Our Urban Design + Planning Studio is looking for an Urban Planner with housing policy expertise to join our team in Sacramento or San Diego. Our ideal candidate has experience working on housing elements, navigating State housing law, working with zoning codes, using GIS for analysis and mapping, and supporting community engagement. We are looking for someone who shares our passion for improving communities and brings a collaborative attitude, the ability to take ownership of assignments, a drive to go beyond convention, and can develop creative solutions in a fast-paced urban planning and design studio. Please consider applying if you are a strong writer who can translate technical information into clear, approachable language and are comfortable working with data and GIS to support analysis and mapping.  

In a typical week, you might: 

• Write planning documents – Support the development of housing elements and policy documents, writing clearly for different audiences. 
• Research, analyze, and translate data – Prepare charts, tables, and maps that interpret data to show demographic trends, sites inventory capacity, land use regulations, and housing needs. 
• Apply GIS skills – Use GIS to analyze data, conduct sites inventories, and produce maps for reports and presentations. 
• Produce compelling visuals – Create graphically rich reports, presentations, and documents using Word and PowerPoint that communicate ideas effectively to clients, decision-makers, and the public. Adobe InDesign and Adobe Creative Suite experience preferred. 
• Engage communities – Help facilitate community outreach activities, including workshops, charrettes, and online and in-person meetings, using tools and techniques that make engagement interactive, educational, and welcoming to all. 
• Support other planning projects – Contribute to the preparation of general plans, specific plans, zoning updates, and other types of policy planning documents. 
• Assist project managers – Attend coordination calls with clients and provide project management support to ensure projects stay on budget and on schedule.   

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  

• 3 or more years of consulting experience working in urban planning in California, with hands-on work focusing on housing elements, including familiarity with sites inventories, AFFH requirements, and housing legislation. 
• Other related experience working on general plan updates, zoning, or similar work. 
• Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree (preferred) in urban or regional planning, or closely related field.  
• Demonstrated ability to author planning documents, policy reports, and code provisions that are accurate, well-organized, and accessible to non-technical audiences; writing samples required. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); Adobe InDesign and Adobe Creative Suite preferred. 
• Proficiency in GIS for analysis, site inventory, and map production. 

Why Ascent

We're an Urban Design + Planning studio that believes planning is one of the most powerful tools we have to advance housing equity and build more livable, inclusive communities – and we bring that passion to everything we do. We immerse ourselves in every project – working across scales from neighborhoods to regions, navigating complex housing policies, and producing user-friendly plans that are tailored to the communities we work in. At Ascent, you'll work on housing, equity, and other policy challenges that genuinely matter, growing alongside a team of dedicated planners and designers, and helping to build something worth being proud of.  

Work Environment 

• Typical office environment
• In-person 3 to 4 days per week 
• Located in Sacramento or San Diego 

Physical Demands 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at a time. 

Travel 

• Limited travel may be required. 

Work authorization/security clearance requirements: Not eligible for sponsorship

Additional eligibility requirements: N/A  

At Ascent, we believe in fostering a nurturing environment that prioritizes our people. We are committed to holistic investments in our team, offering not only competitive salaries and comprehensive medical benefits but also a range of perks designed to enhance emotional, financial, and physical wellness. A comprehensive listing of benefits offered can be found here.

As a people-first organization, we value and will strive to ascend by welcoming and uplifting all voices, ideas, achievements, and contributions, including those from marginalized communities and identities. We believe that recognizing and embracing our differences makes us a stronger organization. We commit to proactively nurturing environments of mutual support, respect, and caring for all through our words and actions. 

Interested in learning more about Ascent's culture? Reach out to our People Resources team at PeopleResources@ascent.inc. We look forward to hearing from you!

EEO Statement

Ascent provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Ascent is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact PeopleResources@ascent.inc. 

Ascent strives for equity in every area at Ascent, including compensation. To ensure candidates are paid fairly, the offered salary will fall within this range and will be determined based on the candidate's demonstrated qualifications and alignment with the requirements of the position outlined above.