One Day in the life of the City Planner
City planner assist in the design of cities and determine such things like the height of buildings as well as the width of the streets and the amount of street signs, as well as the layout and design of the street “furniture” (everything including lampposts and bus stops, to trash bins and newsstands). Making decisions about how a city should be designed requires creativity and a career in urban planning requires a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of engineering as well as an ability to negotiate, diplomacy and financial savvy. The ability to analyze data and a determination are essential to succeed as an urban planner. Each structure or building must be planned with a clear understanding of its relation to other components of the city for example, managing the building of power and water facilities and allowing residents access to electricity, heat and water that is fresh as well as designing housing developments that are near to public transport. Aesthetics, another factor that planners must take into consideration is a topic of heated discussion. The urban planner must create a design that is based on the city’s policies and come up with economically viable plans. This last consideration factor can be difficult–urban-planning projects nearly always run over budget and past deadline, and even the most frugal design can be expected to run into opposition from some quarter. The planner starts by surveying areas and conducting demographic ecological, economic and studies to determine the requirements of the community as well as invite public participation during the development process. If the planner plans to redevelop areas (as opposed to constructing or disposing of it) then he or she will have to evaluate the existing structures and neighbourhoods before determining the best way to alter the structures that are in place. In these stages planners work with consultants from the economic field to develop an idea that is suitable for the economics of the area and its people living there. Next, they must develop plans and maps. When architects create plans for bridges, telephone and radio towers, and other huge elements of infrastructure The urban planner works closely with the architects. The planner conducts extensive study of the laws governing landscaping and zoning. Sometimes, urban planners need to also develop or update the town’s zoning rules on construction usage in a way that best suits the area. The planner meets with local groups to get information on the use of land and transportation. Finance is an important aspect of the field, and requires that planners combine financial, social and developmental issues in order to satisfy the needs of the community and still present an economically sound proposition for private investors and governments.
You must pay your dues
Urban development professionals are employed by a variety of different agencies. Many move across the United States to find work. Students who have recently graduated should contact the local Department of Transportation or look for courses in civil engineering that are offered by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Engineers with experience often work for private companies or as general contractors in which the planner has much more freedom. 398 | A Guide to Your Career Urban planners need to have an undergraduate degree in a field like architecture, civil engineering, as well as public administration. The majority of schools do not offer students with undergraduate degree in structural engineering. However, some employers prefer those who have completed their studies in structure engineering on a master’s degree level. Master’s degrees in urban planning or local planning, or structural engineering can be the most prestigious honor and is highly valued among all businesses. A structural engineer who was 30 years old discovered that students who have recently graduated handle the textbooks very well, however, they are less skilled in identifying and dealing with real-world problems. While pursuing the master’s degree, students usually complete internships to gain the most practical experience feasible to help alleviate this issue. Internships can be transformed into jobs that pay after the completion of their studies. When they have completed four years continuous work urban planners are able to take a step-one license test. There are two exams (step one, and two) and which one the planner chooses to take is based on their preferences and areas of specialization. After receiving this certification and working for a further four years, serious applicants must pass another exam to earn the designation that of professional engineer. These certificates aren’t required however they are highly valued within the industry. In general, getting these certifications will result in promotions and raises in pay.
Present and the Future
Urban planning was introduced within the United States in the early twentieth century as a reaction to the rapid growth of suburbs and the modernization of cities. Laws that put the oversight and regulation of construction in the government’s hands were passed by New York in 1916. Today, all cities and numerous towns have offices to oversee urban development and planning.
Life Quality of Life
Present and Future
In any given day, around two thirds of the urban planners are employed by the government, new planners can be found in work in larger proportions. The new planner works under the guidance and supervision by other planners. A lot of planners work as interns during their first year. The hours are often long.
FIVE YEARS OUT
The role of the urban planner increases as he is able to specialize that includes land use, housing, or Zoning. Many planners are becoming adept at pitching their ideas while working within budgets constrained and political maneuvering. Most planners who decide to leave the field move out around this time, frustrated with the lack of progress in their profession or inability to pass their licensing tests.
TEN YEARS OUT
Urban planners today lead projects and develop policies. Many planners are director or even senior planners. Many of them hold mentorship roles in which they instruct and train newer members of the profession.
