Urban and Regional Planners
Urban and regional planners develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
The regional planner's job description is to develop land use plans and programs, thereby creating communities to accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities.
Urban planners implement government policies governing land use. They gather and analyse data, analyse factors affecting community development and decline, review plans submitted by developers, and submit their recommendations.
How to become an urban planner? To become one need a master’s degree to qualify for urban planning jobs. Most candidates who enrol for these master's programs have a bachelor's degree in economics, geography, political science, or environmental design. Master's programs students spend considerable time in seminars, workshops, and laboratory courses, where they learn how to analyse and solve planning problems. Urban and regional planners specialize in areas like transportation planning, community development, historic preservation, and urban design, among other fields of interest.
Entry-level urban planning jobs require 1 to 2 years of work experience to get a five-six figure urban planner salary. In fields such as architecture, public policy, or economic development. Students gain experience through real planning projects or part-time internships while enrolled in a master's planning program.
Important qualities for urban planners are analytical skills, communication skills, decision-making skills and leadership skills.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- M.Arch Urban and Rural Planning
- M.Arch Urban Design
- B.Tech Civil Engineering
- B.Arch Architecture
Tasks
- Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.
- Recommend approval, denial, or conditional approval of proposals.
- Create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables, such as population density.
- Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives.
- Conduct field investigations, surveys, impact studies, or other research to compile and analyze data on economic, social, regulatory, or physical factors affecting land use.
- Discuss with planning officials the purpose of land use projects, such as transportation, conservation, residential, commercial, industrial, or community use.
- Keep informed about economic or legal issues involved in zoning codes, building codes, or environmental regulations.
- Mediate community disputes or assist in developing alternative plans or recommendations for programs or projects.
- Coordinate work with economic consultants or architects during the formulation of plans or the design of large pieces of infrastructure.
- Review and evaluate environmental impact reports pertaining to private or public planning projects or programs.
Progression Routes
READY FOR MORE?
Subscribe to our Premium package and you'll unlock a wealth of extra information about your favourite careers and gain access our library of immersive 360° VR careers experience.
As a Premium user you'll find out more about the day-to-day demands of any career, what you could earn and, importantly, receive expert advice on study routes, preparation expenses, and where & what to study to fulfil your potential.