Regional Planner Jobs in Irvine, CA
Regional Planner jobs in Irvine are concentrated in the Irvine Business Complex, the Great Park Neighborhoods, and the Irvine Spectrum district, with strong demand from public agencies, engineering consultancies, and real estate developers. Employers hiring right now include Typsa, CDM Smith, and Parker Hannifin. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.
Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.
Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.
- Preferred locations for this position include Greater Los Angeles and Southern California.
- Provide hands-on technical leadership and strategic oversight of CEQA/NEPA environmental and planning projects.
- Developing project documentation of proposed activities for compliance, with federal and state environmental/planning regulations and guidance.
- Craft compelling and technically rigorous reports that influence environmental policy and decision-making.
- Providing quality reviews of CEQA/NEPA documents/projects.
- Champion the development of emerging professionals through mentorship and advanced training, building the next generation of CEQA/NEPA experts.
- May supervise the work of junior planning and environmental staff on project work.
Skills & Abilities:
Master complex principles and innovative methods for large-scale land use planning, with deep insight into strategic cost-benefit analysis and sustainable development solutions. Expert knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process. Expert knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. Exceptional ability to communicate complex technical concepts with clarity and persuasion to diverse audiences, from clients to regulatory agencies.
Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Urban, Community or Regional Planning or related discipline. AICP, PTP, PE, CEP or approved certification in a related field. Or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Urban, Community or Regional Planning or related discipline. 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree or 9 years of experience with Master's degree. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Preferred Qualifications:- Expertise/knowledge of CEQA and NEPA processes and requirements.
- Expertise in writing CEQA and NEPA documents for a variety of agencies and project types and sizes.
- Transit and Aviation CEQA/NEPA experience.
Amount of Travel Required: 10% or less EEO Statement: We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Background Check and Drug Testing Information: CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing. Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Additional Compensation : All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position. Pay Range Min: USD $120,266.00 Pay Range Max: USD $210,434.00 Visa Sponsorship Available : No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position
See All 18 Regional Planner Jobs in Irvine
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Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Manufacturing
Regional Planner Jobs in Irvine: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a regional planner job in Irvine?
Target Irvine's public sector agencies, large master-planned community developers, and the environmental and transportation consulting firms clustered in the Irvine Business Complex and around the Great Park. Candidates with GIS proficiency, CEQA experience, and familiarity with Orange County's long-range planning frameworks stand out. Attending Orange County Planning Congress events and engaging with the City of Irvine's planning division builds the local professional visibility that often leads to referrals.
Which companies hire regional planners in Irvine?
Companies currently hiring regional planners in Irvine include Typsa, CDM Smith, and Parker Hannifin, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Irvine's employer mix skews toward large engineering and planning consultancies serving Orange County municipalities, alongside developers managing some of the largest master-planned communities in the country.
Are there remote regional planner jobs in Irvine?
Yes, though selectively, since regional planning often requires on-site fieldwork, public hearings, and agency coordination that limits full-remote arrangements. About 43% of regional planner openings tied to Irvine are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with most flexible arrangements applying to long-range planning, data analysis, and environmental review work rather than current planning or permitting roles.
How can I get a regional planner job in Irvine with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Irvine is an internship or junior planner role with the City of Irvine's Community Development Department or with one of the large Orange County transportation and infrastructure consultancies. Entry-level GIS analyst and planning technician positions at these firms often convert to full planner roles. A portfolio showing CEQA documentation, land use mapping, or general plan research relevant to Southern California conditions gives early-career candidates a meaningful edge locally.
Which industries hire the most regional planners in Irvine?
Irvine regional planner roles concentrate in Consulting & Professional Services and Manufacturing, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Irvine's role as Orange County's largest planned city, combined with ongoing infrastructure investment and proximity to major transportation corridors, keeps demand across those sectors consistently active.
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