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Urban Planner Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Planner

Irvine, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Bachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture, geography, or a related field * 1-3 years of experience in public or private sector planning (internships count) * Strong written, verbal, and ...

Associate Planner

Riverside, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Associate Planner

Riverside, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Environmental Planner 6

Irvine, CA · On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

Or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Urban, Community or Regional Planning or related discipline. 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree or 9 years of experience with Master ...

Bachelor's degree in urban planning field required. * Three or more (3+) years of planning experience in the land development industry, with experience in current planning and advanced (long-range ...

Bachelor's degree in urban planning field required. * Three or more (3+) years of planning experience in the land development industry, with experience in current planning and advanced (long-range ...

Evacuation Planner

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$58K - $80K/yr

Urban Forestry Work Environment: Hybrid Compensation: $110,000-$140,000 Dudek's journey began in ... Familiarity with emergency planning procedures and standards, the Incident Command System, and ...

Land Acquisition Intern

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$19 - $20/hr

Degree in business, urban planning, real estate, finance, economics, construction management, public policy, or a related field preferred or in progress * Interest in residential real estate ...

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Urban/Transportation Planning, or related field or equivalent experience. * 6+ years (10+ years preferred) of progressive ...

... 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 ...

Principal Consultant, Planner

Irvine, CA · On-site

$127K - $163K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Urban/Transportation Planning, or related field or equivalent experience. * 6+ years (10+ years preferred) of progressive ...

CEQA Compliance Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$145K - $185K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's Degree; preferably in environmental studies, urban planning, writing, public administration, or project management Salary Description Salary $145,000 to $185,000 per year

Land Planning Manager

Corona, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

You're a communicator and a listener who will keep our projects on schedule and a planner and ... Urban Planning, or Finance, three to five years of related experience and/or training or equivalent ...

Showing results 21-40

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 7, 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.
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:
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.

$30 - $45/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Assistant Planner - Orange County, CA
Interwest is looking for an Assistant Planner who’s excited to learn, contribute, and grow alongside a team of experienced professionals shaping California communities every day.
At Interwest, you’ll gain hands-on experience supporting local governments with a wide range of planning projects—from zoning and design review to comprehensive plan updates. You’ll be mentored by planners with decades of experience and supported by a company that believes your professional growth is key to our shared success. We are accepting applications for both full-time and part-time positions.

Assistant Planner duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
  • Assist city and county planning departments with current and long-range planning tasks
  • Review site plans, zoning requests, and administrative applications
  • Provide public counter services and respond to community inquiries
  • Conduct research for comprehensive plan and code updates
  • Prepare and present staff reports and recommendations to boards and commissions
  • Build collaborative relationships with municipal staff and colleagues

We are looking for individuals who:
For any position at Interwest, a positive outlook and commitment to great customer service are mandatory. Experience working in California public agency planning departments is required.
Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, architecture, geography, or a related field
  • 1–3 years of experience in public or private sector planning (internships count)
  • Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills
  • Curiosity, initiative, and a genuine interest in community development
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite; familiarity with GIS or electronic permitting is a plus
  • A team-oriented mindset and commitment to excellent customer service
  • Proficiency in a second language is a plus
Salary Range: $30.00 - $45.00 per hour
Benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, paid holidays, paid time off, matching 401K Plans, wellness programs and more. SAFEbuilt is committed to Career Progression through paid training and step increases for additional certifications and licenses.
More about Interwest: https://interwestgrp.com/  
Interwest Consulting Group is a municipal consulting firm focused on providing thoughtful, tailored solutions that build thriving communities. Founded in 2002, Interwest provides City Engineering, Building Code Compliance, City Planning, Traffic Engineering, Capital Project Delivery and Real Estate Acquisition throughout CA and NV.  Interwest joined the SAFEbuilt family in 2020.
More About SAFEbuilt: http://safebuilt.com/
SAFEbuilt has the technical expertise to provide Community Development services, but the reason for our success is our people. Over 1600 experts make up our team from across the country, with experience in a full range of services and skills. Each Team member values integrity, improvement, service, teamwork, and respect. These Core Values are the foundation of positive relationships among coworkers, our clients, residents, and anyone invested in the continued success of their community.
Our employees are our greatest asset, with exceptionally certified individuals in all departments, including Planning amp; Zoning, Code Enforcement, Fire Prevention, and Engineering, as well as full-service and supplemental Building Department services. SAFEbuilt invests in developing our employees, exploring innovative technology, and giving back to our communities.
In partnership with over 1200 communities, our talented experts make a difference in the cities and towns where we live and work. Through quality people and consistent service, SAFEbuilt plays an important role in continually improving lives by developing safe, thriving communities.
SAFEbuilt is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor. 
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at jobs@safebuilt.com or you may call us directly on 970-292-2200.