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Entry Level Landscape Architecture Jobs in Riverside, CA

Job Title Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner Location Santa Ana, CA - US (Primary) Category Urban ... landscape architecture. * You are proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and ...

Entry Level Landscape Architecture information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$47.3K

$98.2K

$152.5K

How much do entry level landscape architecture jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level landscape architecture in Riverside, CA is $98,242.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $112,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Landscape Architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Landscape Architect, you need a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, a solid understanding of design principles, and foundational knowledge of site planning. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is commonly required, and working towards professional licensure (e.g., pursuing the LARE) is advantageous. Creativity, effective communication, and strong teamwork skills help you collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for delivering functional and visually appealing outdoor spaces that meet client needs and regulatory standards.

What do entry level landscape architects do?

Entry level landscape architects assist in designing outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, and public areas. They typically support senior landscape architects by preparing site plans, conducting site analysis, creating models, and researching appropriate plants and materials. Their work involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software, collaborating with other professionals, and sometimes visiting project sites. This role is a starting point for gaining hands-on experience and learning about the landscape architecture field.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level landscape architects, and how are they typically supported within a team?

Entry-level landscape architects often encounter challenges such as balancing creative ideas with practical constraints, learning to interpret complex site plans, and understanding local regulations. They may also need to adapt quickly to evolving project requirements and deadlines. Most firms support new hires through mentorship, collaborative project meetings, and ongoing training, allowing entry-level professionals to gain confidence and develop technical skills while contributing to team efforts. Regular feedback and exposure to a variety of projects help accelerate learning and professional growth.
What are the most commonly searched types of Landscape Architecture jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Landscape Architecture jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Landscape Architecture jobs in Riverside, CA? For Entry Level Landscape Architecture jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Landscape Architecture jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Landscape Architecture jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Landscape Architecture jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Landscape Architecture job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Landscape Architecture job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,242 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner

PlaceWorks

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$27.88 - $41.83/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Title
Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner
Location
Santa Ana, CA - US (Primary)
Category
Urban Design
Job Type
Full-time Non-exempt
Career Level
Entry Level
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Travel
Job Description
Job Description:
PlaceWorks is seeking a full-time Urban Designer/Planner to join our team in the Orange County (Santa Ana) office. We are looking for an entry-level individual or someone with a few years of urban design or planning experience within urban or urbanizing settings for public-sector and/or private-sector clients. Relevant experience includes familiarity with site planning and urban design for areas such as, but not limited to, development along corridors, within downtowns, near transit, and other areas in transition. Experience with planning documents such as specific plans, general plans, and master plans are a plus.
Working in a collaborative and casual work environment under the guidance of principals, project managers and other senior staff, this designer/planner would work on a variety of design-related projects, providing support to both our Southern and Northern California offices and working with team members across the state. Our firm is deeply involved throughout California in the acceleration of housing development and the revitalization of our built-out communities.
The pay range for this position is $27.88 - $41.83 per hour, dependent upon experience and other relevant factors.
Job Requirements:
You may be a great fit if some of the following describe you:
  • You love planning for the future of communities and making a difference with your work.
  • You want to learn more about urban building/development types, including commercial, mixed-use, and residential in an infill setting.
  • You are adept at collecting background documents, researching and summarizing information for existing conditions analysis.
  • With guidance, you can write and/or illustrate design standards and guidelines; how-to-guides and/or toolkits for both residential and non-residential development; and design-based zoning standards for specific plans or focused municipal code revisions.
  • You have some experience with opportunities/constraints mapping, site planning, and urban design framework plans.
  • With guidance, you can support preparation of build-out scenarios to test and illustrate draft standards/codes.
  • You're able to travel to and perform site visits as a project requires and attend client meetings with the project team.
  • Supporting authentic engagement with diverse communities excites you and you're willing to jump in to help with/participate in public outreach efforts, including evening, weekend, and multi-day design charrettes. You may be asked to coordinate events or meetings, prepare and assemble materials/supplies for workshops.
  • You're interested in assisting with and actively participating in marketing, business development, and proposal efforts to support our design team.
  • You can work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment with team members across the state.
  • You have a bachelor's degree or master's degree in architecture, urban design, planning or landscape architecture.
  • You are proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), Adobe Creative Suite, and SketchUp. Proficiency with AutoCAD, Rhino and/or ArcGIS is desired, but not required. Hand drawing is a plus.
  • You have a reliable means of transportation to and from work, and to perform site visits and attend meetings when needed.
  • You can be in the office at least two days a week.

Application Instructions:
When applying, attach your cover letter, resume, and design portfolio as three (3) separate PDF attachments (may include written and design work for school projects). Each attachment must be under 500KB. Alternatively, you may include a link to your design portfolio if it exceeds 500KB.
Job Requirements
(see above job description)
We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.