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Entry Level Planner Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Planner Associate - Zoning

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$53K - $66K/yr

The Department of Planning & Development Review is currently seeking a Planner Associate who will ... This is an entry-level position that will provide reviews of building permits Duties include but ...

Planner Associate - Zoning

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$53K - $66K/yr

Planning and Development Review Opening Date: 08/14/2026 Closing Date: 8/28/2026 11:59 PM Eastern ... This is an entry-level position that will provide reviews of building permits. Duties include but ...

Event Marketing Assistant - Entry Level

Virginia Beach, VA ยท On-site

$41K - $51K/yr

The Entry Level Event Marketing Assistant will play an important role in planning, promoting, and executing event-based marketing campaigns. This position provides comprehensive training in event ...

Entry Level Site/Civil Engineer

Leesburg, VA ยท On-site

$82K - $85K/yr

... planning. Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 ... Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and ...

... planning. Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 ... As an entry-level hire, you'll be part of a class of peers with 0-1 year of professional experience.

As an Entry Level Sales Rep, you will play a vital role in driving our marketing efforts and ... Planning, organizing, and executing community events, home shows, fairs, and other local gatherings ...

As an Entry Level Sales Rep, you will play a vital role in driving our marketing efforts and ... Planning, organizing, and executing community events, home shows, fairs, and other local gatherings ...

Entry Level Site/Civil Engineer

Leesburg, VA ยท On-site

$82.50 - $85/hr

... planning. Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 ... Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Planner information

See Virginia salary details

$32.7K

$69K

$112K

How much do entry level planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level planner in Virginia is $68,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $80,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level planner do?

An entry level planner typically assists in the development and implementation of plans related to urban development, events, or logistics, depending on the industry. Their responsibilities often include gathering and analyzing data, preparing reports, supporting senior planners, and ensuring projects comply with relevant regulations. This role is designed to provide foundational experience and training, allowing individuals to develop the skills needed for more advanced planning positions. Entry level planners may work in local government, private firms, or nonprofit organizations, and their daily tasks often involve both fieldwork and office duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Planner, you typically need a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field, along with strong analytical and organizational skills. Familiarity with GIS software, Microsoft Office Suite, and understanding of zoning regulations are often required. Effective communication, attention to detail, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for collaborating with stakeholders and conveying planning concepts. These skills ensure accurate project analysis, regulatory compliance, and successful coordination on planning initiatives.

What are common challenges faced by entry level planners, and how can they effectively overcome them?

Entry level planners often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple project deadlines, adapting to rapidly changing priorities, and learning to communicate effectively with diverse teams. To overcome these, it's helpful to develop strong organizational skills, proactively seek feedback from experienced colleagues, and make use of project management tools commonly used in the field. Regular check-ins with supervisors and collaborating closely with team members can also help new planners stay on track and quickly build confidence in their role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Planner vs Junior Urban Planner?

AspectEntry Level PlannerJunior Urban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in planning, geography, or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in urban planning or related field
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, project support, data analysisOffice and fieldwork, site visits, community engagement
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, consulting firms, government agenciesUrban planning firms, government departments, non-profits

Entry Level Planners and Junior Urban Planners share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often working in municipal or consulting settings. The main difference lies in job titles used by employers; 'Junior Urban Planner' may imply slightly more specialized or advanced responsibilities, but both roles serve as entry points into urban planning careers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Planner jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Planner jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Planner jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Planner job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Planner job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,994 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Planner Associate - Zoning

City of Richmond

Richmond, VA โ€ข On-site

$53K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Are you Richmond R.E.A.D.Y. Respect. Equity

Accountability. Diversity...YOU!!. This is an EXCITING time to Join the City of Richmond

We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within our workforce. As we continue to make strides to becoming the employer of choice, we are thrilled about the below employee benefit enhancements: Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Language Incentive Referral Bonus Tuition Assistance Program Description ** The maximum hiring compensation for this position is to not exceed a hourly rate of $33.23076/hour.** The Department of Planning & Development Review is currently seeking a Planner Associate who will be responsible for responsible for reviewing building and zoning permits, inspecting property within the City limits for proper adherence to zoning regulations and the issuing of notices and summonses of violations. This is an entry-level position that will provide reviews of building permits

Duties include but are not limited to Investigate properties for zoning and other City Code violations Provide professional interpretation of and technical assistance related to the zoning and other related ordinances of the City Code Respond to inquiries from and provide correspondence to the public regarding zoning complaints, violations, inspections, and other matters with a high level of customer service by phone, in writing, and in person Searching court records, land use records, and other documents Research permits for compliance with zoning ordinances Prepare for court cases related to zoning enforcement, including preparing evidence required for court hearings, appearing in court, and presenting testimony, as needed Attending and presenting at meetings and hearings, at times during non-business hours Examining site plans to verify zoning requirements and processing related permits Research and preparation of code amendments Performing other related duties as assigned Qualifications, Special Certifications and Licenses KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Basic knowledge and application of planning and zoning, site plans, commercial and residential building plans, real estate, and development regulations Basic understanding of engineering principals, land use and zoning law, landscape architecture, architecture, and construction methods Basic knowledge of zoning, subdivision and site development ordinances Knowledge of re-zoning and special use permit processes General knowledge of Plan of Development and Subdivision review processes Skills in providing excellent customer service, including dealing with difficult customers Being a clear and effective facilitator, including public speaking skills and defending recommendations/positions Negotiating and balancing the needs of citizens with economic demands, health and human service needs, goals of private corporations, and land use regulations; and, conducting research Ability to analyze information; pay attention to detail Communicate planning and local government policy issues to a range of audiences MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree in city/urban planning, civil or environmental engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, real estate, law, or a related field Three years of experience or an equivalent amount of graduate level training. An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Customer service (Face-to-Face, via E-mail and over the telephone) Analytical thought processes Good writing skills Bi-lingual helpful. Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None required Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The City of Richmond 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 identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City of Richmond is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the City of Richmond will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the job application and/or the interview process, please contact Veronica Kenner, by email at HR-ADA@rva.gov

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. The City of Richmond Values Veterans. We are an official V3 Certified Company.

The City of Richmond is a proud partner with the US Army Partnership for Your Success PaYS Program.