Urban and Land Use Planners

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.

Regulations

Contacts

There are currently no job postings for this occupation.