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Entry Level Urban Planner Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

HNTB

Aviation Planner - Entry Level

Santa Ana, CA

$74K - $111K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Engineering, or related field What You'll Bring: * Prepares technical work for a wide variety of airport planning and preliminary design projects.

Stantec

Civil EIT

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$80K - $112K/yr

They're thoughtfully planned and future-ready. We bring life to urban downtowns, suburban hubs ... Your Opportunity Stantec is actively seeking qualified candidates for a full-time entry level Civil ...

Stantec

Civil EIT

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $112K/yr

They're thoughtfully planned and future-ready. We bring life to urban downtowns, suburban hubs ... Your Opportunity Stantec is actively seeking qualified candidates for a full-time entry level Civil ...

Stantec Consulting International Ltd.

Civil EIT

Irvine, CA · On-site

$74.60 - $112/hr

They're thoughtfully planned and future‑ready. We bring life to urban downtowns, suburban hubs ... Your Opportunity Stantec is actively seeking qualified candidates for a full‑time entry level ...

All JobsUrban Planner JobsEntry Level Urban Planner JobsEntry Level Urban Planner Jobs in Riverside, CA

Entry Level Urban Planner information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$34.4K

$72.6K

$117.9K

How much do entry level urban planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level urban planner in Riverside, CA is $72,602.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $84,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level urban planner do?

An entry level urban planner assists in designing and developing plans and programs for land use in urban areas. Their responsibilities typically include conducting research, analyzing data, preparing reports, and supporting senior planners with community outreach and public meetings. They help ensure that development projects comply with zoning laws, environmental regulations, and the needs of the community. Entry level urban planners often use mapping software and statistical tools to evaluate the impacts of proposed projects. This role provides foundational experience for advancing in the urban planning field.

What are some typical projects or tasks an entry level urban planner might work on in their first year?

As an entry level urban planner, you can expect to assist with data collection and analysis, prepare maps and reports, and support senior planners in public meetings or community outreach. You'll often contribute to reviewing development proposals, researching zoning regulations, and helping to draft comprehensive plans. Early responsibilities also include collaborating with engineers, architects, and local government staff to ensure proposed projects align with community goals and regulations. This hands-on experience is valuable for building your understanding of planning processes and developing key professional skills.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Urban Planner, you need a background in urban planning or a related field, strong analytical skills, and familiarity with regulatory frameworks. Proficiency with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), AutoCAD, and planning software, as well as knowledge of zoning and land use policies, is typically required. Effective communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills are essential for engaging with stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are important for creating well-informed, sustainable urban plans that address community needs and regulatory requirements.
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Entry Level Urban Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Urban Planner job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,602 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

PlaceWorks
Architectural Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about PlaceWorksexternal

$27.88 - $41.83/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 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.

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