ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Urban Planning Jobs in Riverside, CA

PlaceWorks

Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$27.88 - $41.83/hr

Job Title Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner Location Santa Ana, CA - US (Primary) Category Urban ... Experience with planning documents such as specific plans, general plans, and master plans are a ...

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.

Arcadis

Environmental Planner I

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$75K - $96K/yr

Arcadis is seeking an entry-level Environmental Planner to join our Enviro Socio Permitting team in ... Bachelor's degree in Environmental Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, or related field. * One ...

City of Banning

Assistant Planner

Banning, CA · On-site

$68K - $92K/yr

Under close supervision, this entry-level position in the professional Planner series assists in ... A Bachelor's degree preferably with major coursework in Urban Planning or Public Administration, or ...

Stantec

Civil EIT

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$74K - $104K/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

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 ...

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

Entry Level Urban Planning information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$26.1K

$49.9K

$71.5K

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

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level urban planning in Riverside, CA is $49,901.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $54,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Entry-Level Urban Planning Jobs?

Entry-level urban planning jobs focus on preparing renderings and visual communications of proposed development projects, helping design and plan new construction, and helping process the paperwork needed to develop land and communities. This is an entry-level role, so you may also consult with senior urban planners, coordinate with public officials, and take on miscellaneous duties as assigned. Most companies use this role as an extended training period, so your primary job is to learn more about the urban planning process and any characteristics unique to your area. Entry-level urban planning professionals frequently use digital design software, and you may work under the supervision of a project manager or more-experienced employee as you gain the necessary skills.

What types of projects might an entry-level urban planner typically work on, and how do these projects contribute to professional development?

Entry-level urban planners are often assigned to assist with a variety of projects such as land use studies, data collection for community assessments, preparing maps and reports, and supporting public engagement efforts. These projects give new planners hands-on experience with zoning codes, environmental impact analysis, and the planning process, while also allowing them to collaborate closely with senior planners, engineers, and local government officials. Participating in these foundational tasks helps entry-level planners build essential technical and communication skills, laying the groundwork for future advancement in the field.

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 generally need a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field, along with foundational knowledge in land use, zoning, and community development. Familiarity with GIS software, data analysis tools, and mapping technologies is commonly required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help you engage stakeholders and contribute effectively to planning projects. These competencies are crucial for creating sustainable, functional urban environments that meet community needs and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Entry Level Urban Planning vs Entry Level Civil Engineering?

AspectEntry Level Urban PlanningEntry Level Civil Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Urban Planning, Geography, or related fieldBachelor's in Civil Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentCity planning departments, consulting firms, government agenciesConstruction sites, engineering firms, government infrastructure projects
Industry UsageUrban development, land use, zoningDesign, construction, infrastructure development
Common Search IntentEntry Level Urban Planning vs Entry Level Civil Engineering

Entry Level Urban Planning and Entry Level Civil Engineering share similarities in educational background and work environments, but they focus on different aspects of development. Urban planning emphasizes land use, zoning, and community development, while civil engineering concentrates on infrastructure and construction projects. Both roles are essential in shaping urban environments, but they require distinct skill sets and certifications.

What are entry level urban planning jobs?

Entry level urban planning jobs are positions designed for individuals starting their careers in urban planning, often requiring a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field. These roles typically involve assisting with research, data analysis, preparation of reports, and supporting senior planners in developing land use plans and community projects. Common job titles include Planning Assistant, Junior Planner, or Planning Technician. Entry level urban planners often work for government agencies, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations, and their work helps shape communities, transportation systems, and public spaces.
More about Entry Level Urban Planning jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Urban Planning jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Urban Planning jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Urban Planning jobs in Riverside, CA? For Entry Level Urban Planning jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Urban Planning jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Urban Planning jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Urban Planning jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Urban Planning job openings:
Entry Level Urban Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Urban Planning job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,901 per year, or $24 per hour.

Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner

PlaceWorks

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$27.88 - $41.83/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 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.

Apply