Urban and Regional Planner (19-3051.00)

Career Family

Life, Physical, & Social Science → Urban & Regional Planning

Fit Summary

Investigative (I) + Social (S) and Enterprising (E). INTJ/ENFJ who blend analysis with public engagement.

Career Overview

Develop and evaluate land-use and transportation plans; review development proposals; analyze data and impacts; write reports and ordinances; run public meetings; coordinate across agencies to guide growth and preservation.

Credential Pathways

Typical Education: Master’s in planning typically preferred; GIS and policy coursework (Job Zone 5).

Pathways: Assistant planner → planner → senior → planning manager; paths into policy, housing, or transportation specialties.

Regulatory Moat: Public process, open-meeting laws, environmental review, and zoning codes.

Alternative Pathways: From GIS or civil backgrounds; planning certificates and internships.

Environment & Lifestyle

• Work Environment: Offices with field/site visits; evening public meetings at times.
• Sensory/Social Load: Moderate—stakeholder engagement and negotiation.
• Physicality/Fieldwork: Low to medium—site walks and inspections.
• Geographic Anchoring: Cities, counties, MPOs, and consultancies nationwide.
• Remote Amenability: High—analysis/mapping and writing are remote-friendly.

Future-Proofing Snapshot

• AI Augmentation Potential: High — scenario modeling and visualization.
• AI Displacement Risk: Low — policy judgment and facilitation remain human.
• AI New Task Creation: Some — data-driven zoning and climate planning tools.
• AI Skill Shift Intensity: Medium — GIS/data storytelling skills.
• Automation Risk Score: Low.
• Human-Core Score: Strong — balancing interests and future impacts.
• Overall Vulnerability/Resilience: Stable; infrastructure and housing needs sustain demand.
• Emerging Trends: Housing supply reforms, climate resilience, multimodal streets.

Risks / Watchpoints

• Political pressures
• Litigation risk on contentious projects
• Community opposition fatigue

Notes on Fit

Great for civic-minded analysts who want to shape better places.

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