Urban Planner Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Urban planners qualify for H-1B visa, O-1 visa, and EB-2 NIW visas based on specialized knowledge in zoning, transportation planning, and community development. Most positions require a master's degree in urban planning or related field, though some accept bachelor's plus experience. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Waggonner & Ball, a Moffatt & Nichol Studio, is actively seeking an Urban Planner with landscape and architectural interests to join our New Orleans office.
Waggonner & Ball is an internationally respected urban planning, design, and architecture firm with an interdisciplinary practice committed to creating resilient landscapes, buildings, and communities. Our projects span all scales from buildings and sites to regions with a focus on water, culture, and history.
Moffatt & Nichol is a leading U.S.-based global infrastructure advisor specializing in the planning and design of facilities that shape and serve our coastlines, harbors and rivers, as well as an innovator in transportation. For the 4th year in a row, Moffatt & Nichol is Ranked #1 in Engineering News-Record for Marine & Port Facilities in the U.S. Additionally, our firm consistently ranks in the Top 100 Pure Designers in the US and the Top 50 Designers in International Markets.
Moffatt & Nichol's professional staff includes engineers, planners, scientists and architects who serve our global client base from offices in Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Pacific Rim. The firm provides clients worldwide with customized service and a level of excellence that have become the firm’s hallmark in several primary practice areas – ports and harbors; coastal, environmental and water resources; urban waterfronts and marinas; transportation, bridges and rail; inspection and rehabilitation; and energy.
Together, we deliver beautiful, holistic solutions to the most critical climate challenges of our time.
Duties and responsibilities:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
- Support the preparation and development of urban plans, master plans, zoning analyses, and technical planning reports under general direction, with increasing ownership of deliverables
- Contribute to flood-resilient urban and coastal planning efforts, considering factors such as sea-level rise, storm surge, heavy rainfall events, and other natural hazards
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary project teams — including architects, landscape architects, engineers, and environmental scientists — to develop integrated planning solutions
- Support community engagement activities including public meetings, stakeholder presentations, and outreach to clients, community groups, and public agencies
- Assist in the preparation of grant applications and regulatory submissions
- Apply sound analytical and problem-solving skills to moderately complex planning scenarios, escalating impactful or complex decisions to senior staff as appropriate
- Assists with master planning, site planning and design efforts and documentation development, utilizing 2-D and 3-D modeling and digital presentation packaging
- Develops and supports creative design concepts for clients/projects
- Interfaces with client on design issues and determines and develops solutions
- Develops, modifies, and reviews production drawings and construction documents and corrects and updates documents as required
- Monitor project progress, assist in tracking schedules and budgets, and coordinate with project managers on deliverables
- Performs other duties as requested by management
Other duties:
Please note this job posting 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.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Public Policy, or a related discipline;
- Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Public Policy, or a related discipline; highly preferred
- 3–7 years of professional experience in urban planning or a closely related discipline
- Experience with resilience planning, floodplain management, FEMA CRS, or hazard mitigation planning a strong plus
- Interest in working at all scales of design, from regional systems to details, and all project phases
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and experience working in various database software programs
- Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) for planning and design graphics and public-facing materials
- Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills
- Ability to analyze demographic data and identify trends in employment, housing, health, and other planning-relevant areas
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to handle moderately complex scenarios creatively and independently
- Ability to work independently on semi-complex tasks with minimal supervision, while relying on more senior staff for impactful or complex decisions
- Ability to build working relationships across functions and act as a resource for colleagues
- Proven ability to multi-task, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines
- Availability and willingness to travel as project needs require
- All new hires will be required to successfully complete and pass a pre-employment (post offer) background check in compliance with NIST 800-171
- Waggonner & Ball, a Moffatt & Nichol Design Studio uses E-Verify and employment is contingent upon the legal ability to obtain employment in the U.S. and to present the required documentation at hire
Physical Requirements:
Sedentary for long periods of time, interact with clients, and travel occasionally.
Moffatt & Nichol’s Employment Benefits:
At Waggonner & Ball and Moffatt & Nichol, we genuinely care about our team and strive to create a warm, welcoming environment. We’re excited to offer a range of great benefits and cover many costs to support you. Here are some highlights:
- We offer a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package with low employee contributions
- Family coverage is available
- Low-deductible plan available
- Generous HSA match to help manage healthcare expenses
- Stay energized with our amazing Wellness Program (with financial incentives) to keep you healthy and fit
- Features include: monthly one-on-one sessions with nutritionists, access to a Healthwise Pharmacist, mindfulness apps like The Calm and BetterHelp, and more
- Free and confidential Employee Assistance Programs for counseling and support
- Generous Paid time off (15 to 25 days based on experience level), Paid Holidays (7), and a floating holiday
- 401(k) match to help you reach your financial goals
- Excellent Life Insurance coverage, fully paid by the company
- You may also have the option to further your education with our comprehensive Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Plus, there are plenty of training opportunities, a Leadership Development Program, a formal Mentoring program, an active YP (Young Professionals) group, and so much more
- And because we care about all members of your family, we offer Pet Insurance to look after your furry friends
Moffatt & Nichol’s EEO Statement:
As a global business, Moffatt & Nichol and Waggonner & Ball, a Moffatt & Nichol Design Studio relies on diversity of culture and thought to deliver on our goal of Creative People, Practical Solutions® serving our client needs, and ensures nondiscrimination in all activities in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We continuously seek talented, qualified employees in our world-wide operations regardless of race, color, sex/gender, including gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, religion, disability, age, marital status, citizen status, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification under country or local law. Moffatt & Nichol is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer/ Federal Contractor desiring priority referrals of all protected veterans for job openings.
EEO is the LAW
If you need more information or require special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, please contact Human Resources at (562) 590-6500 or TTY/TDD users please call 711.
INTRODUCTION
Waggonner & Ball, a Moffatt & Nichol Studio, is actively seeking an Urban Planner with landscape and architectural interests to join our New Orleans office.
Waggonner & Ball is an internationally respected urban planning, design, and architecture firm with an interdisciplinary practice committed to creating resilient landscapes, buildings, and communities. Our projects span all scales from buildings and sites to regions with a focus on water, culture, and history.
Moffatt & Nichol is a leading U.S.-based global infrastructure advisor specializing in the planning and design of facilities that shape and serve our coastlines, harbors and rivers, as well as an innovator in transportation. For the 4th year in a row, Moffatt & Nichol is Ranked #1 in Engineering News-Record for Marine & Port Facilities in the U.S. Additionally, our firm consistently ranks in the Top 100 Pure Designers in the US and the Top 50 Designers in International Markets.
Moffatt & Nichol's professional staff includes engineers, planners, scientists and architects who serve our global client base from offices in Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Pacific Rim. The firm provides clients worldwide with customized service and a level of excellence that have become the firm’s hallmark in several primary practice areas – ports and harbors; coastal, environmental and water resources; urban waterfronts and marinas; transportation, bridges and rail; inspection and rehabilitation; and energy.
Together, we deliver beautiful, holistic solutions to the most critical climate challenges of our time.
Duties and responsibilities:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
- Support the preparation and development of urban plans, master plans, zoning analyses, and technical planning reports under general direction, with increasing ownership of deliverables
- Contribute to flood-resilient urban and coastal planning efforts, considering factors such as sea-level rise, storm surge, heavy rainfall events, and other natural hazards
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary project teams — including architects, landscape architects, engineers, and environmental scientists — to develop integrated planning solutions
- Support community engagement activities including public meetings, stakeholder presentations, and outreach to clients, community groups, and public agencies
- Assist in the preparation of grant applications and regulatory submissions
- Apply sound analytical and problem-solving skills to moderately complex planning scenarios, escalating impactful or complex decisions to senior staff as appropriate
- Assists with master planning, site planning and design efforts and documentation development, utilizing 2-D and 3-D modeling and digital presentation packaging
- Develops and supports creative design concepts for clients/projects
- Interfaces with client on design issues and determines and develops solutions
- Develops, modifies, and reviews production drawings and construction documents and corrects and updates documents as required
- Monitor project progress, assist in tracking schedules and budgets, and coordinate with project managers on deliverables
- Performs other duties as requested by management
Other duties:
Please note this job posting 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.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Public Policy, or a related discipline;
- Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Public Policy, or a related discipline; highly preferred
- 3–7 years of professional experience in urban planning or a closely related discipline
- Experience with resilience planning, floodplain management, FEMA CRS, or hazard mitigation planning a strong plus
- Interest in working at all scales of design, from regional systems to details, and all project phases
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and experience working in various database software programs
- Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) for planning and design graphics and public-facing materials
- Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills
- Ability to analyze demographic data and identify trends in employment, housing, health, and other planning-relevant areas
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to handle moderately complex scenarios creatively and independently
- Ability to work independently on semi-complex tasks with minimal supervision, while relying on more senior staff for impactful or complex decisions
- Ability to build working relationships across functions and act as a resource for colleagues
- Proven ability to multi-task, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines
- Availability and willingness to travel as project needs require
- All new hires will be required to successfully complete and pass a pre-employment (post offer) background check in compliance with NIST 800-171
- Waggonner & Ball, a Moffatt & Nichol Design Studio uses E-Verify and employment is contingent upon the legal ability to obtain employment in the U.S. and to present the required documentation at hire
Physical Requirements:
Sedentary for long periods of time, interact with clients, and travel occasionally.
Moffatt & Nichol’s Employment Benefits:
At Waggonner & Ball and Moffatt & Nichol, we genuinely care about our team and strive to create a warm, welcoming environment. We’re excited to offer a range of great benefits and cover many costs to support you. Here are some highlights:
- We offer a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package with low employee contributions
- Family coverage is available
- Low-deductible plan available
- Generous HSA match to help manage healthcare expenses
- Stay energized with our amazing Wellness Program (with financial incentives) to keep you healthy and fit
- Features include: monthly one-on-one sessions with nutritionists, access to a Healthwise Pharmacist, mindfulness apps like The Calm and BetterHelp, and more
- Free and confidential Employee Assistance Programs for counseling and support
- Generous Paid time off (15 to 25 days based on experience level), Paid Holidays (7), and a floating holiday
- 401(k) match to help you reach your financial goals
- Excellent Life Insurance coverage, fully paid by the company
- You may also have the option to further your education with our comprehensive Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Plus, there are plenty of training opportunities, a Leadership Development Program, a formal Mentoring program, an active YP (Young Professionals) group, and so much more
- And because we care about all members of your family, we offer Pet Insurance to look after your furry friends
Moffatt & Nichol’s EEO Statement:
As a global business, Moffatt & Nichol and Waggonner & Ball, a Moffatt & Nichol Design Studio relies on diversity of culture and thought to deliver on our goal of Creative People, Practical Solutions® serving our client needs, and ensures nondiscrimination in all activities in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We continuously seek talented, qualified employees in our world-wide operations regardless of race, color, sex/gender, including gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, religion, disability, age, marital status, citizen status, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification under country or local law. Moffatt & Nichol is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer/ Federal Contractor desiring priority referrals of all protected veterans for job openings.
EEO is the LAW
If you need more information or require special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, please contact Human Resources at (562) 590-6500 or TTY/TDD users please call 711.
See all Urban Planner Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Urban Planner roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Urban Planner
Target government agencies and consulting firms
Planning consultancies like AECOM, WSP, and Stantec regularly sponsor visas. Government planning departments also sponsor, especially for specialized roles in transportation or environmental planning.
Emphasize your specialized planning expertise
Focus on technical skills like GIS mapping, zoning analysis, traffic modeling, or environmental impact assessment. These specialized competencies strengthen your H-1B specialty occupation case significantly.
Consider the EB-2 NIW pathway
Urban planners working on infrastructure, sustainability, or housing policy may qualify for National Interest Waiver green cards, bypassing the need for employer-sponsored PERM labor certification entirely.
Highlight your advanced degree requirements
Most planning positions require master's degrees, which strengthens the H-1B specialty occupation argument. Bachelor's holders need significant experience to demonstrate the role's complexity and specialization.
Document your project impact
Quantify your work on zoning revisions, development approvals, or transportation studies. Concrete project outcomes demonstrate the specialized nature of your planning contributions to potential sponsors.
Network through planning associations
Join American Planning Association chapters and attend conferences. Many planning directors and consultancy partners actively recruit through these professional networks for specialized planning positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do urban planners qualify for H-1B visas?
Yes, urban planners typically qualify for H-1B visas as the role requires specialized knowledge in zoning, land use analysis, and planning theory. Most positions require a master's degree in urban planning, which strengthens the specialty occupation case. USCIS generally approves planning roles that involve complex analysis and require specific educational background.
How to find Urban Planner jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Urban Planner jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international professionals with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on government agencies, consulting firms, and large development companies that commonly sponsor H-1B, TN visa, and other work visas for urban planning roles. These employers often need skilled planners for infrastructure projects and urban development initiatives.
What degree do I need for visa sponsorship as an urban planner?
Most sponsored urban planning positions require a master's degree in urban planning, geography, or related field from an accredited program. Some entry-level roles accept bachelor's degrees in planning or related fields plus relevant experience. Advanced degrees significantly improve sponsorship prospects and H-1B approval odds.
Which employers commonly sponsor urban planners?
Planning consultancies like AECOM, WSP, Stantec, and HDR frequently sponsor visas. Government agencies at city, county, and regional levels also sponsor, particularly for transportation planning and environmental analysis roles. Large development firms and engineering companies with planning divisions are additional options.
Can urban planners get O-1 visas?
Urban planners can qualify for O-1 visas if they demonstrate extraordinary ability through awards, published research, expert testimony, or leadership on major projects. This path works better for senior planners with national recognition, published planning studies, or significant policy influence rather than typical staff planners.
Is the EB-2 NIW available for urban planners?
Yes, urban planners working on projects benefiting national interests like affordable housing, climate resilience, or sustainable development may qualify for EB-2 National Interest Waiver. You need advanced degrees and work that serves broader public good beyond typical local planning projects.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Urban Planner jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.