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Urban Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description Our Urban Design + Planning Studio is looking for a mid-level Urban Planner to join our team in Sacramento. Our ideal candidate has experience working on long-range planning projects in ...

This role will support planning efforts for college and university campuses, with opportunities to contribute to related urban and community planning projects. The ideal candidate will have an ...

We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design ... Prepare detailed urban designs for public spaces of all types * Prepare high-quality illustrations ...

This role will support planning efforts for college and university campuses, with opportunities to contribute to related urban and community planning projects. The ideal candidate will have an ...

Mid-Level Urban Planner

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$83K - $114K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description Our Urban Design + Planning Studio is looking for a mid-level Urban Planner to join our team in Sacramento. Our ideal candidate has experience working on long-range ...

We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design ... Prepare detailed urban designs for public spaces of all types * Prepare high-quality illustrations ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Urban Planning information

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How much do urban planning jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for urban planning in the United States is $75,033.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $84,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is urban planning?

Urban planning is the process of designing and organizing the physical, social, and economic development of cities and towns. Urban planners work to create sustainable, functional, and attractive environments by managing land use, transportation systems, public spaces, and infrastructure. Their work involves balancing the needs of communities, businesses, and the environment, often through collaboration with government officials, architects, and the public. Effective urban planning helps communities grow and thrive while addressing challenges like housing, traffic congestion, and environmental sustainability.

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, often supported by a degree in urban planning or a related field. Experience with GIS software, zoning codes, and public engagement platforms is typically required. Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills set outstanding planners apart by enabling effective collaboration with stakeholders and the public. These skills ensure the development of sustainable, functional, and equitable urban environments that meet community needs.

How does an urban planner typically collaborate with other professionals and stakeholders during a project?

Urban planners work closely with a range of professionals such as civil engineers, architects, public officials, and community members to develop and implement plans for land use and urban growth. Collaboration often involves attending meetings, conducting public consultations, and integrating feedback from various stakeholders to ensure projects meet regulatory requirements and community needs. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as urban planners must balance diverse interests while creating sustainable and functional urban environments.

What is the difference between Urban Planning vs City Planning?

AspectUrban PlanningCity Planning
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Geography, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentPublic agencies, consulting firms, non-profitsMunicipal government, public agencies, private firms
Industry UsageUsed broadly for regional and community developmentOften focused on specific city or municipal projects

Urban Planning and City Planning are closely related fields, with overlapping credentials and work environments. Urban Planning generally covers broader regional or community development, while City Planning tends to focus on specific city-level projects. Both roles aim to improve urban spaces but differ in scope and scale.

What cities are hiring for Urban Planning jobs? Cities with the most Urban Planning job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Urban Planning jobs? The most popular types of Urban Planning jobs are:
What states have the most Urban Planning jobs? States with the most job openings for Urban Planning jobs include:
Design Director - Urban Planning

Design Director - Urban Planning

Gensler

Los Angeles, CA

$125K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Gensler rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Your Role

Gensleris seeking an experienced Design Director to join ourCities+ Urban Design / Mobility + Transportation Los Angeles studio to lead a range of high-profile public and private sector projects including urban design, streetscape, public realm, master plans, design guidelines, and other planning and design projects.Ideal candidates willpossessa background in architecture, landscape architecture and/or urban design and planning and havedemonstratedexperience leading projects and teams. Strong interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills are critical. Ideal candidates will have experience workingwith andstrong relationships with cities, public agencies, transit agencies, and developers throughout California. Candidates should be collaborative and excited to mentor and grow the next generation of design professionals. This candidate willbe responsible foridentifyingbusiness development opportunities, leading proposal responses, and delivering project work.

What You Will Do

  • Lead business development through building client relationships,identifyingopportunities, and leading proposal responses to RFPs

  • Lead project teams in generatinganddeliveringcreativeplanning and design solutions

  • Primaryclient contact on design issuesaccountable for design excellence

  • Mentor for next generation design talentin the studio

  • Engage in office and regional design initiatives, including leadership within the design community

Your Qualifications

  • Master's degree inArchitecture, Landscape Architecture,City/Regional Planning, Urban Design, or other closely relatedfields

  • Licensedin Architecture and/or Landscape Architecture

  • AICP certified or eligible and willing to become AICP certified

  • 15or moreyears of experience relatedtourbanplanning,urbandesign, and architecture

  • Proven experience successfully responding to public RFPs and winning projects

  • Proven performance in directing design and delivery process on multiple projects

  • Proven ability to create compelling design solutions

  • Experience leading collaborative project teams and mentoring staff

  • Experience developing and leading client relationships with private and public sector clients

  • Experience leading community workshops and public presentations

  • Excellent written,verbaland graphic communication skillsand organizational skills

  • Thought leadership on urban design and planning (published blogs, papers, panels, teaching experience)

  • Leadership indesign industryprofessional organizations(AIA,APA, ASLA, ULI)

  • ProficiencyinGIS and Mapping tools

  • Proficiencyin AutoCAD,Revit,Sketch-Up, Rhino and/or other 3D modeling software

  • Proficiencyin Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook,Powerpoint) and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)

  • Familiarity working with AI design and visualization tools

  • Certification in sustainable design (LEED, Envision,or other)

**The base salary will be estimated between $125,000-$195,000 annually, plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience. To learn more about our compensation philosophy and full benefits offerings, please visit Great People, Great Rewards | Gensler

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to "Well-being Awareness Week," our offices reflectour people'sdiverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offera 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has beenestablishedbased on local markets.

As part of the firm's commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.


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