Urban and Land Use Planners
(NOC 2153)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyUrban and land use planners develop plans and recommend policies for managing land use, physical facilities and associated services for urban and rural areas and remote regions. They are employed by all levels of government, land developers, engineering and other consulting companies, or may work as private consultants.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. However, competition for positions may be low due to few qualified jobseekers. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Urban and Land Use Planners most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers.
The median employment income for 79% of Urban and Land Use Planners who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $78,582. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
$17,526
Minimum$67,506
Median$109,569
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$17.69
Minimum$31.35
Median$47.18
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Urban and land use planners develop plans and recommend policies for managing land use, physical facilities and associated services for urban and rural areas and remote regions. They are employed by all levels of government, land developers, engineering and other consulting companies, or may work as private consultants.
Job duties
Urban and land use planners perform some or all of the following duties:
- Compile and analyze data on demographic, economic, legal, political, cultural, sociological, physical and other factors affecting land use.
- Confer with municipal, provincial and federal authorities, civic leaders, social scientists, lawyers, land developers, the public and special interest groups to formulate and develop land use or community plans.
- Prepare and recommend land development concepts and plans for zoning, subdivisions, transportation, public utilities, community facilities, parks, agricultural and other land uses.
- Prepare plans for environmental protection, such as wildlife preserves, national and provincial parks, and protection of watersheds.
- Present plans to civic, rural and regional authorities and hold public meetings to present plans, proposals or planning studies to the general public and special interest groups.
- Review and evaluate proposals for land use and development plans and prepare recommendations.
- Process applications for land development permits and administer land use plans and zoning by-laws.
- Formulate long-range objectives and policies relative to future land use and the protection of the environment.
- Supervise and coordinate work of urban planning technicians and technologists.
Sample job titles
- environmental planner
- land use planner
- licensed professional planner
- municipal planner
- park planner
- planner
- recreation planner
- site planner
- transportation planner
- urban and regional planner
Skills
Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is useful.
Job requirements
- A bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning, geography, architecture, engineering or a related discipline is required.
- A master's degree in one of these disciplines may be required.
- Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners is usually required.
- Membership in a provincial planning institute may be required in some provinces.
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is offered by the Canada Green Building Council and may be required by some employers.
Other considerations
Progression to management positions in planning is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Northern
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public Administration
Utilities
Professional Business Services
Wholesale Trade
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate & Leasing
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
Doctorate
N/ABachelor's degree
N/ACollege certificate or diploma
N/ATrades certificate
N/AHigh school
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College certificate or diploma
$52,476 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$58,011 median annual incomeHigh school
$35,125 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$37,706 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$54,923 median annual incomeEducation & training
City/urban, community and regional planning
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply principles of planning, analysis, and architecture to the development and improvement of urban areas and surrounding regions, and to function as professional planners. These programs include courses in principles of architecture; master plan development; service, communications, and transportation systems design; community and commercial development; zoning; land use planning; applied economics; policy analysis; applicable laws and regulations; and professional responsibilities and managerial duties.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
6350 Coburg Road
Halifax, NS B3H 2A1
(902) 422-1271
Sustainability studies
This program is typically offered at the university level.Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
6350 Coburg Road
Halifax, NS B3H 2A1
(902) 422-1271
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. The job title is protected (you may not use this job title without a professional designation). Professional designation shows that the holder has met provincial requirements for the job. Employers may require professional designation, however, you do not need professional designation to legally work in this job.