Job Description of a Development Planner
As the U.S. population grows, cities and suburbs expand. Development planners play an important role in managing this type of growth. With a mind for creativity and organization, these problem-solvers figure out the best ways to use land. Development planners are also known as urban and regional planners.
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Responsibilities
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According to the Occupational Information Network, planners develop comprehensive plans on how to use an area of land, such as towns, cities, counties and metro areas. According to College Board, a development planner finds the most opportune spots to build businesses and homes. A planner handles transportation issues and studies the environmental effects of potential projects. Some planners focus on environmental goals, such as controlling pollution or preserving wildlife. Planners spend much of their time in meetings outside of work hours, traveling to work sites, working within budgets and laws and making important decisions, such as keeping communities safe.
Environment and Hours
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, urban and regional planners spend much of their time in the field. Planners travel to work sites that are intended for development. Most planners work a standard 40-hour work week. In addition, planners often attend weekend or evening meetings or public hearings with citizen groups.
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Education and Training
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, acquiring an accredited master's degree in planning offers the most opportunities. Most entry-level positions require a master's degree in urban or regional planning or a related area, including environmental planning, urban design or geography. Bachelor's degree holders have a limited number of opportunities for entry-level positions and advancement is only possible with an advanced degree. The Planning Accreditation Board recognizes 67 colleges and universities that offer a master's degree and 15 institutions that offer a bachelor's degree in 2009.
Earnings
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, urban and regional planners earned a national mean hourly wage of $31.10 and a national mean annual wage of $64,680 in May 2009. The industries that employed the highest number of urban and regional planners were the local government with a mean annual wage of $62,170; architectural, engineering and related services, $72,910; management, scientific and technical consulting services, $71,390; scientific research and development services, $62,460; and electric power generation, transmission and distribution, $61,970.
Outlook
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According to the National Employment Matrix from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for urban and regional planners is expected to increase 19 percent by 2018. New jobs will arise in affluent, quickly expanding communities. Job opportunities will be best for those with a master's degree. Those with a bachelor's degree with skills in mapping may qualify for entry-level positions, but opportunities for advancement are limited.
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References
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