Urban and Land Use Planners

Formal Description

“Urban and land use planners develop plans and recommend policies for managing land use, physical facilities and associated services for urban and rural areas and remote regions. They are employed by all levels of government, land developers, engineering and other consulting companies, or may work as private consultants.” (NOC 2021)

Sample Job Titles

This category includes a variety of job titles that may not necessarily be reflected by the category title. For a full index of job titles, see the category entry on the ESDC site. Example job titles include:

Zoning Officer - Land Use

Transportation Planner

Planning Analyst - Land Use

Mass Transit Services Analyst

Community Recreation Planner

Urban Renovation Planner

Land Use Specialist

City Planner

Typical Employment and Education Requirements

The following typical requirements are listed on the ESDC’s 2021 entry for this occupational category:

A bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, geography, architecture, engineering or a related discipline is required.
A master’s degree in one of these disciplines may be required.
Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners is usually required.
Urban and land use planners are regulated in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, and membership in a provincial planning institute may be required in other provinces.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is offered by the Canada Green Building Council and may be required by some employers.

Success with a Social Sciences Undergraduate Degree and Beyond

The requirements listed for each occupational category will tend to vary across particular roles, job titles, and contexts.

When reviewing typical requirements, please remember:

Degree and diploma listings often end with a purposefully open-ended phrase (“or a related field”, “or a similar discipline”) that acknowledges the variety and applicability of social sciences and liberal arts degrees.
Employers often focus less on the name or title of a candidate’s degree, and more on how they articulate their transferable skills and experiences.
Many qualifications and certifications are available as post-graduate certificates aimed at recent university graduates; these can make an excellent further education option for a social sciences or liberal arts degree.

Explore related Graduate Certificates, Master's Programs, or other relevant avenues for further education.

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Related Categories

Here are a few other categories that might interest you:

Economists and Economic Policy Researchers

Social Policy Researchers & Program Officers

Related Sectors

Whereas Economic and Social Development Canada’s ‘occupational’ categories tend to focus more on the duties and functions that people play in specific roles, exploring careers by ‘sectors’ helps us to sort by employer type, industry, or general field of work. Here are just a few of the sectors that may be relevant to this category:

Careers In Municipalities

Careers In the Public Service

Careers in Cultural Resources Management

Browse More Options by Sector

Academic Program Connections

As you select your program of study and the courses you will take, you can chart a path towards success in this sector from any one of our social sciences departments and programs. Here are just a few examples of academic disciplines that have connections with this sector:

Environment & Society Learn More

Environment & Society explores the relationship between people and their natural, built, and social environments. Students gain expertise in urban studies, sustainability, and Geographic Information Science. Graduates are equipped to address environmental challenges, design livable cities, and contribute to sustainable development initiatives

Economics Learn More

Economics provides insight into how resources are allocated and how markets function. Urban planners use economic analysis to evaluate infrastructure investments, housing markets, and transportation systems. A background in economics enables planners to make data-driven decisions that balance growth, affordability, and long-term viability.

Anthropology Learn More

Anthropology examines cultural practices, human behaviour, and community traditions. Understanding cultural diversity is essential for designing inclusive and culturally sensitive urban spaces. Anthropological training helps planners engage meaningfully with communities and incorporate local knowledge into planning processes.

Sociology Learn More

Sociology studies social structures, inequality, and community dynamics. Urban planners must understand how social factors influence housing, mobility, and access to public services. Sociological insight supports the creation of equitable, people-centered urban policies that reflect the needs of diverse populations.

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Careers & Experiential Education