Urban and Regional Planners

19-3051.00

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• 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.
• 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.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Citilabs TRANPLAN; Location allocation decision support system LADSS; Scientific Software Group ModTech; Transportation planning software
• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Compliance software - Accela PERMITS Plus; Accela Tidemark Advantage
• Computer aided design CAD software - 3D urban simulation modeling software; Autodesk 3ds Max Design; Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Autodesk AutoCAD Map 3D; Bentley MicroStation 🔥; Caliper TransCAD; CommunityViz; Computer aided design CAD software; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks 🔥; e-on VUE; MultiGen Paradigm 3D GIS; Tangible Media Group Luminous Table; Trimble SketchUp Pro 🔥; UrbanSim
• Data base user interface and query software - Database software; dBASE; Land management databases; Microsoft Access 🔥; Oracle Database 🔥; Street address databases; Structured query language SQL 🔥
• Data mining software - Data mining software
• Desktop communications software - RhinoSoft FTP Voyager
• Desktop publishing software - Adobe InDesign 🔥; Adobe PageMaker; Desktop publishing software
• Development environment software - Software development tools
• Document management software - Adobe Acrobat 🔥; Interwoven software
• Electronic mail software - Email software; IBM Lotus Notes; Microsoft Outlook
• Enterprise application integration software - Extensible markup language XML 🔥
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - Accela KIVA DMS; Enterprise resource planning ERP software; SAP software 🔥; WorkTech MAXIMO
• Geographic information system - Esri ArcGIS; ESRI ArcGIS software 🔥; ESRI ArcInfo; ESRI ArcView; ESRI software; ESRI What if?; Geographic information system GIS software; Geographic information system GIS systems; PlanGraphics Citywide GIS Utility
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Creative Cloud software 🔥; Adobe FreeHand MX; Adobe Illustrator 🔥; Adobe Photoshop 🔥; Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite; Graphics software
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Map creation software - Criterion Planners INDEX; Geomechanical design analysis GDA software; Intergraph MGE; ITC Integrated Land and Water Information System ILWIS; ITSpatial InterSCOPE; Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE; RockWare ArcMap; Spatial decision support systems SDSS software; Telogis GeoBase
• Object or component oriented development software - Oracle Java 🔥
• Office suite software - Corel WordPerfect Office Suite; Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint ; Presentation software
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥; Oracle Primavera Systems
• Spreadsheet software - IBM Lotus 1-2-3; Microsoft Excel ; Spreadsheet software
• Time accounting software - Sage Timeslips
• Web page creation and editing software - Adobe Dreamweaver
• Web platform development software - Hypertext markup language HTML 🔥
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Design civil structures or systems.
• Inform the public about policies, services or procedures.
• Advise others on business or operational matters.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Communicate with the public on environmental issues.
• Mediate disputes.
• Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.
• Review plans or proposals for environmental conservation.
• Communicate with government agencies.
• Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.
• Analyze impact of legal or regulatory changes.
• Review environmental permits, plans, or reports.
• Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
• Develop environmental sustainability plans or projects.
• Collaborate with technical specialists to resolve design or development problems.
• Promote environmental sustainability or conservation initiatives.
• Obtain property information.
• Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
• Prepare maps.
• Record research or operational data.
• Compile geographic or related data.
• Analyze geological or geographical data.
• Provide technical information or assistance to public.