Urban and Regional Planners

Urban and Regional Planners develop and implement plans and policies for the controlled use of urban and rural land, and advise on economic, environmental and social factors affecting land use.

  • The Job
  • The Facts
  • Related Courses

What the job involves

  • Compiling and analysing data on economic, legal, political, cultural, demographic, sociological, physical and environmental factors affecting land use
  • Conferring with government authorities, communities, Architects, social scientists, Legal Professionals, and planning, development and environmental specialists
  • Devising and recommending use and development of land, and presenting narrative and graphic plans, programs and designs to groups and individuals
  • Advising governments and organisations on urban and regional planning and resource planning
  • Reviewing and evaluating environmental impact reports
  • Staying up-to-date with changes in building and zoning codes, regulations and other legal issues
  • May serve as mediators in disputes over planning proposals and projects
  • May speak at public meetings and appear before government to explain planning proposals

Key values of workers in Urban and Regional Planners

  • Achievement

    Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

  • Working Conditions

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

  • Recognition

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

  • Independence

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

  • Support

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Top skills required for workers in Urban and Regional Planners

  • Speaking

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Judgment and Decision Making

    Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Reading Comprehension

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Critical Thinking

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Systems Analysis

    Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.