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Graduate Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Intern (Graduate)

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$18.59 - $22.60/hr

The Graduate Intern will provide support to the Mayor's office by performing research, data ... City Planning * Sustainability * Urban Studies * Public Affairs * Other 05 If you responded "other ...

Intern - Graduate (business)

Poway, CA · On-site

$38K - $56K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for a Graduate Intern with a field of study in Business Management ... SAP, ERP, Excel, Intermediate or Expert knowledge of Power BI, Power Query, Data Modeling, Creating ...

Showing results 41-60

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 8, 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 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 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 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Graduate Planner job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,680 per year, or $33 per hour.

Conflict Transformation Collaborative Graduate Assistant (AY 26-27 C9137)

Middlebury College

Monterey, CA

$17.45/hr

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago


Middlebury College rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

360th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Kathryn Wasserman Davis Collaborative in Conflict Transformation seeks a graduate student intern to provide general administrative support, with an emphasis on outreach to external partners, as well as work in communications. The intern may assist with generating electronic and print communications for key external audiences, including stakeholder correspondence; and online engagement through our website and various platforms. Other duties may be assigned. 

This is a student Level B position paying $17.45 per hour.

Core Responsibilities:

  • Collect and synthesize resources for programs/initiatives 
  • Create resources, tools, and surveys for programs/initiatives 
  • Support curriculum design and assessment for programs/initiatives 
  • Engage in collaborative projects as requested    
  • Create and post on CT social media 
  • Support CT staff with event planning and execution 
  • Participate in weekly meetings 

Requirements

  • A background in conflict transformation is helpful 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
  • Basic knowledge of technology software (Microsoft Suite) 
  • Knowledge of Middlebury/MIIS systems and organization 
  • Able to follow written and oral instructions 
  • Able to establish and maintain working relations with supervisors, fellow workers, students, faculty and staff. 
  • Must be able to work independently and meet deadlines. 
  • May have to work weekends as required. 
Student Employment Eligibility:

Unless restricted by certain visa status, all students with an active status for the semester are eligible for jobs on campus.

Students on leave or withdrawn are not eligible to work in student employment positions until the semester in which they return. If you are currently withdrawn or on leave you are eligible to be employed in staff positions.

Some may be restricted due to financial aid status. International students (non-resident aliens) may not work off campus unless they have applied for and received work authorization from the United States government. (An F-1 visa does not give work authorization.) Off campus work study positions are available only to U.S. citizens on financial aid with a federal work study component.

Student are not eligible to work remotely from International locations.


Hour Limitations:

All student employees are limited to working no more than 20 hours per week in on campus jobs during the academic year (this includes exam periods). The only exception is when there is a full week when school is not in session. Specifically: February recess, Spring recess, and full weeks of December or summer recess. During these time periods only, students can work up to 40 hours per week. International Students: Visa restrictions prohibit international students from exceeding 20 hours of work per academic calendar week.


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