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Urban Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ascent

Lead Urban Designer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$135K - $189K/yr

Our ideal candidate is a seasoned urban designer with deep California experience, a collaborative attitude, and a track record of leading specific plans, master plans, community plans, zoning, form ...

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How much do urban jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for urban in the United States is $72,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are urban planners?

Urban planners are professionals who develop plans and programs for land use in towns, cities, and metropolitan areas. They work to create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities in urban environments. Urban planners consider factors such as sustainability, transportation, housing, and economic development to help shape the future of urban areas. Their work often involves collaborating with public officials, developers, and the community to ensure that development meets the needs of residents and complies with regulations.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $10,000 a month without a degree often include roles such as real estate brokers, sales managers, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers with experience. Success in these fields typically depends on skills, certifications, and performance rather than formal education, and they may require long hours or entrepreneurial effort.

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, geography, and land use policy, typically supported by a degree in urban planning or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, zoning regulations, and project management tools is essential. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills help urban planners build consensus and address community needs. These competencies are vital for creating sustainable, functional, and inclusive urban environments.

What are some common challenges faced by urban planners in balancing community needs with regulatory requirements?

Urban planners often encounter the challenge of aligning community aspirations with zoning laws, environmental regulations, and budgetary constraints. Balancing the desires of residents, such as green spaces or affordable housing, with the mandates of municipal codes or development regulations requires strong communication and negotiation skills. Planners must also adapt to changing demographics and technological advancements while fostering collaboration among government officials, developers, and the public. Successfully navigating these complexities ensures that development is both sustainable and responsive to community needs.

What is the difference between Urban vs Urban Planner?

AspectUrbanUrban Planner
CredentialsVaries widely, often includes general education or specific certificationsBachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, geography, or related field; certification may be required
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, or manage urban spaces; may work in offices, on-site, or in the fieldResearch, plan, and develop urban areas; typically office-based with site visits
Industry UsageUsed broadly for urban-related roles, projects, or conceptsSpecific professional role focused on planning and development of urban areas

Urban is a broad term that can refer to various roles or concepts related to city environments, while an Urban Planner is a specific professional responsible for designing and developing urban spaces. Understanding these differences helps clarify job expectations and career paths in the urban development industry.

More about Urban jobs
What cities are hiring for Urban jobs? Cities with the most Urban job openings:
What states have the most Urban jobs? States with the most job openings for Urban jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Urban jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Urban jobs are:
Urban jobs near you
Infographic showing various Urban job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,746 per year, or $35 per hour.

Lead Urban Designer

Ascent Industries Corp.

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Ascent is looking for a Lead Urban Designer to join our Urban Design + Planning Studio. Our ideal candidate is a seasoned urban designer with deep California experience, a collaborative attitude, and a track record of leading specific plans, master plans, community plans, zoning, form-based codes, design standards, feasibility studies, and community engagement. We are looking for someone with a collaborative attitude, the ability to go beyond convention and develop creative and elegant solutions, and an interest in being part of a fast-paced design studio.
This is a leadership role within our Urban Design + Planning Studio. In a typical week, you might:

  • Drive the design vision - Lead specific plans, master plans, and other urban design and planning projects from concept to delivery, including visioning, site analysis, feasibility studies, and design concepts and strategies.
  • Mentor and elevate the team - Provide guidance, technical expertise, and mentoring to more junior members of the Urban Design + Planning Studio, and collaborate across disciplines, including climate action planning, environmental planning, and natural resources.
  • Develop compelling visuals - Develop 2D and 3D plans and graphics, massing studies, site plans, concept diagrams, 3D renderings, and before/after simulations that bring ideas to life.
  • Prepare graphically rich reports - Produce graphically-rich reports, presentations, and planning documents using InDesign and PowerPoint.
  • Engage the Community - Lead inclusive community engagement and outreach activities, workshops, and meetings for both in-person and virtual outreach.
  • Help grow the practice - Lead business development activities, including identifying opportunities, preparing proposals, leading interviews, and cultivating client relationships.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Requirements
  • A minimum of 12-15 years of consulting experience in urban design and planning, with advanced knowledge of the profession as practiced in the State of California, including planning for housing and mixed-use infill, transit-oriented development, and complete streets.
  • A master's degree or other advanced degree in urban design or planning and an undergraduate degree in architecture or landscape architecture, or a similar combination.
  • Professional experience primarily in a consulting environment, leading urban design and planning projects for public or private clients in California.
  • Experience managing complex urban design and planning projects, including managing sub-consultant teams, supervising early career staff, and leading business development activities.
  • Excellent presentation skills, including strong design and graphic communication skills, as well as the ability to present design concepts to the client, community, and others through compelling presentations and storytelling.
  • Advanced graphic, drawing, and 3D modeling/rendering abilities, with demonstrated proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino (or similar 3D modeling/ rendering tools), Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign), PowerPoint, and Excel are required. Advanced knowledge of Lumion or other rendering platforms is preferred.
Why Ascent We are an Urban Planning + Design Studio that goes beyond convention - immersing ourselves in every project, working collaboratively with our clients and colleagues across many scales from neighborhoods to regions, and producing user-friendly plans, easy-to-navigate codes, and effective design standards that actually get implemented. We encourage creative thinking, high-quality design, and implementable products that genuinely drive change in the communities we serve. At Ascent, you'll have the opportunity to lead meaningful projects, grow your career alongside talented colleagues, and help build something worth being proud of. Work environment
  • Typical office environment
  • In-office
Physical Demands
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • Must be able to lift 15 pounds at a time
Travel
  • Limited travel will be required
Work authorization/security clearance requirements: Not eligible for sponsorship Additional eligibility requirements: N/A At Ascent, we believe in fostering a nurturing environment that prioritizes our people. We are committed to holistic investments in our team, offering not only competitive salaries and comprehensive medical benefits but also a range of perks designed to enhance emotional, financial, and physical wellness. A comprehensive listing of benefits offered can be found here . As a people-first organization, we value and will strive to ascend by welcoming and uplifting all voices, ideas, achievements, and contributions, including those from marginalized communities and identities. We believe that recognizing and embracing our differences makes us a stronger organization. We commit to proactively nurturing environments of mutual support, respect, and caring for all through our words and actions. Interested in learning more about Ascent's culture? Reach out to our People Resources team at PeopleResources@ascent.inc. We look forward to hearing from you! EEO Statement Ascent provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Ascent is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact PeopleResources@ascent.inc. Ascent strives for equity in every area at Ascent, including compensation. To ensure candidates are paid fairly, the offered salary will fall within this range and will be determined based on the candidate's demonstrated qualifications and alignment with the requirements of the position outlined above. Salary Description $135,200-$189,280

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