Land Planner
What is a land planner?
A land planner is someone who helps to determine the best use and development of land. They work to balance the needs of the community, the environment, and the landowner.
What does a land planner do?
Usually, a land planner does the following:
- Conducts research and analysis on land use regulations and requirements
- Collaborates with architects, engineers, and other professionals to develop land use plans
- Prepares reports and presentations to communicate land use plans to stakeholders
- Assesses the environmental impact of development proposals
- Works with local government officials and community members to gather input and address concerns
What does the day-to-day life of a land planner look like?
A land planner usually works between 9am and 5pm, though this may vary depending on the employer or if you are self-employed. You'll spend much of your time in an office, conducting research and preparing reports. You may also visit sites to assess their suitability for development.
Where does a land planner work?
Land planners can work for various types of employers, including:
- Local government planning departments
- Architecture and engineering firms
- Environmental consulting firms
- Real estate development companies
The specific company you work for will determine the types of projects you work on and the locations you work in. Some land planners also choose to be self-employed and work as consultants.
What tools/software/hardware does a land planner use?
A land planner uses a variety of tools including:
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to analyze spatial data
- Computer-aided design (CAD) software to create site plans and development proposals
- Standard office software for data analysis, report writing, and presentations
What do I need to become a land planner?
To become a land planner, you can take one or more of the following paths:
- Bachelor's degree: Many land planners have a degree in planning, geography, environmental science, or a related field. Some universities in the UK offer bachelor's or master's degrees in town planning or urban planning.
- Professional accreditation: After completing a relevant degree, you can pursue professional accreditation from organizations such as the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) in the UK. This can enhance your job prospects and professional standing.
What career paths are available?
There are a number of career paths available to you as a land planner, including:
- Senior Land Planner: With experience, you can progress to senior roles where you oversee and lead larger projects.
- Project Manager: If you develop strong project management skills, you can transition into a project management role where you oversee the entire development process.
- Urban Designer: If you have a strong interest in the aesthetics and layout of developments, you can specialize in urban design and work on creating visually appealing and functional spaces.
What jobs are similar to a land planner?
- Environmental Planner: focusing on assessing and mitigating the environmental impact of development projects.
- Transport Planner: working on planning transportation systems and infrastructure to support development.
- Sustainability Consultant: addressing sustainable development and environmental considerations in planning and design processes.
What made you want to become a land planner?
How did you get your first land planner job?
What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being a land planner?
Are you a land planner? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to land planning. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.