Planner Jobs

Does planning give you more of the adrenaline rush than the execution of a project? Maybe it's time to consider planner jobs in building and construction industry.

Planners design, develop and execute plans and policies for land use and resources that have environmental, social, economic and cultural impact. Planner jobs cover a wide range of specializations, which include strategic planning, residential planning, commercial planning, heritage planning, urban design, environmental impact assessment, tourism and social planning.

Planner jobs involve working closely with professionals in various fields such as architecture, engineering, property development and environment and conservation.

On the job

Planning is a broad-based discipline, thus, planner jobs entail variety of tasks and responsibilities:

  • study and examine proposed developments
  • consult with professionals, community groups and other stakeholders
  • research, collect and analyse relevant data
  • prepare and present reports on data gathered
  • prepare strategic plans for the project site as well as the neighbouring places and communities
  • lodge applications for resource consents
  • make sure that developers comply with legislations
  • monitor the impact of the project on the environment
  • develop strategies on environmental issues
  • write and present reports on behalf of employer at hearings

What you should have

To get planner jobs, you must have a degree in planning like environmental planning or resource management. You may also have other degrees like in science that include planning, law, and resource management. If you seek more senior positions, you must have postgraduate qualifications in planning or research management.

Apart from education requirements, you must also have an understanding of environmental and economic issues. Knowledge on relevant planning guidelines is helpful. You must also demonstrate skills in analyzing and interpreting plans and drawings.

You will be in constant contact with professionals, community groups, and government representatives, thus, it's important that you have excellent presentation and public speaking skills. Making good judgement calls may work to your advantage. Pressure is part of the planner jobs; hence, the ability to work well under pressure while maintaining confidence, patience and courtesy is important.

Money matters

Salaries vary depending on job category, experience, location, and number of staff managed and supervised.

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