GEF

Unit 9  |  New Technology and Innovative Sustainability Approaches 195 CAREER FOCUS: URBAN PLANNER Education: Urban planners who work in green building design usually have at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline. However, many jobs require more education, such as a master’s degree or professional degree, and many urban planners who work in green construction have the LEED Accredited Professional (AP) credential. Median Salary (2015): $68,220. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, urban planners strive to make building architecture, streets, and public spaces look and function in accordance with an area’s development and design goals. They combine planning with aspects of architecture and landscape architecture. Urban planners specializing in green development work with local authorities to develop zoning areas in which new buildings are required to meet standards of environmental efficiency. They also help guide infrastructure additions, such as new roads, to benefit the maximum number of people possible. When determining the ideal location for a green building, urban planners work closely with the rest of the building design staff. Typical job duties include: ■■ Meeting with public officials, developers, and the public regarding development plans and land use. ■■ Administering government plans or policies affecting land use, the environment, zoning, historic buildings, public utilities, community facilities, housing, community design, and transportation. ■■ Gathering and analyzing market research data, censuses, and economic and environmental studies. ■■ Conducting field investigations to analyze factors affecting community development and decline, including land use. ■■ Reviewing site plans submitted by developers. ■■ Assessing the feasibility of proposals and identifying needed changes. ■■ Recommending whether proposals should be approved or denied. ■■ Presenting projects to communities, planning officials, and planning commissions. ■■ Staying current on zoning or building codes, environmental regulations, and other legal issues. For more information on this and other careers in Sustainability, go to bls.gov/oco/.