWorks is seeking a full-time Urban Designer/Planner to join our team in the Orange County (Santa Ana) office. We are looking for an entry-level individual or someone with a few years of urban ...

HNTB

Aviation Planner - Entry Level

Santa Ana, CA

$74K - $111K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Engineering, or related field What You'll Bring: * Prepares technical work for a wide variety of airport planning and preliminary design projects.

HDR

Environmental Planner 2

Irvine, CA · On-site

$75K - $96K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or closely related field * A minimum of 5 years experience in planning and design * AICP certification desired * Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs

HDR

Environmental Planner 2

Irvine, CA · On-site

$75K - $96K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or closely related field * A minimum of 5 years experience in planning and design * AICP certification desired * Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs

City of Claremont

Senior Planner

Claremont, CA · On-site

$98K - $118K/yr

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning or a related field A Master's Degree in a related field is desirable and may count as one year of experience. Experience:

Stantec

Environmental Planner

Irvine, 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 ...

TKDA

Senior Transportation Planner

Riverside, CA · On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

Bachelor's and/or master's degree in planning, urban planning, civil engineering, landscape architecture or a related field * Minimum of 10 years of relevant planning experience * 2 years prior ...

TKDA

Senior Transportation Planner

Riverside, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $152K/yr

Bachelor's and/or master's degree in planning, urban planning, civil engineering, landscape architecture or a related field * Minimum of 10 years of relevant planning experience * 2 years prior ...

TKDA

Senior Transportation Planner

Riverside, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $152K/yr

Bachelor's and/or master's degree in planning, urban planning, civil engineering, landscape architecture or a related field * Minimum of 10 years of relevant planning experience * 2 years prior ...

Arcadis

Environmental Planner I

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$75K - $96K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, or related field. * One year of experience in the environmental field or advanced degree in environmental science or similar.

BKF

Associate Planner

Riverside, CA

$34 - $50/hr

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Environmental Science, or a closely related field * Three (3) years of professional planning experience in a public agency ...

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All JobsUrban Planner JobsUrban Planner Jobs in Riverside, CA

Urban Planner information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$45.9K

$78.3K

$124.2K

How much do urban planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for urban planner in Riverside, CA is $78,280.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,600.00 and $88,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is an 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 are generally stable, with growth driven by urban development 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 planner, environmental planner, and urban design specialist.

How much does an urban planner make?

Urban planners typically earn a median annual salary of around $75,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience, location, and education. Those with professional certifications or advanced degrees may earn higher salaries, especially in urban or high-demand areas.

What do you do as an urban planner?

An urban planner develops plans and programs for land use in cities and communities, focusing on sustainable development, transportation, zoning, and public spaces. They analyze data, collaborate with stakeholders, and use tools like GIS to create designs that improve urban environments and meet community needs.

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 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.
More about Urban Planner jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Urban Planner jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Urban Planner jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Urban Planner jobs in Riverside, CA? For Urban Planner jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Urban Planner jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Urban Planner jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Urban Planner jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Urban Planner job openings:
Urban Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Urban Planner job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,280 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Principal-level Urban Planner/Designer

PlaceWorks

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Principal-level Urban Planner/Designer
Location
Santa Ana, CA - US (Primary)
Category
Urban Design
Job Type
Full-time Exempt
Career Level
Senior Level
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Travel
Job Description
Job Description:
PlaceWorks is seeking a full-time, experienced urban planner/designer to lead and expand the established Urban Planning and Design Practice Area in our Orange County office. We are seeking an individual with 10-15+ years of urban planning and design experience, ideally working for private-sector consulting firms, though public-sector experience may also qualify. In this position, you will have the opportunity to build on our portfolio of work in urban revitalization and development, working for both public- and private-sector clients, and will be expected to leverage your relationships and increase the visibility of PlaceWorks' design capabilities by winning new projects that complement the goals of PlaceWorks and the firm's Design Team. You will also be expected to mentor less experienced, aspiring professionals into leadership positions.
Our Design Team works in a cross-disciplinary, collaborative environment across multiple office locations on projects where urban design and site planning are integral components. Our work covers all types of urban infill and revitalization, including corridor and downtown revitalization, transit area planning, mall conversions, industrial area transition, residential infill, and objective design standards. Typical work includes preparing Specific Plans, Master Plans, visioning packages, site concepts, urban design analyses, active transportation and streetscape recommendations, design guidelines, and zoning recommendations. In addition, our General Plan practice often requires urban design and form-based components as part of larger General Plan updates. An understanding of the real estate market, entitlement, and California laws related to planning and housing is important.
This is an Associate Principal-level or Principal-level position. Our firm's Associate Principals and Principals are perceived as innovators, thought leaders, and influencers in the industry. They also have a demonstrated ability to successfully lead, manage, and oversee staff, complex projects, high-level presentations, strategic marketing, business development, and client relations-all of which are key competencies the ideal candidate must possess.
You're most likely a fit if:
  • You are creative with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset, who can maintain a sense of camaraderie, and are passionate about urban planning and design work.
  • You have at least 10 years of related work experience and project management experience.
  • Managing multiple projects is second nature, and you have successfully overseen and coordinated major components of planning and design projects of all sizes within budget and schedule. Project management responsibilities include, but are not limited to, leading proposal strategy and preparation, budget development and management, staff and subconsultant coordination, team leadership, schedule oversight, billing and financial review, contract negotiation and administration, client communication, quality assurance/quality control, and stakeholder and community engagement.
  • You are experienced in winning new clients and projects for the firms you have worked with and feel comfortable as a leader in the process of business development.
  • You are experienced with preparing and providing direction for the scope and content of planning documents.
  • You understand residential, mixed-use, commercial, and industrial products being built in California.
  • You're a highly motivated self-starter who can work both independently and in a dynamic, highly collaborative environment, including a hybrid work environment with regular in-office collaboration (minimum two days per week) and flexibility for remote work as needed. You are a good listener and have excellent verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to effectively engage clients, agency staff, stakeholders, and the public in a professional and confident manner.
  • You are comfortable with and have proven yourself to be an engaging public speaker and presenter-you'll be expected to represent PlaceWorks at interviews, public hearings, community workshops, and professional conferences.
  • You are able and willing to attend client meetings, community workshops, and public hearings, including those that may occur on evenings and weekends, and are willing to travel as needed.
  • You are passionate about mentoring and developing staff, fostering an environment where others can grow, contribute meaningfully, and share in project success. You effectively delegate, provide clear direction, and deliver timely, constructive feedback.
  • You have strong leadership capabilities to grow and lead staff members, and to promote an inclusive, respectful, and empowering workplace culture where all staff feel valued and supported.
  • You have a bachelor's or master's degree in urban planning and design, architecture, landscape architecture, or a related field.
  • You have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
  • You have a reliable means of transportation to and from work, and to perform site visits, attend meetings, and support project needs as required.

The pay range for this position is $140,000 - $200,000+ per year, dependent upon experience and other relevant factors.
Application Instructions:
When applying, attach your cover letter, resume, and a design portfolio as three (3) separate PDF attachments. Each attachment must be under 500KB. Alternatively, include a link to your design portfolio if it exceeds 500KB.
Job Requirements
(see job description)
We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.

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