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Urban Planner Job Description

What does an Urban Planner do?

An Urban Planner is responsible for developing and implementing plans to create, improve and sustain communities in urban areas. They work closely with local governments, architects, and developers to design infrastructure, transportation systems, and housing projects that are efficient, economically viable and meet the needs of the local community. Urban planners use data analysis, public input and environmental research to identify the needs of a community and develop policies that promote sustainability, safety and social cohesion. They also work to ensure that any new developments meet planning regulations, environmental standards and public safety requirements.

Our Urban Planner job description includes the Urban Planner responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Urban Planner Example


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If you need an example job description for an Urban Planner download the one below, alternatively we have many other Construction job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does an Urban Planner do?

Urban Planner

A Urban Planner is responsible for developing short and long-term plans for the development of urban areas. This includes overseeing projects related to transportation, land use and housing, as well as the physical and economic development of cities, towns and neighbourhoods. The Urban Planner will assess local needs, research and analyse data and make recommendations to city or local government officials. They will also create plans that consider environmental, political, social, economic and regulatory factors that can affect the success of the projects. The Urban Planner must also stay on top of new developments in urban planning, as well as local, state and federal regulations. This role requires excellent communication and organisational skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders.

Urban Planner Role Purpose

The purpose of an urban planner is to develop, implement and manage plans and programmes that help shape and improve the physical structure and environment of towns, cities and other built-up areas. This may involve helping to create new residential, industrial and commercial developments, as well as redeveloping existing ones. Urban planners also often work to ensure that the infrastructure of built-up areas is appropriate for the current and future needs of the population. This can involve developing plans for transport networks, waste management, flood defences and other related areas. Additionally, urban planners may also be involved in promoting public participation in the decision-making process, in order to ensure that the plans and programmes developed meet the needs of the public.

Urban Planner Role

Urban Planners are responsible for the development of towns and cities, ensuring that they provide a safe and attractive environment for citizens. They design and coordinate urban and regional planning projects, taking into consideration social, economic and environmental factors. They also manage, review and update related plans, regulations and codes.

Urban Planner Duties

  • Develop urban plans, policies and designs
  • Carry out research and survey work
  • Analyse data and assess potential impacts of development proposals
  • Liaise with stakeholders and members of the public
  • Make recommendations on the development and regeneration of urban areas
  • Prepare detailed reports, drawings and documents

Urban Planner Requirements

  • A degree in a relevant subject such as urban planning, urban design, architecture, geography or a related field
  • Understanding of urban planning principles and practices
  • Excellent organisational, communication and research skills
  • Good knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations
  • Knowledge of computer-aided design and mapping software

Urban Planner Skills

  • Researching
  • Analysing
  • Planning
  • Organising

Urban Planner Personal Traits

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to negotiate and communicate effectively
  • Self-motivation and initiative
  • Knowledge of urban planning principles and regulations
  • Organisational and time-management skills

How to write an Urban Planner Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write an Urban Planner Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise an Urban Planner Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting an Urban Planner Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire an Urban Planner

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

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