Entry Level Urban Planner Jobs
New grad urban planner jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong portfolio or internship work can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Education, Consulting & Professional Services, and Construction & Real Estate, with employers like Stantec, Rice Engineering, and American University hiring at this level now.
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American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University
Department:
Time Type:
Part time
Job Type:
FLSA Status:
Non-ExemptWork Modality:
Union:
Job Description:
Summary:
The Research Associate will oversee the day-to-day operations of an urban heat field study conducted in partnership with the DC Department of Transportation. The position combines field leadership with project coordination responsibilities, serving as the primary operational point of contact between the research team, the Principal Investigator, and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate has prior experience managing field research campaigns, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to handle logistics and public-facing communication in a professional manner. Availability for two short sessions in summer 2026 is preferred, though candidates available for only one session will also be considered.
Essential Functions:
1.) Planning Field Work
Coordinate the overall field measurement campaign, including scheduling field days, managing site routing, and ensuring all equipment and personnel are prepared and in place.
Serve as the on-the-ground point person during field operations, resolving logistical issues as they arise.
Oversee instrument deployment and data collection across multiple field teams, ensuring protocol adherence and data quality.
Perform and supervise instrument calibration, setup, and maintenance throughout the measurement period.
Complete field survey forms and oversee data download and backup at the end of each field day.
2.) Leading Field Work
Supervise graduate and undergraduate field research assistants during field sessions.
Provide direction, training, and on-site support to field team members.
Communicate field day status, staffing needs, and data quality issues to the Principal Investigator in a timely manner.
Serve as the primary point of contact for members of the public encountered during field operations, including residents, passersby, and local business owners.
Liaise professionally with law enforcement and other officials as needed during street-based data collection on public roadways.
Communicate with DDOT and other project stakeholders on operational and logistical matters as directed by the PI.
3.) Organizing Data from Field
Track project expenditures and assist with budget monitoring.
Assist with report preparation, data organization, and other project deliverables as needed.
Supervisory Responsibility:
Indirectly supervises a team of up to 16 students.
Competencies:
Managing Talent.
Developing Plans.
Collaborative Leadership.
Managing Performance.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Part-Time.
Up to 27 hours per week.
Temporary position.
This position is grant funded, to be hired from late June to early September 21st, 2026.
Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.
Salary Range:
$24.00 per hour.
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Less than 1 year of relevant experience.
Preferred Education and Experience:
Master's degree or equivalent.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
Should have experience measuring climate and surface energy balance quantities in the field.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits
Other Details
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
American University is an E-Verify employer.
Current American University Employees
American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.
American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University
Department:
Time Type:
Part time
Job Type:
FLSA Status:
Non-ExemptWork Modality:
Union:
Job Description:
Summary:
The Research Associate will oversee the day-to-day operations of an urban heat field study conducted in partnership with the DC Department of Transportation. The position combines field leadership with project coordination responsibilities, serving as the primary operational point of contact between the research team, the Principal Investigator, and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate has prior experience managing field research campaigns, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to handle logistics and public-facing communication in a professional manner. Availability for two short sessions in summer 2026 is preferred, though candidates available for only one session will also be considered.
Essential Functions:
1.) Planning Field Work
Coordinate the overall field measurement campaign, including scheduling field days, managing site routing, and ensuring all equipment and personnel are prepared and in place.
Serve as the on-the-ground point person during field operations, resolving logistical issues as they arise.
Oversee instrument deployment and data collection across multiple field teams, ensuring protocol adherence and data quality.
Perform and supervise instrument calibration, setup, and maintenance throughout the measurement period.
Complete field survey forms and oversee data download and backup at the end of each field day.
2.) Leading Field Work
Supervise graduate and undergraduate field research assistants during field sessions.
Provide direction, training, and on-site support to field team members.
Communicate field day status, staffing needs, and data quality issues to the Principal Investigator in a timely manner.
Serve as the primary point of contact for members of the public encountered during field operations, including residents, passersby, and local business owners.
Liaise professionally with law enforcement and other officials as needed during street-based data collection on public roadways.
Communicate with DDOT and other project stakeholders on operational and logistical matters as directed by the PI.
3.) Organizing Data from Field
Track project expenditures and assist with budget monitoring.
Assist with report preparation, data organization, and other project deliverables as needed.
Supervisory Responsibility:
Indirectly supervises a team of up to 16 students.
Competencies:
Managing Talent.
Developing Plans.
Collaborative Leadership.
Managing Performance.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Part-Time.
Up to 27 hours per week.
Temporary position.
This position is grant funded, to be hired from late June to early September 21st, 2026.
Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.
Salary Range:
$24.00 per hour.
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Less than 1 year of relevant experience.
Preferred Education and Experience:
Master's degree or equivalent.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
Should have experience measuring climate and surface energy balance quantities in the field.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits
Other Details
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
American University is an E-Verify employer.
Current American University Employees
American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.
See All 7 Entry Level Urban Planner Jobs
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Find JobsEntry Level Urban Planner Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Stantec2
- Rice Engineering1
- American University1
- Ivy Tech Community College1
- US Department of Veterans Affairs1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education3
- Consulting & Professional Services2
- Construction & Real Estate1
Entry Level Urban Planner Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level urban planner job?
Entry level urban planner roles typically look for a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field, along with GIS proficiency and any internship or studio project experience. A portfolio that shows zoning analysis, site plans, or community engagement work gives candidates a clear edge at this stage, even over applicants with longer but less relevant resumes.
Which companies hire entry level urban planners?
Companies hiring entry level urban planners right now include Stantec, Rice Engineering, and American University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. At this level, hiring comes from a mix of municipal and county governments, regional planning agencies, and private consulting firms that bring on junior planners to support larger project teams.
Are there remote entry level urban planner jobs?
Yes, though on-site and hybrid roles are more common at the entry level. About 0% of entry level urban planner openings are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with fully remote positions more likely at consulting firms than at local government agencies, which typically require in-person attendance for public meetings and field work.
Are these new grad urban planner jobs?
Yes, these listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior urban planner roles. A posting is typically new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts internships or practicum work toward that requirement, or asks for a portfolio instead of a lengthy employment history. Look for language like "entry level," "new grad," or "recent graduates encouraged to apply."
Which industries hire the most entry level urban planners?
Entry Level urban planner roles concentrate in Education, Consulting & Professional Services, and Construction & Real Estate, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. These sectors drive hiring at the entry level because they consistently need junior planners to support long-term infrastructure projects, zoning reviews, and community development initiatives that require larger teams.