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  • Landscape Architect/Park Planner

    Palo Alto, California United States City of Palo Alto Full Time $114,732.80 - $172,078.40 Annually Oct 28, 2025
    City of Palo Alto Employer:

    City of Palo Alto

    The Community The birthplace of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto, is a community of approximately 68,000 residents and nearly 100,000 jobs. Located on the mid-Peninsula between San Francisco and San Jose, Palo Alto is recognized worldwide as a leader in cutting-edge technology, medicine, and green innovation. The community's treelined streets and historic buildings reflect its California heritage, and, at the same time, many world-class businesses maintain or started offices here, such as Stanford Health Care and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Amazon, Broadcom, Hewlett-Packard, Houzz, Rivian, SAP and SAP Ariba, Tesla, and Varian Medical Systems. Numerous start-ups are also at home in Palo Alto, arguably making it the start-up capital of the world. Stanford University is foundational to the history and prestige of Palo Alto, reflected in the community's dedication to lifelong learning. Stanford's cultural and educational offerings are integral to the vibrancy and charm of Palo Alto, while the City's exceptional K-12 school district ranks among the top public-school systems in the country. With more than 50% of adult residents holding a graduate degree or higher, Palo Alto is frequently listed as one of the most educated cities in the nation. Palo Alto boasts a genuine sense of community and an active citizenry with strong environmental values. Beautiful neighborhoods are complemented by vibrant commercial corridors and a bustling economy featuring premium shopping and dining options. Excellent healthcare facilities, performing arts, and diverse recreational opportunities are some of the community's incredibly desirable and cherished amenities. To learn more, visit https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/City-Manager/Latest-News City Government Palo Alto is a full-service charter city with a council-manager form of government. The seven-member City Council is elected at large, and the City Council annually selects the Mayor and Vice Mayor from among its members. The Mayor and City Council appoint the City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, and City Auditor. The City Manager is responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the City. Palo Alto is organized into 15 departments/offices with 1,093.10 authorized positions in FY 2025. There is also a FY 2025 capital budget of $316.2 million. Palo Alto owns and operates its own utilities, including electricity (carbon-neutral), gas, water, wastewater, and an expanding fiber network. This dynamic municipal environment ensures an ever-engaging platform for unique problem-solving and advances new initiatives, including sustainability, broadband, and effective service delivery. Community assets also include five libraries, 36 parks, five community centers, a museum and zoo, youth centers, a general aviation airport, an 18-hole golf course, a regional water treatment plant, and wildland open space preserves at the San Francisco Bay and in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains offering 41 miles of walking/biking trails in addition to its police, fire, and ambulance services. Palo Alto has long been a leader in sustainability, and the City's ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals are part of what sets it apart. Since the City's first Climate Protection Plan was passed in 2007, Palo Alto has set goals that exceed State and Federal targets. Today, the City's goal to reduce emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2030 (the "80x30" goal) and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 guides sustainability efforts. An award-winning City, Palo Alto is recognized nationally as innovative and well-managed. City services and performance also receive impressive marks from community members in the Palo Alto Community Survey. Many of those ratings put City programs and services in the highest percentiles among the hundreds of benchmark cities. Palo Alto makes decisions through comprehensive processes and proactively seeks to involve its extremely informed, educated, and engaged residents. Projects are naturally a cooperative effort among the City Council, Boards, Commissions, Committees, engaged residents, neighborhoods, businesses, property owners, and staff. Join an Award Winning Team  Palo Alto is an award-winning City recognized nationwide as innovative and well-managed. Palo Alto is one of a small number of California cities with a AAA bond rating. Recently, Palo Alto became one of the most livable cities in the U.S. by Livability.com. It's the only city to receive the Platinum Beacon Award in sustainability best practices by California’s Institute for Local Government. We offer a variety of career paths that relate to building and improving communities. The City has fourteen departments employing 1,000 full-time staff. Police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, and building inspectors keep us safe. Engineers and public works staff build and re-build the physical infrastructure. City planners help envision and shape future community growth. Recreation, arts and library professionals enhance community life. Utilities provides electric, gas, water, sewer and other services. Internal services departments help manage, staff, and protect the City. Want to learn more about our benefits? Learn more by reviewing our "Benefits at a Glance Booklet." Contact Us Phone: 650-329-2376    Email: Recruit@paloalto.gov    Location: City Hall, 1st Floor | 250 Hamilton Ave 94301 | View Map

    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Job Description

    Description

    Join the City of Palo Alto and help shape the future of our parks and open spaces!

    The Public Works Department - Engineering Services Division, Parks Group is seeking a Landscape Architect / Park Planner to lead the planning, design, and management of park improvement projects citywide. This is an exciting opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of parks, natural preserves, and community spaces as part of our Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs).

    Role Overview
    Under general direction, you will:
      ◦ Lead the planning, design, construction, and renovation of park projects
      ◦ Manage budgets, contracts, and consultants
      ◦ May need to supervise non-management staff or advise other staff on landscaping projects and conduct community meetings
      ◦ Ensure compliance with laws, codes, and policies
      ◦ Prepare reports and presentations for management, boards, and City Council
    To learn more about our community parks, their maintenance, and the types of projects you may oversee, please visit our [parks webpage].

    Ideal Candidate
    The ideal candidate brings creativity, technical expertise, and proven project management skills. Key strengths include:
      ◦ Experience in park planning, design, and construction management

      ◦ Budgeting, contract oversight, and consultant management

      ◦ Strong communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills

      ◦ Ability to collaborate with the community, city departments, and leadership


    If you’re passionate about creating high-quality public spaces that enrich community life, we encourage you to apply!

    Essential Duties

    Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
      ◦ Designs department projects and manages consultant contracts.
      ◦ Acts as technical advisor to other departments on park planning/landscaping matters.
      ◦ Serves as a technical liaison to management by providing a scope and cost estimate for Capital and Infrastructure Management Projects.
      ◦ Works with Project Manager and appropriate Division Heads to complete complex and difficult projects, including schedules, cost estimates, contracts, and presentation material for approval by department, City Manager and/or Council boards and commissions.
      ◦ Writes, reviews and edits staff reports to City Council and engineering reports.



    Click HERE for the full job description for the Landscape Architect/Park Planner.

    Minimum Qualifications

    Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge and skills, which would typically be acquired through:
      ◦ Bachelor's degree in a related field and five years of directly related experience;
    or,
      ◦ an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.


    Licensing Requirements:
      ◦ Valid California Driver's License;
      ◦ Possession of a California State Landscape Architect's License at time of appointment or ability to acquire within one year of employment

    Preferred Qualifications:
      ◦ Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture or Park Planning
      ◦ Master's degree in a related field, and California State Landscape Architect's License


    Supplemental Information

    The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

    See our Benefits at a Glance Bookletfor more details.
    Learn more about our Compensation Plan HERE.

    Closing Date/Time: 11/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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Top Planning and Development Jobs: A Guide to Career Opportunities and Growth

Top Planning and Development Jobs: A Guide to Career Opportunities and Growth
 

Introduction to Planning and Development Careers

Planning and development careers play a pivotal role in shaping cities, towns, and regions by balancing community needs, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Professionals in this field must comprehensively understand planning law, community development, and real estate development. The job market in this sector is diverse, offering roles across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

 

Types of Planning and Development Jobs

  1. Urban Planner: Responsible for developing comprehensive urban designs that guide the future growth of cities, including transportation systems and land use.
  2. Community Development Manager: This position leads initiatives related to community development, including affordable housing projects and urban renewal efforts.
  3. Real Estate Developer: Focuses on creating and managing both commercial and residential real estate projects.
  4. Historic Preservation Specialist: Works to conserve and protect historic buildings, ensuring they remain integral to the community’s cultural identity.
  5. Economic Development Director: Develop strategies to foster economic development and enhance the financial prosperity of a town or region.
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Planning and Development Job Roles

Job roles in the planning and development field are diverse, with each position offering unique responsibilities and opportunities for impact.

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  1. Data Analysis: One key task in many planning jobs is conducting data analysis to inform project decisions.
  2. Stakeholder Collaboration: Working with various stakeholders, such as residents, local governments, and businesses, is critical for the success of any project.
  3. Project Management: Overseeing construction and development projects from planning to implementation requires strong leadership and organizational skills.
  4. Compliance with Planning Law: To avoid legal challenges, projects must meet the requirements of local planning law.
  5. Environmental Considerations: Incorporating environmental regulations into land and urban design plans is becoming increasingly important in modern development.
 

Planning and Development Skills and Qualifications

Successful careers in planning and development demand a blend of formal education, analytical skills, and interpersonal communication abilities. Common qualifications include:

  1. Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in urban planning, real estate, or community development is often required.
  2. Analytical Skills: Strong data analysis and problem-solving abilities are crucial for identifying solutions to complex challenges.
  3. Stakeholder Communication: Effective communication with stakeholders, from residents to government officials, is key to implementing successful projects.
  4. GIS Knowledge: Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is often necessary for land use planning and urban design projects.
  5. Planning Law Expertise: Familiarity with planning law and local regulations is critical for ensuring that projects comply with legal and zoning requirements.
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Careers In Government
 

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Launch your career with Careers in Government! Explore exciting opportunities, connect with passionate professionals, and shape your legacy.

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Planning Law and Policy

Understanding planning law and policy is essential for professionals in this field. Zoning regulations, land use laws, and historic preservation policies all impact the design and execution of planning projects.

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  1. Zoning and Land Use: Knowledge of zoning regulations and land use policies is essential for ensuring that developments align with local rules.
  2. Community Development Policies: Community planners must be familiar with programs designed to promote economic development and social equity.
  3. Historic Preservation: Professionals must understand preservation laws to protect historic sites while fostering modern growth.
  4. Environmental Regulations: Keeping projects compliant with environmental policies, particularly those related to land use and sustainable urban design, is increasingly important.

Industry Trends and Best Practices

Professionals in the planning and development field must stay informed about emerging trends and best practices to remain competitive.

  1. Sustainable Development: There is a growing emphasis on creating eco-friendly developments prioritizing energy efficiency and green spaces.
  2. Inclusive Community Development: Planners are incorporating strategies that ensure all community members, regardless of background, can benefit from community development projects.
  3. Innovative Urban Design: Cutting-edge designs focus on making cities more livable and adaptable to future challenges, such as climate change.
  4. Technology and Data Analysis: Advanced technology, like GIS and big data, has revolutionized how professionals approach urban design and planning.
  5. Effective Stakeholder Engagement: Public input and collaboration are now seen as crucial components of any successful project, ensuring that the needs of all residents are considered.
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Job Search and Career Development

Building a career in planning and development involves more than just technical expertise; networking and continuing education play significant roles.

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  1. Networking: Building connections with professionals in related fields can open doors to new job opportunities and collaborative projects.
  2. Staying Current with Industry Trends: Regularly updating your knowledge of industry trends, especially in areas like historic preservation and economic development, will keep you competitive in the job market.
  3. Professional Development: Pursuing certifications like the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) can significantly boost your credentials.
  4. Portfolio Development: Creating a solid portfolio that showcases your ability to manage and deliver successful projects is crucial for career advancement.
  5. Job Boards and Search Engines: Keeping an eye on job postings in cities like San Antonio, Austin, or NY, hubs for development projects, is a great way to explore job opportunities.
 

Conclusion

Careers in planning and development offer a wide range of opportunities for professionals looking to positively impact their communities. From urban design to historic preservation and economic growth, the possibilities are vast. You can build a rewarding career in this dynamic planning law by honing data analysis skills and staying up-to-date with industry trends.

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