What skills does a urban planner need?

A urban planner needs 41 essential skills including environmental policy, spatial planning, green space strategies, urban sustainability, urban planning. Core competencies include Problem Solving, Creative Thinking, Communication.

Will AI replace urban planner jobs?

The AI disruption score for urban planner is 69/100 (high risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

Science & ResearchScience and engineering professionalsISCO 2164

urban planner

Urban planners create development plans for towns, urban areas, cities, and regions. They research the needs of the community or the region (economic, social, transport) and evaluate other parameters such as sustainability in order to present solid programs aimed at the improvement of the site.

Do You Have the Skills for This Role?

Core competency requirements inferred from the occupation's skill profile. Take the free assessment to see how you match.

Supporting Skills

Problem SolvingIntermediate

Creative ThinkingIntermediate

CommunicationIntermediate

CollaborationIntermediate

Global PerspectiveIntermediate

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (41)

environmental policyenvironmental policyLocal, national and international policies dealing with the promotion of environmental sustainability and the development of projects which reduce negative environmental impact and improve the state o...spatial planningspatial planningAn interdisciplinary field of study between engineering and social sciences. It refers to the planning of economic, environmental and social processes for specific aims. These processes are combined w...green space strategiesgreen space strategiesThe authority’s vision on how to use its green space. This includes the goals it wants to achieve, the resources, methods, legislative framework, and time needed to meet these goals.urban sustainabilityurban sustainabilityThe branch of urban planning that aims to improve, social, economic and environmental conditions of a city.urban planningurban planningPolitical and technical process that seeks to design the urban environment and optimize land use by considering various aspects such as infrastructure, water, and green and social spaces.architecture regulationsarchitecture regulationsThe regulations, statutes, and legal agreements existing in the European Union in the field of architecture.green building practicesgreen building practicesThe practices involved in the design and creation of building structures in an environmentally responsible, cost effective and resource-effective way. Green building practices such as using eco-friend...demographydemographyThe scientific field of study that deals with studying the size, structure, and distribution of the human population, and its geographical and temporal changes.draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationdraft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationDraft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.manage research datamanage research dataProduce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be fami...interact professionally in research and professional environmentsinteract professionally in research and professional environmentsShow consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.liaise with local authoritiesliaise with local authoritiesMaintain the liaison and exchange of information with regional or local authorities.disseminate results to the scientific communitydisseminate results to the scientific communityPublicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.operate open source softwareoperate open source softwareOperate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.speak different languagesspeak different languagesMaster foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.evaluate research activitiesevaluate research activitiesReview proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.demonstrate disciplinary expertisedemonstrate disciplinary expertiseDemonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, re...use geographic information systemsuse geographic information systemsWork with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).meet building regulationsmeet building regulationsCommunicate with construction inspection, e.g. by submitting schemes and plans, to make sure all construction regulations, laws and codes are dealt with correctly.increase the impact of science on policy and societyincrease the impact of science on policy and societyInfluence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable datamanage findable accessible interoperable and reusable dataProduce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessar...perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.apply for research fundingapply for research fundingIdentify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesapply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesApply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsi...promote open innovation in researchpromote open innovation in researchApply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.advise on use of landadvise on use of landRecommend the best ways to use land and resources. Advise on locations for roads, schools, parks, etc.publish academic researchpublish academic researchConduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achiev...promote the transfer of knowledgepromote the transfer of knowledgeDeploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry o...think abstractlythink abstractlyDemonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.study human populationstudy human populationAnalyse data about the human population in a specific geographic area in order to uncover trends such as mortality rate, migration, and fertility rates.mentor individualsmentor individualsMentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific n...manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...develop professional network with researchers and scientistsdevelop professional network with researchers and scientistsDevelop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovation...integrate gender dimension in researchintegrate gender dimension in researchTake into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).perform project managementperform project managementManage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific g...execute feasibility studyexecute feasibility studyPerform the evaluation and assessment of the potential of a project, plan, proposition or new idea. Realise a standardised study which is based on extensive investigation and research to support the p...manage open publicationsmanage open publicationsBe familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and ins...build business relationshipsbuild business relationshipsEstablish a positive, long-term relationship between organisations and interested third parties such as suppliers, distributors, shareholders and other stakeholders in order to inform them of the orga...synthesise informationsynthesise informationCritically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.conduct research across disciplinesconduct research across disciplinesWork and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.communicate with a non-scientific audiencecommunicate with a non-scientific audienceCommunicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of...

Optional (37)

cartographycartographyThe study of interpreting the elements depicted in maps, the measures and technical specifications.landscape architecturelandscape architectureThe principles and practices used in the architecture and design of outdoor areas.bicycle sharing systemsbicycle sharing systemsThe different public and private services offering bicycles to individuals for their short term use based against the payment of a price or a fee.project managementproject managementThe discipline of project management, the activities which comprise this area and the variables implied in it, such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.historic architecturehistoric architectureThe techniques and styles of various periods in history from an architectural standpoint.topographytopographyGraphic representation of the surface features of a place or region on a map indicating their relative positions and elevations.rural development strategiesrural development strategiesPractical approaches that are collectively used as responses to development needs in rural areas.CAD softwareCAD softwareThe computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating, modifying, analysing or optimising a design.scientific modellingscientific modellingScientific activity consisting in selecting the relevant aspects of a situation and aiming to represent physical processes, empirical objects and phenomena to allow a better understanding, visualisati...construction methodsconstruction methodsThe various techniques and methods for erecting buildings and other constructions.geographygeographyThe scientific discipline that studies the land, phenomena, characteristics and inhabitants of Earth. This field seeks to understand the natural and man-made complexities of Earth. It explores the soc...smart city featuressmart city featuresThe use of big data technologies in the context of smart cities in order to develop novel software ecosystems upon which advanced mobility functionalities can be created.community-led local developmentcommunity-led local developmentAn approach to development policy focusing on specific sub-regional areas and characterised by the involvement of local communities and local action groups to design integrated and multi-sectoral loca...architectural conservationarchitectural conservationThe practice of recreating forms, features, shapes, compositions, and architectural techniques of past constructions in order to preserve them.scientific research methodologyscientific research methodologyThe theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.public housing legislationpublic housing legislationThe regulations and legislation concerning the construction, maintenance and allocation of public housing facilities.ensure infrastructure accessibilityensure infrastructure accessibilityConsult designers, builders, and people with disabilities to determine how best to provide accessible infrastructure.design spatial layout of outdoor areasdesign spatial layout of outdoor areasDesign the spatial layout and functional and architectural appearance of outdoor areas. Integrate green spaces, social spaces, and regulatory aspects in outdoor design.conduct land surveysconduct land surveysConduct surveys to determine the location and features of natural and man-made structures, on surface level as well as underground and underwater. Operate electronic distance-measuring equipment and d...advise on building mattersadvise on building mattersProvide advice on building matters to the various parties involved in construction projects. Bring to their awareness important building considerations and consult on construction budgets.promote sustainabilitypromote sustainabilityPromote the concept of sustainability to the public, colleagues and fellow professionals through speeches, guided tours, displays and workshops.plan public housingplan public housingPlan the construction of public housing while adhering to architectural regulations and urban planning principles.teach in academic or vocational contextsteach in academic or vocational contextsInstruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.advise on pollution preventionadvise on pollution preventionAdvise individuals and organisations on the development and implementation of actions which aid in the prevention of pollution and its related risks.communicate with local residentscommunicate with local residentsExplain building and landscaping projects to local residents in order to obtain their approval and co-operation.conduct public surveysconduct public surveysConduct the procedures of a public survey from the initial formulation and compilation of the questions, identifying the target audience, managing the survey method and operations, managing the proces...advise on architectural mattersadvise on architectural mattersProvide advice on architectural design, based on knowledge of matters such as spatial division, balance of construction elements, and aesthetics.study traffic flowstudy traffic flowStudy the synergy between vehicles, chauffeurs, and the transportation infrastructure such as roads, road signs and lights in order to create a road network where traffic can move efficiently and with...promote innovative infrastructure designpromote innovative infrastructure designThroughout the coordination of an engineering project, promote the development of infrastructure that is innovative and sustainable, in line with the latest developments in the field.use CAD softwareuse CAD softwareUse computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.apply blended learningapply blended learningBe familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.develop concepts for city marketingdevelop concepts for city marketingWork on innovative ideas to promote a positive image of a city or region to attract residents, investors, and tourists, such as regenerating the city centre by creating a pedestrian zone or offering c...write scientific publicationswrite scientific publicationsPresent the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.provide technical expertiseprovide technical expertiseProvide expert knowledge in a particular field, especially concerning mechanical or scientific subjects, to decision makers, engineers, technical staff or journalists.advise architectsadvise architectsGive advise on design, safety issues, and cost reduction to architects during the pre-application phase.advise on legislative actsadvise on legislative actsAdvise officials in a legislature on the propositioning of new bills and the consideration of items of legislation.develop innovative mobility solutionsdevelop innovative mobility solutionsWork on innovative ideas to develop transport solutions based on the integration of digital technologies and data management and promoting the shift from personally-owned transport to on-demand and sh...