Urban Planner – Community Planning

Environmental Science Associates•Sacramento, CA

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is seeking an Urban Planner – Community Planning to join their Northern California Community Development team. This role requires 2-7 years of professional experience, with a strong preference for candidates with 3+ years who are ready to take on increasing responsibility. The position is full-time, salaried, and follows a hybrid work model, combining in-office collaboration with flexible remote work. Qualified candidates must be within a commutable distance to one of ESA's Northern California offices (San Francisco, Sacramento, Petaluma, Oakland, & San Jose), with a preference for the San Francisco office. The role involves contributing to and leading planning work on various community-focused projects, with opportunities for professional growth through mentorship and hands-on experience. Travel for site visits, projects, and team collaboration may be required. Writing samples may be requested during the interview process.

Requirements

2-7 years of professional experience
Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Studies, Geography, Public Policy, or a related field.
Comfortable supporting and leading planning tasks, conducting research and analysis, and contributing to high-quality planning documents.
Strong technical writer, able to translate complex ideas, data, and policy frameworks into clear, well-organized, and accessible written materials.
Enjoy managing your work, meeting deadlines, and coordinating with project managers and teammates.
Ready to lead defined work tasks and support project schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
Comfortable collaborating with colleagues across multiple offices and locations.
Thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and enjoy working with people from different disciplines and backgrounds.
Value learning from others, adapting to evolving project needs, and contributing ideas that strengthen project outcomes.
Committed to equity, inclusion, and community impact.
Open to fieldwork if needed and can walk long distances carrying a backpack.
Able to lift at least 50 pounds.
Confident working outside, in remote and rural settings, as well as in urban environments.
Physical outdoor work may include, but may not be limited to, work in all types of weather, traversing uneven ground and sometimes steep terrain in vegetated environments, agricultural fields, arid lands, and along stream banks.
May be exposed to inclement weather and uncomfortable working conditions.
Some early morning, late night and/or weekend work, as well as long hours may be required.

Nice To Haves

3+ years of experience
Master's degree
Previous experience with project management, entitlement support and applications, urban design, climate/resilience planning

Responsibilities

Perform land use and community planning research and analysis, including zoning interpretation, policy review, demographic and spatial analysis.
Serve as a contributing author of planning documents such as Specific Plans, Area Plans, Master Plans, General Plan updates, zoning and design standards, technical memoranda.
Prepare clear, concise, and well-supported draft documents and graphics.
Lead assigned planning tasks with guidance from senior staff, applying standard planning methods and sound judgment.
Support project managers with task tracking, schedules, and coordination of deliverables.
Assist with scope, schedule, and budget tracking for assigned tasks.
Deliver work on time and within budget, communicating proactively about progress and challenges.
Participate in quality control and peer review to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including planners, scientists, engineers, and designers, across ESA’s business lines and offices.
Participate in public outreach and engagement efforts, including facilitation assistance, coordination, and preparation of materials for public meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement activities.
Attend and participate in client and agency meetings as appropriate.
Demonstrate a growing interest in business development, including learning how client relationships are built and maintained and supporting efforts to grow ESA’s client base.
May participate in proposal development activities, such as assisting with scope development, budgeting, and scheduling, under the guidance of senior staff.
Engage in ESA initiatives and internal programs, including those focused on innovation, digital tools, and responsible use of AI, that support collaboration, efficiency, and professional growth.
Show a growing interest in project management, including learning about project delivery, coordination, and financial tracking.
Participate in professional organizations, conferences, and industry events to support professional development and broaden planning knowledge.
Other ad-hoc tasks as needed