Occupation Details
Urban and Regional Planners
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
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Interests
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Artistic
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Enterprising
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$65,220.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$84,570.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$104,740.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
1,370
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
1,590
+22 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
147
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
More School - Graduate or advanced degree
Experience Requirements
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Training Details
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Systems Analysis
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Sociology and Anthropology
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- 10-key calculators
- 35 millimeter cameras
- Desktop computers
- Digital camcorders
- Digital cameras
- Digitizers
- Drafting scales
- Global positioning system GPS receivers
- Laptop computers
- Laser printers
- Microfiche readers
- Multi-line telephone systems
- Notebook computers
- Overhead projectors
- Personal computers
- Photocopiers
- Planimeters
- Plotters
- Slide projectors
Technology
- 3D urban simulation modeling software
- Accela KIVA DMS
- Accela Tidemark Advantage
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Suite
- Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Systems Adobe PageMaker
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Caliper TransCAD
- Citilabs TRANPLAN
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Criterion Planners INDEX
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- inspect project operations, or site to determine specification compliance
- draw maps or charts
- draw maps or charts
- solicit support from officials or public
- issue licenses or permits
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare reports
- prepare reports
- prepare required government reports
- prepare required government reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- perform clerical duties including typing, accepting orders, or sorting mail
- evaluate documents or manuscripts
- advise clients or customers
- provide expert testimony on research results
- advise planning officials concerning regional or urban projects
- recommend further study or action based on research data
- provide advice on rural or urban land use
- advise governmental or industrial personnel
- understand property documents
- understand property documents
- understand second language
- recognize interrelationships among individuals or social groups
- recognize interrelationships among individuals or social groups
- recognize interrelationships among social statistics or indicators
- recognize interrelationships among social statistics or indicators
- schedule meetings or appointments
- arrange teleconference calls
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- use geographical information system (GIS) software
- develop or maintain databases
- develop or maintain databases
- oversee execution of organizational or program policies
- direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
- create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
- create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
- compile numerical or statistical data
- compile numerical or statistical data
- develop tables depicting data
- develop tables depicting data
- verify investigative information
- compile data on economic, social, or physical factors affecting land use
- compile data on economic, social, or physical factors affecting land use
- negotiate with federal and state agencies and other political organizations
- resolve customer or public complaints
- provide customer service
- answer customer or public inquiries
- plan surveys of specified group or area
- plan scientific research or investigative studies
- explain complex mathematical information
- interpret charts or tables for social or economic research
- interpret charts or tables for social or economic research
- write scholarly or technical research papers
- interpret laws or legislation
- explain government laws or regulations
- explain government laws or regulations
- explain government rules or policies
- explain government rules or policies
- work as a team member
- work as a team member
- establish and maintain relationships with community organizations
- establish and maintain relationships with community organizations
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- perform statistical modeling
- conduct field research or investigative studies
- conduct plant location surveys
- analyze social or economic data
- analyze social or economic data
- analyze ecosystem data
- analyze ecosystem data
- analyze existing evidence or facts
- analyze project proposal to determine feasibility, cost, or time
- conduct survey research of specified populations
- follow contract, property, or insurance laws
- follow contract, property, or insurance laws
- use cost benefit analysis techniques
- use current social research
- use current social research
- use knowledge of economic trends
- use knowledge of economic trends
- use government regulations
- use interpersonal communication techniques
- use interpersonal communication techniques
- use interviewing procedures
- use interviewing procedures
- use labor market information
- use labor market information
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use scientific research methodology
- use scientific research methodology
- follow tax laws or regulations
- follow tax laws or regulations
- learn trends in world trade
- maintain awareness of social trends
- maintain awareness of social trends
- use building or land use regulations
- use building or land use regulations
- use conflict resolution techniques
- use conflict resolution techniques
- use public speaking techniques
- use public speaking techniques
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use project management techniques
- use quantitative research methods
- use quantitative research methods
- use knowledge of environmental laws and regulations
- use knowledge of environmental laws and regulations
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- proofread printed or written material
- ensure conformance to building regulations
- ensure conformance to building regulations
- determine regulatory limitations on project
- determine regulatory limitations on project
- conduct or attend staff meetings
- write research or project grant proposals
- write business project or bid proposals
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- develop plans for programs or projects
- communicate technical information
- communicate technical information
- write business correspondence
- make presentations
- make presentations
- confer with authorities or community groups
- confer with authorities or community groups
- confer with scientists
- compile information through interviews
- compile information through interviews
- collect scientific or technical data
- collect scientific or technical data
- collect statistical data
- collect statistical data
- read maps
- research property records
- research property records
- collect social or personal information
- collect social or personal information
- obtain information from individuals
- obtain information from clients, customers, or patients
- review laws
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Conduct interviews, surveys and site inspections concerning factors that affect land usage, such as zoning, traffic flow and housing.
- Prepare reports, using statistics, charts, and graphs, to illustrate planning studies in areas such as population, land use, or zoning.
- Prepare, develop and maintain maps and databases.
- Prepare, maintain and update files and records, including land use data and statistics.
- Research, compile, analyze and organize information from maps, reports, investigations, and books for use in reports and special projects.
- Respond to public inquiries and complaints.
- Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.
- Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives.
- Create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables, such as population density.
- Hold public meetings with government officials, social scientists, lawyers, developers, the public, or special interest groups to formulate, develop, or address issues regarding land use or community plans.
- Mediate community disputes or assist in developing alternative plans or recommendations for programs or projects.
- Recommend approval, denial, or conditional approval of proposals.
- Conduct field investigations, surveys, impact studies, or other research to compile and analyze data on economic, social, regulatory, or physical factors affecting land use.
- Evaluate proposals for infrastructure projects or other development for environmental impact or sustainability.
- Discuss with planning officials the purpose of land use projects, such as transportation, conservation, residential, commercial, industrial, or community use.
- Keep informed about economic or legal issues involved in zoning codes, building codes, or environmental regulations.
- Assess the feasibility of land use proposals and identify necessary changes.
- Determine the effects of regulatory limitations on land use projects.
- Review and evaluate environmental impact reports pertaining to private or public planning projects or programs.
- Supervise or coordinate the work of urban planning technicians or technologists.
- Develop plans for public or alternative transportation systems for urban or regional locations to reduce carbon output associated with transportation.
- Identify opportunities or develop plans for sustainability projects or programs to improve energy efficiency, minimize pollution or waste, or restore natural systems.
- Coordinate work with economic consultants or architects during the formulation of plans or the design of large pieces of infrastructure.
- Advocate sustainability to community groups, government agencies, the general public, or special interest groups.
- Investigate property availability for purposes of development.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Backyard Nature
Naturalist Jim Conrad has created a friendly, nicely illustrated introduction to studying nature, starting in your own backyard. The site features information on plants, animals, and fungi that might thrive in a backyard and provides basic information on ecology, geology, naming and classifying living things, and other topics.
Learn MoreCornell University Cooperative Extension New York City 4 H Youth Favorite Places
4 H Youth Favorite Places (YFP) is an activity designed to help teach youth about Geographic Information Systems/Global Positioning System (GIS/GPS) as well as provide a service to their community, in which youth "map" their favorite places in their community.
Learn MoreGeographic Information Systems (GIS) Summer 2006 College Experience
GIS Summer 2006 College Experience is an ideal way to learn new skills, check out careers in GIS, take part in a project team, get your own handheld GPS unit to keep and earn college credit!
Learn MoreU.S. Geological Survey(USGS): Science for a Changing World
USGS is an unbiased, multi-disciplinary science organization that focuses on biology, geography, geology, geospatial information, and water, and are dedicated to the timely, relevant, and impartial study of the landscape, our natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten us.
Learn MoreUrban and regional planners
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreXpeditions Geography Standards in Your Classroom Lesson Plans
Xpeditions is home to the U.S. National Geography Standards. The Lesson Plans are teacher-tested, sorted by standard and grade level.
Learn More