CITY PLANNER SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Nov 19, 2024 - The City Planner possesses a deep understanding of urban planning principles and development review processes, combined with a robust knowledge of relevant laws, such as those concerning land development, zoning, and annexation. This role requires adept at analyzing and interpreting city regulations, managing projects efficiently, and engaging effectively with community stakeholders, including city officials, developers, and the public. Skilled in both written and verbal communication, the planner resolves conflicts professionally and maintains productive relationships, ensuring that the social, economic, and physical facets of community planning are harmoniously integrated.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout City Planner Resume
  • Urban Design
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Zoning Regulations
  • Land Use Planning
  • Environmental Planning
  • Transportation Planning
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Project Management
  • Budgeting
  • AutoCAD
  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Leadership
  • Team Collaboration
  • Public Speaking
  • Adaptability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Stakeholder Engagement

Summary of City Planner Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Urban Planning with 7 years of Experience

  • Experience that demonstrates a multi-disciplinary approach to planning and urban design
  • Demonstrated leadership skills for building and supporting strong teams and for leading complex planning and urban design projects
  • Commitment to integrating equity into planning and design
  • Experience with MS Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite and SketchUp
  • Strong hand drawing and 3D rendering skills
  • Ability to thrive in a team-based culture with a focus on the STARS values
  • Excellent written, verbal and design communication skills
  • Working experience in City or Regional Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Historic Preservation, or Engineering
  • Professional working experience in planning 
  • Portfolio with three work samples that demonstrate urban design and graphic skills
  • At least one of the samples must highlight experience using 3D modeling software such as SketchUp

2. BA in Geography with 8 years of Experience

  • General knowledge of site plan and permitting.
  • Knowledge of the City and departmental policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of the City zoning ordinances, codes, regulations and policies as well as state and federal laws.
  • Proficient time management skills and organization.
  • Skill in using independent judgment and discretion and to ensure confidentiality.
  • Skill in understanding and functioning within a team environment.
  • Must be able to function effectively in a work environment in which the employee is exposed to significant public scrutiny
  • Be able to adequately and effectively address public questions and concerns as well as interact with members of the community.
  • The ability to maintain accurate personal records.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
  • Must be able to work effectively with the Mayor, City Council and other staff members in City government.
  • Must have word processing and data entry skills to include spreadsheet applications and permitting software. 
  • Specific experience with ESRI ArcMap, iWorQ and/or BS&A is highly desirable.
  • Able to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment with minimal supervision and high attention to detail and accuracy.

3. BA in Environmental Design with 6 years of Experience

  • An entrepreneurial mindset and a “no job too small or challenge too big” attitude
  • Experience driving superior results in highly analytical and strategic roles
  • Bring a passion for data-driven decision-making and are an analytical powerhouse
  • Sound strategic instincts and comfort in making nuanced business decisions based on imperfect information
  • An Excel and Google Sheets power user
  • Familiar and comfortable with business intelligence and data visualization platforms (e.g. Tableau)
  • The ability to compile technical information and prepare reports
  • The ability to interpret and present City planning regulations and policies to interested groups and the general public
  • The ability to manage high workloads, diverse demands, and deadlines effectively
  • The ability to create appropriate graphic displays for use at meetings.

4. BA in Public Administration with 9 years of Experience

  • Professional-level understanding of, and experience with, the application of the principles and practices of urban planning and development review.
  • Knowledge of development review practices and procedures, project management techniques
  • Understanding of laws about land development, zoning, subdivision, and annexation
  • Understanding of current literature, information sources, and research techniques in the field of urban planning
  • Knowledge of the physical, social, and economic aspects of communities and their interaction
  • Ability to think independently and engage in problem-solving
  • Ability to speak and write, concisely, and effectively
  • Ability to work collaboratively as a team member, and obtain guidance from more experienced staff
  • The ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with fellow employees, developers, consultants, City officials, and the general public
  • Ability to professionally address disgruntled members of the public and resolve conflicts.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret City regulations and policies relating to development plans
Relevant Information
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