Urban and Regional Planners

Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.92
Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives.90
Create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables, such as population density.89
Hold public meetings with government officials, social scientists, lawyers, developers, the public, or special interest groups to formulate, develop, or address issues regarding land use or community plans.89
Mediate community disputes or assist in developing alternative plans or recommendations for programs or projects.86
Recommend approval, denial, or conditional approval of proposals.83
Conduct field investigations, surveys, impact studies, or other research to compile and analyze data on economic, social, regulatory, or physical factors affecting land use.82
Evaluate proposals for infrastructure projects or other development for environmental impact or sustainability.82
Discuss with planning officials the purpose of land use projects, such as transportation, conservation, residential, commercial, industrial, or community use.81
Keep informed about economic or legal issues involved in zoning codes, building codes, or environmental regulations.79
Assess the feasibility of land use proposals and identify necessary changes.77
Determine the effects of regulatory limitations on land use projects.73

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Review and evaluate environmental impact reports pertaining to private or public planning projects or programs.72
Supervise or coordinate the work of urban planning technicians or technologists.71
Develop plans for public or alternative transportation systems for urban or regional locations to reduce carbon output associated with transportation.71
Identify opportunities or develop plans for sustainability projects or programs to improve energy efficiency, minimize pollution or waste, or restore natural systems.70
Coordinate work with economic consultants or architects during the formulation of plans or the design of large pieces of infrastructure.68
Advocate sustainability to community groups, government agencies, the general public, or special interest groups.64
Investigate property availability for purposes of development.58
Conduct interviews, surveys and site inspections concerning factors that affect land usage, such as zoning, traffic flow and housing.—
Prepare reports, using statistics, charts, and graphs, to illustrate planning studies in areas such as population, land use, or zoning.—
Prepare, develop and maintain maps and databases.—
Prepare, maintain and update files and records, including land use data and statistics.—
Research, compile, analyze and organize information from maps, reports, investigations, and books for use in reports and special projects.—
Respond to public inquiries and complaints.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening78
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Judgment and Decision Making78
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Speaking78
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking75
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Systems Analysis75
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Writing72
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving69
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Systems Evaluation69
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Social Perceptiveness66
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Negotiation60
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Active Learning56
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

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Coordination56
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Service Orientation56
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Time Management56
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Operations Analysis53
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Persuasion53
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies50
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources50
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics50
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Science41
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Management of Financial Resources38
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources31
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Monitoring19
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Programming19
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Quality Control Analysis16
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Technology Design16
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Operation and Control10
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting0
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Law and Government90
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
English Language85
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Geography79
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Transportation76
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Communications and Media65
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Administration and Management61
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Sociology and Anthropology60
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Customer and Personal Service57
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Computers and Electronics51
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Design49
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mathematics48
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Public Safety and Security46
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

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History and Archeology42
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Administrative39
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Economics and Accounting39
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Personnel and Human Resources37
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Education and Training36
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Building and Construction35
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Psychology28
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Philosophy and Theology25
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Biology23
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Engineering and Technology23
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Telecommunications22
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Sales and Marketing20
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Foreign Language17
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Chemistry8
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Fine Arts8
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Production and Processing7
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Physics6
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Therapy and Counseling5
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Mechanical4
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Medicine and Dentistry3
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Food Production2
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension78
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression78
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity75
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Speech Clarity75
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning72
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning72
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Near Vision72
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Recognition72
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Fluency of Ideas66
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Information Ordering66
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

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Category Flexibility63
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Originality56
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Visualization53
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.
Flexibility of Closure50
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Mathematical Reasoning50
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility50
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Selective Attention47
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Time Sharing44
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visual Color Discrimination44
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Perceptual Speed41
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Memorization31
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Speed of Closure31
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Auditory Attention25
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Depth Perception22
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Finger Dexterity22
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Hearing Sensitivity19
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Spatial Orientation19
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Control Precision16
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Multilimb Coordination16
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Wrist-Finger Speed16
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Trunk Strength13
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Arm-Hand Steadiness0
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Manual Dexterity0
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information91
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization90
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems90
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Developing Objectives and Strategies88
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates87
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards86
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge84
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Analyzing Data or Information83
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships82
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others82
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work81
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public81
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

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Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others81
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Processing Information80
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Thinking Creatively80
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Developing and Building Teams79
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others77
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Working with Computers77
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Scheduling Work and Activities68
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events67
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others64
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates60
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Documenting/Recording Information59
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information58
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People58
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources56
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Coaching and Developing Others52
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Performing Administrative Activities52
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings51
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Selling or Influencing Others51
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Staffing Organizational Units49
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Training and Teaching Others49
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Assisting and Caring for Others28
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment15
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment15
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials11
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Performing General Physical Activities11
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Handling and Moving Objects7
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Controlling Machines and Processes3
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Dependability82
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cooperation73
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Attention to Detail72
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Integrity72
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Intellectual Curiosity72
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Adaptability68
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Achievement Orientation67
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Innovation67
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Social Orientation64
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Cautiousness60
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Perseverance59
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity59
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

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Initiative58
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Self-Control58
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Leadership Orientation56
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Self-Confidence55
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Stress Tolerance50
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Empathy41
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Sincerity41
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Optimism33
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Humility32
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Investigative72
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Enterprising58
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Conventional49
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Realistic37
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Artistic34
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Social34
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day100%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day92%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day76%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day83%
- Never13%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important60%
- Very important28%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important44%
- Very important40%
- Important16%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day24%
- Once a week or more but not every day68%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom28%
- Some freedom56%
- Limited freedom16%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually32%
- More than half the time52%
- About half the time12%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others28%
- Contact with others most of the time48%
- Contact with others about half the time24%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours46%
- 40 hours54%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important29%
- Very important38%
- Important21%
- Fairly important13%

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Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom13%
- Some freedom58%
- Limited freedom25%
Time Pressure
- Once a week or more but not every day48%
- Once a month or more but not every week44%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results16%
- Important results40%
- Moderate results24%
- No results20%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important16%
- Very important28%
- Important28%
- Fairly important24%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week72%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Once a month or more but not every week54%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility29%
- Moderate responsibility46%
- Limited responsibility17%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week48%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day12%
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never20%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive16%
- Moderately competitive56%
- Slightly competitive24%
Physical Proximity
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)64%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)28%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week44%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never12%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week32%
- Once a year or more but not every month48%
- Never16%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Moderate responsibility25%
- Limited responsibility46%
- No responsibility25%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never52%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time76%
- Never12%
Consequence of Error
- Fairly serious50%
- Not serious at all33%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never50%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Important12%
- Fairly important28%
- Not important at all56%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time63%
- Never38%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time36%
- Never52%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never63%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never63%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)24%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)76%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never68%
Degree of Automation
- Slightly automated40%
- Not at all automated60%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Less than half the time20%
- Never76%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never72%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never76%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never84%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never84%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never84%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never88%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never92%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never92%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never92%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Never96%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never100%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Never100%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Master’s degree
Bachelor’s degree
Professional degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks, Trimble SketchUp Pro
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcGIS software, Geographic information system GIS software, Geographic information system GIS systems, PlanGraphics Citywide GIS Utility
Map creation software
Geomechanical design analysis GDA software, Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE, Spatial decision support systems SDSS software, Telogis GeoBase
Data base user interface and query software
Database software, Microsoft Access, Oracle Database, Structured query language SQL
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Graphics software
Analytical or scientific software
Citilabs TRANPLAN, Location allocation decision support system LADSS, Scientific Software Group ModTech, Transportation planning software
Electronic mail software
Email software, IBM Lotus Notes, Microsoft Outlook
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat, Interwoven software, Microsoft SharePoint
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Accela KIVA DMS, SAP software, WorkTech MAXIMO
Spreadsheet software
IBM Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel
Desktop publishing software
Adobe InDesign, Adobe PageMaker
Office suite software
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Microsoft Office software
Compliance software
Accela PERMITS Plus, Accela Tidemark Advantage
Project management software
Microsoft Project, Oracle Primavera Systems
Development environment software
Software development tools
Desktop communications software
RhinoSoft FTP Voyager
Enterprise application integration software
Extensible markup language XML
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Object or component oriented development software
Oracle Java
Time accounting software
Sage Timeslips
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Web page creation and editing software
Adobe Dreamweaver
Web platform development software
Hypertext markup language HTML

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Design civil structures or systems.
Inform the public about policies, services or procedures.
Advise others on business or operational matters.
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Communicate with the public on environmental issues.
Mediate disputes.
Review plans or proposals for environmental conservation.
Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.
Communicate with government agencies.
Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.
Analyze impact of legal or regulatory changes.
Review environmental permits, plans, or reports.

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Develop environmental sustainability plans or projects.
Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
Collaborate with technical specialists to resolve design or development problems.
Promote environmental sustainability or conservation initiatives.
Obtain property information.
Analyze geological or geographical data.
Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
Compile geographic or related data.
Prepare maps.
Provide technical information or assistance to public.
Record research or operational data.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology