Graduate Planner Recrutiment Campaign with Local Authorities

As a Guidance Counsellor, supporting the next generation, did you know that Planning offers students a fulfilling career, and if working in one of Ireland’s city or county councils, the opportunity to make a powerful impact to the development of vibrant, sustainable, and thriving communities.

What would attract a student to become a Graduate Planner?

In addition to excellent career prospects (see below current Graduate Planner opportunities), this is a career with impact:

  • Plan spaces that leave a lasting impact
    Graduate planners work on projects that directly affect the day-to-day lives of citizens. Whether it's planning new parks, enhancing transportation networks, or developing housing solutions, your work will help shape the future of Ireland's urban and rural landscapes
  • Plan to make a powerful difference
    Graduate planners work on projects that focus on sustainability, smart growth, and community engagement, and make a lasting impact on the future development of our communities, ensuring Ireland's cities and towns remain desirable places to live and work.

How do I study to become a Graduate Planner?

There are a number of courses and routes to become a Graduate Planner, find out more here. One of these courses is TU Dublin BSc (Hons) in Spatial Planning and Environmental Management.

We spoke to David O’Connor, Head of Environment and Planning, TU Dublin about their course, and he told us, ‘for students who are interested in our communities and environment and want to join the fight against climate change, the BSc (Hons) in Spatial Planning and Environmental Management (TU835) is one of Ireland’s top professionally accredited programmes, offering a career path for students who are socially and environmentally aware. This course leads to a specialised, internationally recognised and highly employable degree for those who want to become directly engaged in combating climate change.’

Accredited work placement is part of the course, which David says, ‘often leads directly to employment for many students. The programme is professionally accredited and maintains strong links with industry and employers. TU835 gives young people the skills to manage, protect and develop a sustainable environment for the future.’ 

TUD have shared this video around day-to-day life at TU Dublin Environment & Planning, part of the TU Dublin School of Architecture, Building and Environment (SABE), and often provide more information on their socials at Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn

Current Graduate Planner opportunities

For any of your former students who are now Graduate Planners, Ireland’s local authorities are currently recruiting for their Graduate Planner Campaign.

They encourage recent graduates with an honour in a level 8 Honours degree or higher in planning or those due to graduate this year and expect to achieve an honour, to apply. This career offers:

  • A competitive salary starting at €38,956 with annual increments
  • 24 days annual leave
  • Flexible working and a focus on well-being
  • A chance to work across innovative, sustainable, and community-driven projects
  • A structured career pathway
  • A comprehensive mentoring and structured development programme, to connect with professionals and stakeholders across the Local Government sector

Please note that applicants must be entitled to work in the Republic of Ireland.

Application deadline: 12pm 1 July 2025
Apply here: LocalGovernmentJobs.ie/GradPlanner