Associate Principal Planner

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

AECOM is actively seeking an Associate Principal Planner. In collaboration with our California community and regional planning practice, the Associate Principal Planner will engage with our public and private sector clients and support a variety of multidisciplinary projects, including specific plans, general and community plans, zoning updates, housing policy updates, economic analyses and strategies, and master plans. The Associate Principal Planner would join a team of professionals known for analytical rigor, innovative solutions, groundbreaking sustainability work, and steadfast dedication to our clients’ success. The successful candidate must have a strong interest in developing high quality development standards and regulations, policy planning documents, and economic and housing strategies; excellent verbal and written communication skills; excellent project management capabilities; significant community engagement experience; and the desire to work in a fast-paced and collaborative multidisciplinary team environment. The Associate Principal Planner would support projects throughout California and nationally and would be assigned to our Los Angeles office.

US West Buildings + Places has a vast market spread and geography, providing opportunities across a wide range of project typologies, including Science & Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Commercial, Aerospace, Higher Education, Industrial and Process, Transportation, Aviation, Sports and Federal market sectors across the western United States and beyond. As a dynamic team of Architects, Planners, and Engineers we strive to incorporate beauty, sustainability, resiliency, and innovation in our projects.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Leads teams of AECOM staff and subconsultants in support of master plans, specific plans, community plans, zoning updates, housing analysis and strategies, market and fiscal analyses, grant applications, corridor plans, mobility strategies, and other regulatory and policy planning projects
• Manages planning projects, including budgeting, staffing, and timelines
• Oversees the development of high-quality, user-friendly documents, exhibit boards, and engagement materials
• Oversees demographic, economic, environmental, and other planning research, including spatial research using GIS, and coordinates interdisciplinary work that supports informed decision making
• Coordinates public engagement, decision maker workshops and hearings, staff reports, noticing, and other elements of the public process for planning documents and project approvals
• Leads multiple projects at a time and prioritizes multiple tasks needed to meet deadlines
• Interprets and applies applicable government policies, codes, ordinances, and regulations
• Acts as a liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers, and elected and appointed officials in developing neighborhood, area, community, and potentially, regional plans
• Presents projects to Planning Commission, City Council, and other elected officials
• Writes, reviews, and presents formal and technical reports, working papers and correspondence.
• Identifies community opportunities, issues, and important trends that can be addressed through the development and implementation of strategic policies
• Collaborates with other leaders to proactively engage clients and develop new opportunities, as well as identifying opportunities to serve our clients through our many on-call contracts for planning services

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, regional planning, city planning, or related degree program
• 8+ years of related experience working in planning or economics fields or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education

Preferred Qualifications:

• 15+ years of related experience working in planning or economics fields
• Master's degree in urban planning, regional planning, city planning, or related degree program
• Working knowledge or expertise with the California Environmental Quality Act

• This position will not offer sponsorship now or in the future.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.