Profession urban planner

Urban planners create development plans for towns, urban areas, cities, and regions. They research the needs of the community or the region (economic, social, transport) and evaluate other parameters such as sustainability in order to present solid programs aimed at the improvement of the site.

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Personality Type

  • Investigative / Enterprising

Knowledge

  • Architecture regulations

    The regulations, statutes, and legal agreements existing in the European Union in the field of architecture. 

  • Zoning codes

    The division of land into zones where various uses and activities are allowed, such as residential, agricultural, and industrial activities. These zones are regulated by legislative procedures and local authorities.

  • Environmental policy

    Local, national and international policies dealing with the promotion of environmental sustainability and the development of projects which reduce negative environmental impact and improve the state of the environment.

  • Building codes

    The set of guidelines that determine the minimum standards for buildings and other constructions in order to protect public health and safety.

  • Urban planning

    Political and technical process that seeks to design the urban environment and optimize land use by considering various aspects such as infrastructure, water, and green and social spaces.

  • Green space strategies

    The authority’s vision on how to use its green space. This includes the goals it wants to achieve, the resources, methods, legislative framework, and time needed to meet these goals. 

  • Demography

    The scientific field of study that deals with studying the size, structure, and distribution of the human population, and its geographical and temporal changes.

Skills

  • Use geographic information systems

    Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

  • Advise on use of land

    Recommend the best ways to use land and resources. Advise on locations for roads, schools, parks, etc.

  • Liaise with local authorities

    Maintain the liaison and exchange of information with regional or local authorities.

  • Execute feasibility study

    Perform the evaluation and assessment of the potential of a project, plan, proposition or new idea. Realise a standardised study which is based on extensive investigation and research to support the process of decision making.

  • Build business relationships

    Establish a positive, long-term relationship between organisations and interested third parties such as suppliers, distributors, shareholders and other stakeholders in order to inform them of the organisation and its objectives.

  • Study human population

    Analyse data about the human population in a specific geographic area in order to uncover trends such as mortality rate, migration, and fertility rates.

  • Meet building regulations

    Communicate with construction inspection, e.g. by submitting schemes and plans, to make sure all construction regulations, laws and codes are dealt with correctly.

Optional knowledge and skills

use cad software topography advise on legislative acts historic architecture advise on architectural matters construction methods cartography design spatial layout of outdoor areas study traffic flow write scientific papers public housing legislation conduct public surveys project management landscape architecture scientific modelling provide technical expertise advise on building matters develop concepts for city marketing advise on pollution prevention scientific research methodology promote sustainability conduct land surveys plan public housing cad software advise architects promote innovative infrastructure design communicate with local residents architectural conservation

Common job titles

  • Associate city planner - community planning and development
  • Planner/senior planner
  • Assistant urban designer - queens office
  • City planner
  • Associate planner
  • Planner i
  • Chief city planner
  • Entry-level planner
  • Community development planner
  • Planner i