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If you’ve searched “Urban Planner job description,” you’ve probably found dozens of nearly identical articles—dry bullet points, vague language, and no real insight into what makes a great hire. The problem? Those generic job posts don’t actually attract high-quality urban planners—they just fill your inbox with applicants who may look good on paper but don’t have the vision, problem-solving skills, or community focus the role demands.
Before you write your job description, it’s worth understanding why so many postings fail to convert top talent. They treat the role like a checklist of tasks, instead of an opportunity to show how your organization is shaping cities, improving infrastructure, and making communities more livable.
📖We recommended reading: Our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ — this breaks down the “Old Way” vs “Best New Way” of writing job posts, with real examples you can adapt.
That’s exactly what we’ll fix in this guide. You’ll get plain-English role definitions, two great job description templates (including one for hiring with flexibility), a breakdown of why they work, and a copy-paste version you can adapt in minutes—plus tips on how to make sure the right candidates actually apply.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
What an Urban Planner Actually Does - Their Duties Explained
An urban planner isn’t just someone who works with maps and zoning codes. They’re the bridge between community needs, environmental concerns, and long-term growth. In plain English—urban planners help design the way cities, towns, and neighborhoods function and evolve.
They analyze data, engage with stakeholders, and balance competing priorities to create spaces where people can live, work, and thrive. Yes, they deal with land-use regulations and infrastructure planning, but they also navigate social, economic, and environmental considerations.
In many cases, an urban planner’s work impacts decades into the future. They’re involved in shaping everything from public transportation routes to green space development, from housing density to climate resilience strategies. Which means that skills like collaboration, foresight, and community engagement are just as important as technical expertise.
Put simply: urban planners don’t just draw up plans—they help build the future.
Two Great Urban Planner Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Version 1 — Experienced Urban Planner (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: Senior Urban Planner — Help Shape the Future of Rivertown
🏢 Location: Rivertown, OR | Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 remote)
💼 Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary: $80,000–$90,000/year (Based on Experience)
🗓 Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
🎥 Meet the Team
Before you read on, hear from our planning team about what it’s like to work here:
[Insert Loom/YouTube Link: e.g., “A Day in the Life at Rivertown Planning”]
Who We Are
Rivertown Planning & Design is a multidisciplinary firm dedicated to creating sustainable, livable communities. For over 20 years, we’ve been transforming neighborhoods, revitalizing downtowns, and guiding cities toward a greener, more inclusive future. Our projects blend smart growth strategies with community engagement—because we believe the best plans come from listening to the people they serve.
The Role
We’re seeking a senior urban planner to lead high-impact projects that shape the future of Rivertown and surrounding communities. You’ll oversee everything from master plans to redevelopment strategies, balancing regulatory requirements with visionary design.
What You’ll Do
- Lead urban planning projects from initial concept to approval.
- Conduct site analyses, demographic studies, and environmental impact assessments.
- Organize and facilitate community engagement sessions.
- Collaborate with architects, engineers, and policymakers.
- Ensure compliance with zoning codes, land-use regulations, and sustainability standards.
- Mentor junior planners and provide technical guidance.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Urban Planning or related field.
- 5+ years of professional planning experience.
- Strong project management and leadership skills.
- Deep knowledge of zoning, transportation planning, and environmental policy.
- Exceptional communication and presentation abilities.
- AICP certification preferred.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Work on projects that directly impact how people live, move, and connect.
- Collaborative, mission-driven team culture.
- Hybrid work flexibility.
- Professional development budget for conferences and certifications.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
Our Hiring Process
Every application is reviewed, and we respond to all candidates within two weeks. Shortlisted candidates will complete a skills-based task through WorkScreen—allowing us to assess real-world problem-solving ability, not just résumés.
✅ Version 2 — Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train Urban Planner (Potential-Focused Style)
📌 Job Title: Urban Planning Assistant — Grow Your Career in Rivertown
🏢 Location: Rivertown, OR | Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 remote)
💼 Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary: $55,000–$60,000/year
🗓 Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
🎥 Meet the Team
Get a feel for our culture—watch our short video to meet the planners you’ll be working alongside:
[Insert Loom/YouTube Link: e.g., “Why We Love Planning at Rivertown”]
Who We Are
At Rivertown Planning & Design, we believe great cities start with great ideas—and those ideas can come from anyone. Our mission is to design vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive communities where people can thrive. We work on projects ranging from walkable neighborhoods to large-scale transportation plans, always putting people at the center of the process.
The Role
We’re looking for an enthusiastic urban planning assistant to join our growing team. No years of experience? No problem—we’ll provide the mentorship and training you need to succeed. This is a hands-on opportunity to learn every aspect of the planning process while contributing to meaningful projects from day one.
What You’ll Do
- Assist in preparing maps, data visualizations, and planning reports.
- Support community engagement events and surveys.
- Research zoning codes, demographics, and environmental factors.
- Collaborate with senior planners on proposals and design concepts.
- Learn GIS tools and other industry software (training provided).
What We’re Looking For
- Degree (or in-progress degree) in Urban Planning, Geography, or related field.
- Strong interest in sustainable city design and public spaces.
- Clear communication and organizational skills.
- Willingness to learn and work collaboratively.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Mentorship from experienced urban planners.
- Exposure to diverse, real-world projects.
- Opportunities to attend industry events and training.
- Flexible work arrangements and supportive team environment.
- Health, dental, and vision benefits.
Our Hiring Process
We respect your time and effort—every application is reviewed. Shortlisted applicants will complete a WorkScreen skills-based exercise to help us understand your potential and fit, even if you don’t yet have years of experience.
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Why These Urban Planner Job Posts Work
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Purpose-Driven
Instead of simply saying “Urban Planner” or “Planner Assistant,” both titles specify the level (“Senior” or “Assistant”), the role focus (“Urban Planner”), and the mission or location (“Help Shape the Future of Rivertown” / “Grow Your Career in Rivertown”). This instantly tells candidates what they’re applying for, where it’s based, and why it matters.
✅ 2. The Video Builds Trust and Connection Before Anything Else
By placing the “Meet the Team” video right before the Who We Are section, the reader gets an immediate sense of the culture, the people they’d work with, and the company’s authenticity. This is an instant differentiator—most job posts never show the human side up front.
✅ 3. Warm, Mission-Driven Introductions
Both versions open with why the company exists and what drives its work—not just what they do. The senior role highlights legacy and large-scale impact, while the assistant role emphasizes learning, growth, and inclusivity. This appeals directly to the motivations of each audience.
✅ 4. Transparent Salary & Work Details
Pay ranges, schedule, and work location (including hybrid options) are stated clearly. This builds trust, filters out mismatches early, and shows candidates you respect their time.
✅ 5. Responsibilities Show Impact, Not Just Tasks
In the senior role, it’s not just “conduct site analyses”—it’s “lead projects that shape the future of Rivertown.” In the assistant role, “assist in preparing maps” is framed as part of meaningful community planning. Candidates see the bigger picture.
✅ 6. Requirements Are Tailored to the Audience
For the senior role, the requirements reflect leadership, regulatory expertise, and AICP certification preference. For the assistant role, they’re encouraging, with an emphasis on willingness to learn and grow—inviting a wider, passionate applicant pool.
✅ 7. Benefits and Perks Reinforce Culture
Both posts highlight not just health coverage, but elements like mentorship, conference budgets, hybrid flexibility, and the chance to work on impactful projects. This shows you value people beyond the job description.
✅ 8. Respectful, Human Hiring Process
Both roles outline a clear, respectful process with guaranteed responses and a WorkScreen skills-based evaluation—removing bias and focusing on real abilities. This helps attract serious, motivated candidates and filters out low-effort applicants.
✅ 9. Tone Matches the Candidate’s Mindset
The senior role uses confident, leadership-oriented language; the assistant role uses welcoming, potential-focused language. This tailoring ensures each audience feels like the post was written for them.
Example of a Bad Urban Planner Job Description (And Why It Falls Short)
❌ Bad Urban Planner Job Description
📌 Job Title: Urban Planner
🏢 Company: Metro City Development
💼 Type: Full-Time
📍 Location: Metro City, ST
🗓 Deadline: July 30, 2025
Job Summary
Metro City Development is seeking an urban planner to oversee and coordinate land-use projects in the city. The ideal candidate will have experience in reviewing proposals and preparing reports for city officials.
Key Responsibilities
- Review and process development applications.
- Prepare planning reports and documents.
- Conduct site visits and collect relevant data.
- Ensure compliance with municipal codes and regulations.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or related field.
- 3–5 years of relevant experience.
- Knowledge of zoning regulations.
- Good communication skills.
How to Apply
Send your résumé and cover letter to hr@metrocitydev.com by July 30, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Why This Urban Planner Job Post Fails
❌ 1. The Job Title Is Too Generic
Just saying “Urban Planner” doesn’t signal seniority, project type, or location relevance. It fails to attract people who see themselves in the role.
❌ 2. Cold, Minimal Introduction
The opening summary is bland and transactional. There’s no mission, no vision, no cultural context—just a sterile task list.
❌ 3. No Salary or Benefits Listed
Omitting pay range and perks signals a lack of transparency. Many qualified candidates will skip applying altogether.
❌ 4. Responsibilities Are Overly Vague
Phrases like “prepare reports” and “conduct site visits” could apply to hundreds of roles. There’s no sense of scale, impact, or variety in the work.
❌ 5. Requirements Feel Like a Gate, Not an Invitation
Rigidly stating “3–5 years of relevant experience” without flexibility excludes passionate candidates with transferable skills or emerging talent.
❌ 6. Hiring Process Feels Dismissive
The phrase “only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is impersonal and demotivating—candidates want to feel respected, not like an afterthought.
❌ 7. No Personality, No Sell
There’s zero attempt to inspire, differentiate, or make the reader want to work there. It reads like a compliance notice, not an opportunity.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Urban Planner Job Post Stand Out
Even a strong job description can go from good to irresistible by adding a few extra touches. These details build trust, show you respect candidates, and give your post a competitive edge.
1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice
This reassures applicants their information will be handled safely—a trust signal that many job posts overlook.
Example: “We take the security and privacy of all applicants seriously. We will never request payment, banking details, or personal financial information during the hiring process.”
2. Mention Leave Days or Flexible Time Off
Urban planners often deal with long project cycles and tight deadlines—show you value work-life balance.
Example: “Enjoy up to 20 days of paid leave annually, plus 5 flex days to recharge and stay inspired.”
3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
For senior hires, this could mean conference budgets or leadership courses. For entry-level, it could mean mentorship and certification support.
Example: “We invest in your growth—covering AICP exam fees and providing an annual budget for professional development.”
4. Include a Loom or YouTube Video From the Field
Show short clips of your team at community engagement events, site visits, or design review sessions. Seeing real people in action makes the role tangible and inviting.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
5. Showcase a Signature Project
Urban planners care about impact. Mention one or two recent projects that reflect your values and capabilities.
Example: “Last year, we transformed a 10-acre industrial site into a mixed-use waterfront neighborhood with affordable housing and public green space.”
6. Show How You Engage With the Community
Planners want to know you listen to the people your projects serve. Highlight how you incorporate public input.
Example: “Every major plan we deliver is informed by workshops, surveys, and face-to-face dialogue with residents.”
These extras make your job description not just a posting—but a window into your culture, values, and work philosophy.
A Word of Caution About Using AI for Your Urban Planner Job Post
With so many tools offering “one-click job description generators,” it’s tempting to let AI handle the heavy lifting. The problem? When you feed an AI tool nothing but “Write me an urban planner job description,” you’ll almost always get something bland, predictable, and easily forgettable—just like the bad example we showed earlier.
Why Blindly Using AI Hurts Your Hiring Efforts
- You’ll get generic language — No mention of your city’s unique challenges, your team’s approach, or your company’s mission.
- You’ll attract mismatched applicants — Because the post doesn’t clearly speak to the type of urban planner you actually want.
- It reflects poorly on your brand — Your job post is often the first impression a candidate has of your organization. Generic writing suggests generic thinking.
The Smarter Way to Use AI for This Role
Think of AI as your polishing assistant, not your substitute. Give it rich, role-specific details so it can enhance your writing rather than replace it.
Here’s a better prompt for an urban planner role:
“Help me write a job description for our company, Rivertown Planning & Design. We’re hiring a Senior Urban Planner to lead sustainable, community-focused projects. Our culture is collaborative, impact-driven, and rooted in listening to residents. We want to attract candidates who value long-term vision, stakeholder engagement, and creative problem-solving. We offer $80,000–$90,000/year, hybrid work, professional development funding, and conference allowances. Our hiring process is transparent—we respond to all applicants and use skills-based evaluations through WorkScreen. Here are notes I’ve written about our team and projects: [Insert details here].”
By doing this, AI has the ingredients to create something accurate, on-brand, and compelling—rather than another lifeless template.
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Urban Planner Job Description?
We get it—sometimes you just need something fast.
Maybe you’ve already gone through this guide and understand what a strong job post looks like, but you also want a solid starting point you can copy, paste, and tailor to your company in just a few minutes.
That’s what this is.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Urban Planner Job Description
📌 Job Title: Urban Planner — Shape the Future of [City/Region Name]
🏢 Location: [City, State] | [Hybrid/In-Person/Remote]
💼 Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary: $[Range] (Based on Experience)
🗓 Schedule: [Days + Hours]
🎥 Meet the Team
[Insert Loom/YouTube Link — short video introducing the planning team]
Who We Are
At [Company Name], we believe that great cities start with great ideas—and that those ideas come from collaboration between planners, communities, and stakeholders. We work on projects that range from revitalizing historic neighborhoods to designing climate-resilient infrastructure, always keeping people at the heart of our plans.
The Role
We’re looking for an urban planner to join our growing team. You’ll balance technical expertise with community engagement, helping to create spaces where people live, work, and thrive.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and oversee planning projects from concept through implementation.
- Analyze demographic, environmental, and economic data.
- Facilitate community workshops and public consultations.
- Collaborate with architects, engineers, and policy makers.
- Prepare reports, maps, and visual presentations.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Planning or related field.
- [X]+ years of planning experience (or a strong desire to learn for junior roles).
- Strong communication and facilitation skills.
- Familiarity with zoning codes, land-use policies, and sustainability principles.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Work on impactful projects that shape communities for decades to come.
- Flexible work arrangements.
- Professional development opportunities and conference support.
- Comprehensive benefits package.
Our Hiring Process
We review every application and respond to all candidates within [timeframe]. Shortlisted applicants will complete a skills-based task via WorkScreen to ensure fair, performance-focused evaluation.
✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format (with Job Details)
📌 Job Details
- Job Title: Urban Planner
- Location: [City, State] | [Hybrid/In-Person/Remote]
- Job Type: Full-Time
- Salary: $[Range] (Based on Experience)
- Schedule: [Days + Hours]
- Application Deadline: [Date]
Job Brief
We are seeking an Urban Planner to help design and implement community-focused development projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of zoning laws, infrastructure planning, and community engagement practices.
Responsibilities
- Lead or support planning projects from concept to completion.
- Conduct research and analyze relevant data for planning proposals.
- Engage with residents, businesses, and stakeholders to gather input.
- Ensure compliance with planning regulations and environmental standards.
- Prepare reports, maps, and visual materials for review.
Requirements
- Degree in Urban Planning or related discipline.
- years of professional experience (or willingness to train for junior roles).
- Strong analytical, communication, and presentation skills.
- Proficiency with GIS and other planning tools (preferred).
Salary & Benefits
- $[Range] annual salary, based on experience.
- Health, dental, and vision coverage.
- Paid time off and professional development funding.
Application Process
Submit your application by [date] through our WorkScreen link: [Insert Link]. Every applicant will receive a response, and shortlisted candidates will complete a skills-based evaluation.
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step
Now that you have a compelling Urban Planner job description, the next challenge is making sure the right candidates rise to the top. That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
WorkScreen helps you:
- Quickly identify your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions. - Assess real skills in one click
Go beyond résumés. Use Workscreen to administer role-specific skill tests and scenario-based questions that measure an urban planner’s ability to solve real-world challenges, from zoning conflicts to sustainability planning. - Eliminate low-effort applications
Workscreen eliminates low-effort applicants—including those who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.. - Save time and hire with confidence
With automated evaluations, you can make faster, data-driven hiring decisions—without sacrificing quality.
💡 Next step: Post your job description, create your WorkScreen evaluation link, and share it on your preferred hiring channels. Then sit back and let the system do the initial heavy lifting for you.
Urban Planner Job Description — FAQs
Strong urban planners blend technical expertise with people skills. Key abilities include:
- Knowledge of zoning laws, land-use policies, and environmental regulations.
- Proficiency in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and mapping tools.
- Data analysis and demographic research skills.
- Community engagement and facilitation experience.
- Project management and cross-team collaboration.
- Strong written and verbal communication.
- Problem-solving with a focus on sustainability and equity.
In the United States, urban planners typically earn between $60,000 and $90,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer type. Senior planners or those working in large metropolitan areas can earn $95,000+, while entry-level roles generally start between $50,000 and $60,000.
A day might include reviewing development proposals, conducting site visits, running data analysis, preparing maps and reports, meeting with stakeholders, and hosting community engagement sessions. Planners often split time between office work and fieldwork.
The terms are often used interchangeably. However, “City Planner” typically refers to professionals working specifically for municipal governments, while “Urban Planner” can apply to roles in public, private, or nonprofit sectors, including regional or community development agencies.
Beyond reviewing résumés, consider skills-based evaluations like scenario exercises (e.g., “How would you redesign this public space?”), GIS mapping challenges, or policy review tasks. Using tools like WorkScreen.io ensures fair, performance-based screening.
