Land planners must possess a master's degree from an accredited university program in regional or urban planning. A master's degree in geography or environmental planning also is acceptable. Studies in the fields of land use, transportation planning, code enforcement, economic planning, architecture, earth science, law and health administration are encouraged or may be required, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Land planners seeking a full-time position in a government agency should have practical experience in land use, solving problems. An internship in a planning office is desirable. The state of New Jersey, as of 2009, is the only state to require a license. Extensive written and oral skills and dealing with the public in a constructive manner are required.
Although oral and written skills are paramount to a land planner's job, other factors are equally important. A land planner, by virtue of regularly communicating with the public, must be an active listener, a critical thinker using logic to come up with solutions, and someone who manages time well. Public speaking also is critical. A coherent, well-reasoned presentation can make or break a land-use project. A less tangible, but no less important, element of being a land planner is possession of a sense of community service, the desire to develop projects for the greater, long-term good of not only the community while considering the effect on the environment.
Land planners must consult with lawyers, social scientists, developers, the public and special interest groups as part of the investigation process into the proper use of land. Extensive field investigations are a central part of the job. Reports, including illustrative presentations, must be prepared based on those consultations and subsequent investigations. Attending public meetings is necessary to present investigative findings. Mediation of disputes between the public and government agencies may be required.
The median wage of a land planner in 2008 was $59,810. Salaries start at about $38,000, but experienced urban planners can earn as much as $7,814 per month or about $93,000 annually. Average wage of a municipal land planner was about $58,260 in 2008.