Mid-Level Planner/ Urban Designer

CITYTHINKERS is seeking a mid-level Urban Planner/Urban Designer to join our San Diego team. This role supports public- and private-sector planning and design projects across California, including long-range plans, specific plans, community plans, zoning codes, housing policy, entitlement review, and community engagement. CITYTHINKERS offers a flexible work-from-home environment with periodic in-person collaboration for workshops, learning, and team-building.

  • Full Time

  • San Diego

Who we are

CITYTHINKERS is an integrated and multi-disciplinary planning, urban design and research-based firm whose central mission is to build a better city. With thoughtful care and attention, we devote our energy, talents and passion to the communities that support us. We direct our best efforts toward achieving a quality built environment for people, and believe (above all) in making great places. We do this through research, by talking with the community, and with a passion for design that serves a public good.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate across teams: Work with planners, designers, project managers, consultants, clients, and community partners to deliver thoughtful planning documents and design solutions.

  • Support project delivery: Contribute to research, analysis, policy and technical writing, visual materials, reports, project administration, client coordination, and meeting preparation and facilitation.

  • Advance varied planning work: Support comprehensive, specific, downtown, corridor, housing, zoning, and entitlement projects for public agencies and private clients.

Some travel, evening, or weekend work may be required for community engagement, site evaluations, client meetings, or deadlines. Excess hours beyond a 40-hour work week may be offset by paid time off when possible.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate can manage multiple deadlines, think critically and creatively, communicate clearly, work collaboratively, and bring initiative, flexibility, and good judgment to a small team environment. Preferred qualifications include:

  • Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public policy, architecture, urban design, or a related field; master’s degree a plus.

  • At least three (3) years of relevant experience in land use planning, urban planning, urban design, housing policy, community engagement, master planning, zoning, or related work in California; consulting experience is a plus.

  • Ability to produce high-quality reports, planning documents, graphics, maps, presentations, and other client-ready work products.

  • Strong research, writing, policy and code analysis, presentation, and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to support or manage projects, coordinate with consultants, and help keep work on schedule and within budget.

  • Demonstrated interest in inclusive, community-centered planning, design, and equity, with the ability to build respectful relationships with community members and partners.

  • Knowledge of land use planning principles and best practices at the city, county, regional, and state levels.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite/InDesign; GIS, SketchUp, Lumion, and AI tool experience are pluses.

How to Apply

If this position sounds like a fit and you are passionate about supporting and improving communities, please email your resume, writing sample or portfolio, and cover letter to admin@citythinkers.com.

CITYTHINKERS is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We offer a flexible schedule, creative and rewarding work environment, professional development opportunities, PTO, eight paid holidays, and 401K matching. This is a full-time, hourly position eligible for overtime, with a pay range of $35.00–$43.00/hour ($75,000–$90,000/year full-time equivalent), commensurate with skills and experience.