Planning as a Career
Planners link knowledge and action in ways that improve public and private development decisions which affect people, places and the environment. To be effective, planners must have knowledge and experience in a wide range of topics. As a planner, you may:
- recommend policy and guidelines on land use, environmental conservation, housing, and transportation;
- do research and prepare reports on demographic, economic, cultural, social and environmental issues;
- review proposals for development to ensure that they follow regulations and generally accepted planning practice;
- prepare plans for developing private lands, providing public spaces and services and maintaining and improving the environment;
- answer questions from the public on planning policies and procedures;
- speak before public meetings or formal hearings;
- consultation with landowners, interest groups and citizens.
Planning jobs can vary widely, and can have many differing job titles, such as:
- city planner
- community development officer
- conflict resolution mediator/negotiator
- economic development officer
- environmental planner
- geographic information system planner
- heritage coordinator
- housing analyst
- industrial planner
- land use planner
- municipal planner
- planning director
- planning consultant
- policy analyst
- recreation and park planner
- regional planner
- resource development officer
- social planner
- strategic planner
- transportation planner
- urban designer
Is Planning for You?
If you are considering becoming a planner, you should enjoy the following:
Teamwork
Planners almost always work as part of a team, either with other planners, other professionals such as engineers or architects, or with politicians and citizens. With your varied background and communication skills, you will often be the one person who brings together a coherent plan of action that draws upon ideas of experts and knowledgeable participants.
Understanding data and numbers
Planners must feel comfortable interpreting population statistics, economic and social data, geographical information, resource inventories and environmental indicators. You will use this information to support your policy and project proposals.
The physical world around you
Most planners have a genuine interest in geography and the environment. Understanding how landscapes are formed, what happens to surface water when land is developed, how topography affects the design of roads and subdivisions, how to safely dispose of human and industrial waste, and how to preserve trees and natural resources, all require the natural curiosity and broad background that planners possess.
Understanding your neighbours
Most planners are concerned with balancing the rights of individuals with the needs of the larger population. Understanding the needs and views of all concerned is essential whether it be families, single people, an aging demographic, or differences due to income or ethnic background. You will need to seek out and understand the diverse voices of your community.
Communication
Planners should have the ability to communicate ideas though the use of text, charts and pictures in presentations and reports for clients, other professionals, the general public and politicians. Planners also create maps, plans and 3-D models to represent their ideas.
Managing conflict
People have strong feelings about their property, homes, businesses and communities. Planners often face situations where they must respect conflicting views, mediate effectively, seek compromises and ultimately help others make difficult decisions.
Flexible schedule
Because so much of a planner's job involves working with people in the community and taking directions from elected councils, you will often have to make time outside of normal working hours to attend meetings. Many planners work in government - either at the municipal, regional, provincial or federal level.
Rewards
There are many rewards from entering the planning profession. Currently there are employment opportunities for graduates of planning schools in the public and private sector of most municipalities across Canada. The salary range for a new planner is on par with graduates of engineering or architecture with the same level of experience. Location can influence the salary range for any level of planner, however planners can expect starting salaries of $40 – 50K. Please view the current employment opportunities on our website for an idea of what compensation you can expect in your province.
In addition, planners experience a sense of achievement through their work by improving the quality of life in communities. This is accomplished by working with a multitude of professionals and community stakeholders. Establishing, maintaining and improving multiple important relationships provide skills that are a major benefit when acquired by young planners. Planners also benefit from being able to further one’s knowledge of professional planning through continuous educational opportunities provided through the national and affiliate programs.