Urban and Land Use Planners
(NOC 2153)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyUrban and land use planners study the social, economic, cultural, environmental, political and physical conditions of urban and rural communities, and develop plans and recommend policies for managing land use, physical facilities and associated services. They work for all levels of government, land developers, engineering and other consulting companies, or may work as private consultants.
Job Outlook
average
Read more
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. 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 moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat 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 72% 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
$32.00
Minimum$40.19
Median$46.70
MaximumAnnual Pay
$17,526
Minimum$67,506
Median$109,569
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$37.80
Median$48.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Urban and land use planners study the social, economic, cultural, environmental, political and physical conditions of urban and rural communities, and develop plans and recommend policies for managing land use, physical facilities and associated services. They work for all levels of government, land developers, engineering and other consulting companies, or may work as private consultants.
Job duties
Urban and land use planners:
- Prepare reports on demographic, economic, cultural, social and environmental issues affecting land use.
- Recommend policy and guidelines on land use, environmental conservation, housing, and transportation.
- Consult with government, civic leaders, social scientists, lawyers, land developers, citizens and special interest groups to plan and develop land use or community plans.
- Prepare plans for developing private lands 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 like 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 to make sure they follow regulations and generally accepted planning practice and prepare recommendations.
- Process applications for land development permits and manage land use plans and zoning by-laws.
- Make 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
- city planner
- community planner
- environmental planner
- heritage planner - land use
- land use planner
- park planner
- planning analyst
- recreation planner
- site planner
- transportation planner
- urban planner
- zoning officer - land use
Skills
- Planners must be able to balance various private interests with the public interest and identify viable options. To meet increasingly complex urban challenges, planners need to know about land, air and water resources, employment trends, cultural diversity and associated issues, new technologies, and conflict resolution. 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.
- 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
- Movement 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
$60,384 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$73,515 median annual incomeSouthern
N/AAnnapolis Valley
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public administration
Utilities
Professional, scientific and technical services
Real estate and rental and leasing
Construction
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
Master
$69,653 median annual incomeBachelor
$60,404 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
N/AHigh school
N/ATrade Certification
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students 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. They 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
Sustainability Studies
University ProgramThese programs focus on the concept of sustainability from an interdisciplinary perspective. They include courses in sustainable development, environmental policies, ethics, ecology, landscape architecture, city and regional planning, economics, natural resources, sociology, and anthropology.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional designation. Professional designation shows that the holder has met provincial standards for the job. Employers may require professional designation, but professional designation is not necessary to do this work.
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.