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Urban Planner

Urban & Regional Planner

Job Sector:

Architecture and Construction

Potential Salary (USD):

Low End: $50,000.00 /yr
Avg/Med: $80,000.00 /yr
High End: $125,000.00 /yr

Education Required:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Master’s Degree

Job Outlook:

The demand for urban and regional planners remains steady in Canada and the United States within the public and private sectors. The market demand is driven by high levels of planned residential construction and significant public sector redevelopment projects, including hospitals and public services.

Career Profile Overview:

Urban and Regional Planners develop and manage land use plans that guide the growth and development of communities. They work on projects, including residential neighbourhoods, commercial districts, transportation systems, and public infrastructure. Their work involves analyzing data, engaging with stakeholders, and creating policies to ensure sustainable, equitable, and efficient urban environments that meet the population’s evolving needs.

A person with sustainable models on a desk planning an urban project
A close-up shot of a hand holding a blue pen, drawing on a detailed architectural or landscape plan with buildings, roads, and green spaces depicted in color.
A woman sitting at a desk using a computer surrounded by models of wind turbines and sustainable energy

Enhancing Urban Mobility:

  • Analyzing and improving transportation networks to enhance accessibility and efficiency.

Promoting Environmental Sustainability:

  • Developing strategies to protect and enhance the natural environment within urban development.

Guiding Land Development:

  • Creating and administering land use policies that promote sustainable and equitable growth.

Driving Economic Vitality:

  • Supporting economic development initiatives to create jobs and strengthen the local economy.

Improving Public Space Design:

  • Designing and improving public spaces to enhance the quality of life for residents.

Facilitating Community Engagement:

  • Facilitating community engagement and ensuring that planning decisions reflect the needs of diverse populations.

Educational Path:

  • High School: Courses in geography, math, and social sciences are beneficial.
  • Postsecondary: Bachelor’s Degree in geography, architecture, engineering, or social sciences.
  • Advanced Degrees: A master’s Degree in urban and regional planning or a related field is required for most positions.

Certifications:

  • Registered Professional Planner (RPP)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)

Entry-Level

  • Assistant Planner: Reviewing development applications and conducting site surveys under the guidance of more experienced planners.
  • Community Planning Assistant: Assist with community engagement, outreach, and other community-led projects.
  • Planning Technician: Providing technical support, data entry, and GIS mapping, as well as assisting with research.

Mid-Level

  • Land Use Planner: Developing and implementing zoning ordinances, land development regulations, and comprehensive plans.
  • Environmental Planner: Assess the environmental impact of development projects, develop sustainability plans, and work on environmental remediation.

Senior-Level

  • Planning Manager: Overseeing planning departments, managing budgets, and providing strategic direction for planning initiatives.
  • Senior Urban Designer: Lead complex urban design projects, create master plans, and shape the aesthetic and functional aspects of urban spaces.
  • Regional Planning Specialist: Work on regional planning initiatives, addressing regional issues such as transportation, housing, and economic development.
  • GIS and Spatial Analysis: Proficiency with mapping and spatial data interpretation.
  • Data Analysis and Statistics: Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret diverse data sets.
  • Zoning and Land Use Regulation: Knowledge of codes, regulations, and development processes.
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Skill in evaluating ecological effects of development.
  • Project Management and Budgeting: Skill in managing projects and resources.
  • Public Engagement and Facilitation: Skill in conducting meetings and gathering community input.
  • Strategic Planning and Visioning: Ability to develop long-term plans.
  • Community Advocacy and Focus: Dedication to improving community well-being.
  • Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness: Respect for diverse perspectives.
  • Strong Organizational and Time Management: Ability to manage tasks efficiently.

United States:

Cornell University (New York)

University of Virginia (Virginia)

University of Southern California Price (California)

  • Program: Master of Urban Planning
  • Website: USC Price

    Canada:

    University of Waterloo (Ontario)

    Simon Fraser University British Columbia)

    • Program: Bachelor of Environment in REM Planning
    • Website: SFU REM

    Dalhousie University (Nova Scotia)

      A person wearing a green shirt is arranging small, white models of wind turbines and miniature trees on a green surface, suggesting a model or diorama of a wind farm or sustainable energy project.
      A person with their back to the viewer is sketching in a notebook, with a cityscape in the background. The notebook shows detailed line drawings of buildings, and the person is holding a pen. The background features a city street with cars and tall buildings.
      A man standing in front of a model of a park containing wind turbines

      Resources and Further Reading: