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 JobsPosition Classification Faculty
Employment Type Full-Time Grant
Benefits Full Time Benefitted
Department Applied Tech
Summary
Responsible for program management of the Certificate of Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Program, including program oversight, instruction, internship coordination, career pathway development, student embedded advising, and Arboriculture community extension services. Uses appropriate teaching methods to facilitate student learning for Arboriculture and Urban Forestry courses and provides learning experiences on Urban Forestry and Arboriculture issues to a wide range of community and student audiences. Responsible for equipping students with essential skills and knowledge in Urban Forestry practices aligned with industry standards and preparing them for a successful entry into the workforce.
Duties
- Lead and oversee the Certificate of Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Program.
- Teach a minimum of 7 credit hours per semester of lecture and labs.
- Provide learning experiences through Extension programming by identifying and addressing clientele needs and delivering non-formal learning opportunities such as presentations, workshops, field trips, tours and demonstrations.
- Collaborate with the Department of Applied Technology, Grounds, Horticulture, and External Affairs to implement a successful program as part of RSNMIUFP Grant Deliverables.
- Manage the internship program to ensure successful student placement and completion.
- Ensures program compliance with ISA Best Management Practices, guided by the ANSI-Z133 standard for safe Arboriculture operations.
- Utilize a combination of theoretical and practical approaches to ensure hands-on learning in both classroom and field settings.
- Mentor and support students in developing employability skills, including teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
- Conduct regular assessments of student competencies, utilizing criterion-referenced measurements to verify skill mastery in urban forestry practices.
- Completes all administrative functions, including submission of grades, trainings, assessments, and other processes and documents as required by the academic department and WNMU.
- Maintain and model a safe working environment and comply with all state and federal safety regulations.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education/Background
Bachelor’s degree in plant related field required, International Society of Arboriculture-Certified Arborist Credential, or certification through the Society of American Foresters required, or ability to acquire either in 6-12 months. Can substitute Professional Certification for a minimum of 5 years of work experience in Arboriculture, Landscape maintenance, Agriculture, or Horticulture plus a bachelor’s degree in plant related field.
Job Knowledge
Must possess a strong understanding of WNMU’s mission, values, and organizational structure. This role requires knowledge of university policies, procedures, and best practices in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry to effectively support institutional goals. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in working in diverse, cultural environments to promote education change and social justice for the success and empowerment of all learners, with a commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive university environment. Must have experience providing technical urban forestry assistance or conducting urban forestry outreach or partnership activities with diverse audiences or organizations. Must have the qualifications to teach other disciplines or content areas such as Urban Forestry management, Care and Cultivation of Trees, Climbing for Arboriculture, Tools and Equipment, Groundwork, and practice safe arboriculture operations. Must be able to adapt to the instructional needs of the department, depending on circumstances. Ability to translate scientific and technical course content to a variety of learning contexts, ability to use multiple forms of digital communication tools and a willingness to adapt to a changing technological environment.
Working Conditions/ Physical Demands (With or Without Accommodations)
Normal classroom and outdoor environment on WNMU campus and may travel some within the community when needed. May be required to transport normal classroom and program equipment and materials. Physical ability to safely use and operate forestry tools and power equipment. May be required to lift up to 75lbs on occasion, and 50lbs regularly. Ability to comprehend and work with a variety of information from various sources. Able to clearly communicate with a diverse population of individuals. Ability to compose correspondence and reports and remain in a sedentary position for prolonged periods of time. May be required to work additional hours or days depending on circumstances.
Other Requirements
a. Location is on campus at WNMU in Silver City, New Mexico
b. Requires a valid driver’s license.
c. Required to complete Defensive Driving Course within 6 months.
Apply By
Location Silver City-On Campus
Salary Range $71,846-$74,034 w/o terminal degree to $75,627-$77,930 with terminal degree (This position is Grant Funded)
Length of Contract
Advertising Summary
This position is Grant Funded
Position Classification Faculty
Employment Type Full-Time Grant
Benefits Full Time Benefitted
Department Applied Tech
Summary
Responsible for program management of the Certificate of Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Program, including program oversight, instruction, internship coordination, career pathway development, student embedded advising, and Arboriculture community extension services. Uses appropriate teaching methods to facilitate student learning for Arboriculture and Urban Forestry courses and provides learning experiences on Urban Forestry and Arboriculture issues to a wide range of community and student audiences. Responsible for equipping students with essential skills and knowledge in Urban Forestry practices aligned with industry standards and preparing them for a successful entry into the workforce.
Duties
- Lead and oversee the Certificate of Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Program.
- Teach a minimum of 7 credit hours per semester of lecture and labs.
- Provide learning experiences through Extension programming by identifying and addressing clientele needs and delivering non-formal learning opportunities such as presentations, workshops, field trips, tours and demonstrations.
- Collaborate with the Department of Applied Technology, Grounds, Horticulture, and External Affairs to implement a successful program as part of RSNMIUFP Grant Deliverables.
- Manage the internship program to ensure successful student placement and completion.
- Ensures program compliance with ISA Best Management Practices, guided by the ANSI-Z133 standard for safe Arboriculture operations.
- Utilize a combination of theoretical and practical approaches to ensure hands-on learning in both classroom and field settings.
- Mentor and support students in developing employability skills, including teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
- Conduct regular assessments of student competencies, utilizing criterion-referenced measurements to verify skill mastery in urban forestry practices.
- Completes all administrative functions, including submission of grades, trainings, assessments, and other processes and documents as required by the academic department and WNMU.
- Maintain and model a safe working environment and comply with all state and federal safety regulations.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education/Background
Bachelor’s degree in plant related field required, International Society of Arboriculture-Certified Arborist Credential, or certification through the Society of American Foresters required, or ability to acquire either in 6-12 months. Can substitute Professional Certification for a minimum of 5 years of work experience in Arboriculture, Landscape maintenance, Agriculture, or Horticulture plus a bachelor’s degree in plant related field.
Job Knowledge
Must possess a strong understanding of WNMU’s mission, values, and organizational structure. This role requires knowledge of university policies, procedures, and best practices in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry to effectively support institutional goals. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in working in diverse, cultural environments to promote education change and social justice for the success and empowerment of all learners, with a commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive university environment. Must have experience providing technical urban forestry assistance or conducting urban forestry outreach or partnership activities with diverse audiences or organizations. Must have the qualifications to teach other disciplines or content areas such as Urban Forestry management, Care and Cultivation of Trees, Climbing for Arboriculture, Tools and Equipment, Groundwork, and practice safe arboriculture operations. Must be able to adapt to the instructional needs of the department, depending on circumstances. Ability to translate scientific and technical course content to a variety of learning contexts, ability to use multiple forms of digital communication tools and a willingness to adapt to a changing technological environment.
Working Conditions/ Physical Demands (With or Without Accommodations)
Normal classroom and outdoor environment on WNMU campus and may travel some within the community when needed. May be required to transport normal classroom and program equipment and materials. Physical ability to safely use and operate forestry tools and power equipment. May be required to lift up to 75lbs on occasion, and 50lbs regularly. Ability to comprehend and work with a variety of information from various sources. Able to clearly communicate with a diverse population of individuals. Ability to compose correspondence and reports and remain in a sedentary position for prolonged periods of time. May be required to work additional hours or days depending on circumstances.
Other Requirements
a. Location is on campus at WNMU in Silver City, New Mexico
b. Requires a valid driver’s license.
c. Required to complete Defensive Driving Course within 6 months.
Apply By
Location Silver City-On Campus
Salary Range $71,846-$74,034 w/o terminal degree to $75,627-$77,930 with terminal degree (This position is Grant Funded)
Length of Contract
Advertising Summary
This position is Grant Funded
See all 47+ Urban Planner Jobs
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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.