Town Planner Jobs

Town planner jobs prepare plans to shape the future of our towns, cities and rural areas. Town planner jobs prepare long-term plans, check new developments and advise government departments and local councillors.  Planning work is very varied, with projects ranging from a small house extension to an international airport. Some of their work is dealing with problems inherited from the past, such as outdated road systems. Some involves forecasting future trends, such as housing needs.

In a small office, town planner jobs may do a wide range of work. In a large office they are more likely to specialise. Town planner jobs work can include visiting sites to assess the effects of development on the surroundings, collecting information and writing reports, analysing data and preparing policies, advising councillors and other decision makers, presenting proposals at planning committees and public meetings and negotiating between different interest groups that will be affected by changes.

Town planner jobs should be committed to improving quality of life and the environment, be capable of presenting proposals and dealing with people, work well in a team, and have a strong interest in the environment.  Most town planner jobs work for local authorities and government departments. Others work for planning consultancies and large firms.

To qualify, people need a degree in town and country planning or urban planning that has been accredited by The Royal Town Planning Institute, or a degree in a different subject followed by a postgraduate course in planning. Town planner jobs also need at least two years' planning experience.

It is possible to progress to management or to move into related work, such as property development.

Town planner jobs requirements

A Town Planner should have mathematical ability, be able to communicate clearly, be commercially aware with an interest in business and finance and be interested in and have a good knowledge of construction