Urban Planner - Community Planning

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee‑owned environmental consulting firm. We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore for projects across our communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands. We are 50 years strong in 21 offices across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southeast United States.

ESA is seeking an Urban Planner – Community Planning to join our Northern California Community Development team, with 2‑7 years of professional experience
. Strong preference for candidates with 3+ years' experience who are ready to take on increasing responsibility in project delivery while learning from experienced planners, scientists, and designers.

This is an exempt, full‑time, salaried position that follows a hybrid work model, combining in‑office collaboration with flexible remote work, and offers opportunities to work on projects both in‑office and off‑site throughout the region. Qualified candidates must be within a commutable distance to one of our Nor Cal ESA Offices including:
San Francisco, Sacramento, Petaluma, Oakland, & San Jose
. Preference given to candidates able to work hybrid in our San Francisco office.

This role may involve some travel for site visits, projects, and in‑person team collaboration as needed. Please note, writing samples may be requested as a step in the interview process.

• Growing Community Planning Professional
  :
  You have a solid foundation in land use and community planning and are excited to continue developing your technical expertise across related disciplines, including climate resilience, transportation planning, and urban design. You are comfortable supporting and leading planning tasks, conducting research and analysis, and contributing to high‑quality planning documents. You are a strong technical writer, able to translate complex ideas, data, and policy frameworks into clear, well‑organized, and accessible written materials.
• Organized and Reliable Project Contributor
  :
  You enjoy managing your work, meeting deadlines, and coordinating with project managers and teammates. You are ready to lead defined work tasks and support project schedules, budgets, and deliverables, and you are comfortable collaborating with colleagues across multiple offices and locations.
• Collaborative and Curious Team Player
  :
  You thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment and enjoy working with people from different disciplines and backgrounds. You value learning from others, adapting to evolving project needs, and contributing ideas that strengthen project outcomes.
• Equity‑Minded Planner
  :
  You are committed to equity, inclusion, and community impact and want to be an active participant in building ESA's Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) culture. You value collaboration, mentorship, sponsorship, and supportive team environments and are eager to contribute to and grow within a workplace that prioritizes inclusive practices, shared learning, and professional development.
• Must hold a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Studies, Geography, Public Policy, or a related field. Master’s degree is a plus.
• Previous experience with project management, entitlement support and applications, urban design, climate/resilience planning is a plus, not required.
• You are open to fieldwork if needed and can walk long distances carrying a backpack; and are able to lift at least 50 pounds
  . You are 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. You 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.

• Technical Planning and Task Leadership
  • 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…