Urban and Regional Planners

Career Description: Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of local jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

Industry: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Other Job Titles for Urban and Regional Planners:

• Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Investigative: Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
• Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
• Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
• Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
• Conventional: Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• First Interest High-Point: Primary-Rank Descriptiveness
• Second Interest High-Point: Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
• Third Interest High-Point: Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness

• Design, promote and administer government plans and policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, and transportation.
• Hold public meetings and confer with government, social scientists, lawyers, developers, the public, and special interest groups to formulate and develop land use or community plans.
• Recommend approval, denial or conditional approval of proposals.
• Determine the effects of regulatory limitations on projects.
• Assess the feasibility of proposals and identify necessary changes.
• Create, prepare, or requisition graphic and 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, and possible alternatives.
• Conduct field investigations, surveys, impact studies or other research to compile and analyze data on economic, social, regulatory and physical factors affecting land use.
• Discuss with planning officials the purpose of land use projects such as transportation, conservation, residential, commercial, industrial, and community use.
• Keep informed about economic and legal issues involved in zoning codes, building codes, and environmental regulations.
• Mediate community disputes and assist in developing alternative plans and recommendations for programs or projects.
• Coordinate work with economic consultants and architects during the formulation of plans and the design of large pieces of infrastructure.
• Review and evaluate environmental impact reports pertaining to private and public planning projects and programs.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of urban planning technicians and technologists.
• Investigate property availability.
• Respond to complaints and questions on wetland jurisdiction, providing information and clarification.
• Initiate, schedule, and conduct annual audits and compliance checks of program implementation by local government.
• Compile and interpret wetland biodata to determine extent and type of wetland and to aid in program formulation.
• Manage field offices and involve staff in cooperative ventures.
• Review and approve amendments to comprehensive local water plans and conservation district plans.
• Review proposed wetland restoration easements and provide technical recommendations.
• Review grant applications and make funding recommendations.
• Conduct fact finding and mediation sessions among government units, landowners, and other agencies to resolve disputes.
• Review annual reports of counties, conservation districts, and watershed management organizations, certifying compliance with mandated reporting requirements.
• Provide access to programs and training to assist in completion of government groundwater protection plans.
• Build geographic information systems (GIS) to record, analyze, and cartographically represent the distribution of languages, cultural and natural resources, land use, and settlement patterns of specific populations.
• Observe and measure bodily variations and physical attributes of different human groups.

Emerging Tasks

• Hold public meetings with government officials, social scientists, lawyers, developers, the public, and special interest groups to formulate and develop, present information about, or discuss issues regarding land use or community plans.
• Regulate grazing (e.g., by issuing permits and checking for compliance with standards), and help ranchers plan and organize grazing systems in order to manage, improve and protect rangelands and maximize their use.
• Supervise and monitor production processes in order to ensure that equipment is used efficiently, specifications are changed when needed, and projects are completed within appropriate time frames and budgets.
• Use chemicals and other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
• Supervise the work of others including interns, clinicians in training, and other counselors.

• Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Interacting With Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Performing General Physical Activities: Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment: Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Detailed Work Activities

• advise clients or customers
• advise governmental or industrial personnel
• advise planning officials concerning regional or urban projects
• analyze ecosystem data
• analyze project proposal to determine feasibility, cost, or time
• analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
• analyze social or economic data
• collect scientific or technical data
• collect social or personal information
• collect statistical data
• communicate technical information
• compile data on economic, social, or physical factors affecting land use
• compile information through interviews
• compile numerical or statistical data
• conduct field research or investigative studies
• conduct plant location surveys
• confer with authorities or community groups
• confer with scientists
• create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
• determine regulatory limitations on project
• develop or maintain databases
• develop plans for programs or projects
• develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
• develop tables depicting data
• direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
• direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
• direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
• draw maps or charts
• ensure conformance to building regulations
• establish and maintain relationships with community organizations
• evaluate documents or manuscripts
• explain complex mathematical information
• explain government laws or regulations
• explain government rules or policies
• follow contract, property, or insurance laws
• follow tax laws or regulations
• interpret charts or tables for social or economic research
• interpret laws or legislation
• maintain awareness of social trends
• make presentations
• negotiate with federal and state agencies and other political organizations
• oversee execution of organizational or program policies
• plan scientific research or investigative studies
• plan surveys of specified group or area
• prepare reports
• prepare required government reports
• prepare technical reports or related documentation
• provide advice on rural or urban land use
• provide expert testimony on research results
• recognize interrelationships among individuals or social groups
• recognize interrelationships among social statistics or indicators
• recommend further study or action based on research data
• research property records
• review laws
• solicit support from officials or public
• understand property documents
• use building or land use regulations
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use conflict resolution techniques
• use cost benefit analysis techniques
• use current social research
• use geographical information system (GIS) software
• use interpersonal communication techniques
• use interviewing procedures
• use knowledge of economic trends
• use knowledge of environmental laws and regulations
• use knowledge of investigation techniques
• use labor market information
• use library or online Internet research techniques
• use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
• use oral or written communication techniques
• use project management techniques
• use public speaking techniques
• use quantitative research methods
• use relational database software
• use scientific research methodology
• use spreadsheet software
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• work as a team member
• write business project or bid proposals
• write research or project grant proposals
• write scholarly or technical research papers
• use land surveying techniques
• use library or online Internet research techniques
• use long term forest or range land planning techniques
• use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
• use pollution control techniques
• use project management techniques
• use public speaking techniques
• use relational database software
• use scientific research methodology
• use spreadsheet software
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• work as a team member
• write business project or bid proposals
• write research or project grant proposals
• write scholarly or technical research papers
• use research methodology procedures in health care
• use sanitation practices in health care settings
• use scientific research methodology
• use spreadsheet software
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• write research or project grant proposals
• write scholarly or technical research papers
• write technical health or medical documents
• use scientific research methodology
• use spreadsheet software
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• work as a team member
• work with management or employees to improve organizational system
• write business project or bid proposals
• write employee orientation or training materials
• write research or project grant proposals
• write scholarly or technical research papers

Overall Experience
A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Education
Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Examples
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include accountants, human resource managers, computer programmers, teachers, chemists, and police detectives.

• Average hourly wage (2007) -$27.87
• Average annual wage (2007) - $57,970.00

• Projected growth (2006-2016): 14.51%
• Projected need (2006-2016): 4,907
• Employment (2006): 33,809

• Actuaries
• Fish and Game Wardens
• Political Scientists
• Residential Advisors
• Sociologists
• Surveyors
• Teacher Assistants
• Traffic Technicians
• Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
• Soil and Water Conservationists