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Graduate Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TKDA

Senior Transportation Planner

Riverside, CA · On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

As a Senior Transportation Planner , you will lead projects, mentor graduate planners, and collaborate with expert professionals on a variety of small to large-scale projects. You will become engaged ...

TKDA

Senior Transportation Planner

Riverside, CA · Hybrid

As a Senior Transportation Planner , you will lead projects, mentor graduate planners, and collaborate with expert professionals on a variety of small to large-scale projects. You will become engaged ...

TKDA

Senior Transportation Planner

Riverside, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $152K/yr

As a Senior Transportation Planner , you will lead projects, mentor graduate planners, and collaborate with expert professionals on a variety of small to large-scale projects. You will become engaged ...

Pomona College

Graduate Assistant

Claremont, CA · On-site

$22/hr

After training, advise students in their career development process. * Assist with event planning ... Graduate/Professional School Advising * After training, advise students on grad/professional school ...

Pomona College

Graduate Assistant

Claremont, CA

$22/hr

After training, advise students in their career development process. * Assist with event planning ... Graduate/Professional School Advising * After training, advise students on grad/professional school ...

Chapman University

CCC Graduate Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$20/hr

The CCC Graduate Assistant is responsible for ensuring general administrative office, and ... Attend and participate in university-wide events, trainings, and workshops * Assist in the planning ...

Chapman University

CCC Graduate Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$20/hr

The CCC Graduate Assistant is responsible for ensuring general administrative office, and ... Attend and participate in university-wide events, trainings, and workshops * Assist in the planning ...

Fresno State

Dean of Graduate Studies

Fresno, CA · On-site

$155K - $175K/yr

Dean of Graduate Studies Apply now Job no: 557327 Work type: Management (MPP) Location: Fresno ... Knowledge of principles of institutional planning, budgeting, and resource allocation in a complex ...

Opt For Healthy Living

Dean of Graduate Studies

Fresno, CA · On-site

$155 - $175/hr

Knowledge of principles of institutional planning, budgeting, and resource allocation in a complex ... Knowledge of graduate enrollment management practices, including recruitment, admissions, yield ...

US Department of the Navy

COMMUNITY PLANNER

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

You will serve as a COMMUNITY PLANNER in the ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, G-4, FACILITIES DIVISION of ... OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree OR Ph.D. or ...

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All JobsGraduate Planner JobsGraduate Planner Jobs in California

Graduate Planner information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$68.7K

$111.5K

How much do graduate planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate planner in California is $68,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $79,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate planner?

Graduate Planners are entry-level professionals who have recently completed a degree in urban planning, town planning, or a related field. They assist in the development, review, and implementation of urban and regional plans, policies, and projects. Graduate Planners typically work under the supervision of experienced planners to gain practical experience, contribute to planning applications, undertake research, and engage with stakeholders. This role serves as a stepping stone for gaining full professional accreditation and advancing within the planning profession.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate planner?

To thrive as a Graduate Planner, you need a degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field, along with foundational knowledge of planning principles and regulations. Familiarity with GIS software, planning databases, and Microsoft Office is typically required, and some roles may prefer candidates with relevant internships or RTPI accreditation. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and teamwork skills help you engage effectively with stakeholders and contribute to collaborative projects. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring effective, sustainable planning solutions and successful integration into multidisciplinary planning teams.

What are some typical challenges faced by graduate planners when transitioning from university to a professional planning environment?

Graduate Planners often encounter the challenge of adapting academic knowledge to practical, real-world projects, where timelines and stakeholder expectations can be demanding. They may find it initially difficult to balance multiple projects while learning specific local planning policies and procedures. Working collaboratively with experienced planners, clients, and local authorities is key to navigating these early challenges and developing professional confidence. Most organizations provide mentorship, training, and gradual responsibility increases to support new graduates through this transition.

What is the difference between Graduate Planner vs Junior Urban Planner?

AspectGraduate PlannerJunior Urban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in planning, geography, or related field; internship experienceBachelor's degree; some roles prefer or require a master's degree
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised tasks, learning-focusedEarly career, assisting in planning projects, more responsibility
Employer & Industry UsagePlanning firms, government agencies, consulting firmsMunicipalities, urban planning departments, private consultancies

The main difference between a Graduate Planner and a Junior Urban Planner lies in experience and responsibility. Graduate Planners are typically recent graduates gaining foundational experience, while Junior Urban Planners have some work experience and handle more complex tasks under supervision. Both roles are essential stepping stones in a planning career and are often used interchangeably depending on the organization.

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Planner jobs in California?

For Graduate Planner jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Planner jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Planner jobs in California are:

Graduate Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Planner job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,680 per year, or $33 per hour.

Senior Transportation Planner

Riverside, CA • On-site

TKDA
Civil Engineering Construction • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about TKDAexternal

$115K - $152K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Join TKDA's Transportation Planning team and elevate your career in transportation planning. With us, you'll tackle meaningful projects, collaborate with industry experts, and find ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
As a Senior Transportation Planner, you will lead projects, mentor graduate planners, and collaborate with expert professionals on a variety of small to large-scale projects. You will become engaged in all aspects of the planning and design process, including community / stakeholder engagement, planning documentation, and program management. We offer an energizing work environment where our focus is to further advance and diversify our planning and community engagement services.
We take a "Seller-Doer" approach to business development. You will work closely with senior leaders throughout the Surface Transportation division to elevate our services and strengthen our reputation by shaping marketing strategies, nurturing relationships with clients and agency partners, identifying and tracking business opportunities, developing compelling proposals, and delivering impactful presentations and projects.
Hybrid Work Environment: Tuesday - Thursday In-Office | Monday & Friday WFH
*We're Moving! - TKDA is currently located in San Bernardino with plans to relocate to Downtown Riverside by October 2026. Additional information about the exact location of our Riverside office will be communicated soon through a formal press release, so stay tuned!
Job Responsibilities
  • Develop schematic designs, corridor studies, and transportation plans
  • Lead all aspects of project management (planning, coordinating, and monitoring) for assigned projects
  • Apply effective written and verbal communication skills when preparing technical reports, participate in project team meetings, and interact with community members and clients
  • Engage with a diverse audience of stakeholders and community groups through meetings, workshops, and open houses
  • Manage online engagement forums and focus groups
  • Develop communication materials for a diverse group of clients
  • Market and showcase planning services and capabilities to current and prospective clients; establish and cultivate relationships within the planning community to create opportunities to partner on larger projects
  • Travel throughout the LA metro area to attend project meetings, conduct on-site assessments, and facilitate community engagement meetings/events; ability/flexibility to attend occasional evening and/or weekend meetings and travel overnight

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's and/or master's degree in planning, urban planning, civil engineering, landscape architecture or a related field
  • Minimum of 10 years of relevant planning experience
  • 2 years prior project management experience (i.e. designing and implementing complex projects or initiatives from beginning to completion)
  • Experience managing tasks between varying phases of multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and in coordination with other disciplines
  • Experience facilitating public engagement sessions using a variety of methods for a range of audiences
  • Knowledge of planning principles applied to zoning matters
  • Possession of a valid Driver's License with a driving record that is in compliance with company requirements

Preferred Qualifications
  • AICP certification
  • Experience in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, including preparation of Environmental Assessments (EAs) and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)
  • In-depth understanding of data management and ArcGIS
  • Prior experience with Adobe Create Suite
  • Prior experience preparing and submitting funding solicitation applications
  • Prior experience developing conceptual project graphics
  • Prior experience contributing to the preparation of proposals, contract documentation, fee estimates, budgets, and schedules
  • Working knowledge of online mapping software

$115,500 - $152,500 a year
The listed salary range reflects base pay for candidates with 15-25 years of related experience. Compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Join Our 100% Employee-Owned Firm
At our company, every employee is an owner. From the front desk to the corner office, every one of our 430+ professionals thrive on collaboration and holistic development. Our success is collective, and so are the rewards.
Comprehensive Benefits
Health Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, and life insurance from day one
Annual Incentive Plan: Eligible for discretionary bonuses
HSA Contributions: Receive monthly employer contributions if you choose an HSA-eligible plan
401(k) Match: Get employer matching on your 401(k) deferrals
ESOP: Benefit from our Employee Stock Ownership Plan, funded entirely by company profits
Paid Time Off: Accrue PTO based on your professional experience and enjoy eight paid holidays per year
Upon receiving a formal offer, you will get a personalized Total Compensation Overview (TCO) to see how everything adds up and what it looks like to be part of our community.
TKDA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status, gender identity, or any other characteristics protected by law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, all applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future visa sponsorship needs or requirements. TKDA does not sponsor any type of employment visas, including but not limited to H-1B, F-1 OPT/CPT, TN, or other work authorization programs.
*Pre-Employment Screening*
Upon acceptance of a conditional offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete a standard pre-employment background screening, which consists of Social Security verification, educational verification, review of criminal convictions, and driving history.
*Notice to Recruiters and Placement Agencies*
TKDA will not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or placement agencies unless a service agreement is in place. In the event TKDA receives an unsolicited resume without a service agreement in place, TKDA will not be obligated to pay a service fee of any amount nor will TKDA be held liable to terms or conditions under any agreement of any kind that has not been authorized in writing by a TKDA officer.
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About TKDA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1910

Social media

Twitter

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