Texas APA - Planning Profiles

Planning Employer Profiles
Developed By the Texas APA Board of Directors

PURPOSE & OVERVIEW

This summary of Planning Employer Profiles is in response to a national APA survey of planning students. The students requested a better way of evaluating the various employment opportunities available with a planning degree. This summary is put together to help students evaluate their interests and training as they pursue the coursework, hopefully allowing a good match between skills required and courses taken.

The profession of planning has many diverse employment opportunities as evidenced by this summary. It is a valued profession contributing to the betterment of humanity through efforts to attain a higher quality of life. Many of the career paths defined by the following contribute in their own unique way.

The Board of Directors of the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association (TxAPA) hopes that you find this overview relevant and beneficial in your continued pursuits within the planning profession.

Note: This summary is still a work in progress. Some information is incomplete. If you can offer assistance in enhancing the information, please contact Dick Lillie, TxAPA Executive Administrator with your suggestions. Ph: 512/306-1674, FX: 512/329-8260, EM: dlillie@flash.net

Major Employer Groups
Follow these links to learn more about a specific major employer group.

Public Service – City
Public Service – Regional
Public Service – State & Federal
Private Practice – Consulting
Private Practice – Land Development
Education

Additional Potential Employment Sites

American Planning Association – www.planning.org
Texas Municipal League – www.tml.org

PUBLIC SERVICE - City

Overview: Public service employment with a City can be very rewarding and / or very frustrating. Organizational structure options can be summarized as the following.

Planning Department: Generally just involved in current planning and comprehensive planning only.
Community Development Department: Includes Planning functions, but may also include building inspections, parks, or other non-public safety types of city functions.
Division under Public Works: Often in smaller cities, Planning is included as a division under a larger department, typically public works (engineering).

Overall Perceptions: Public Service - City (can vary greatly between cities and employee characteristics)
Positives	Negatives
Often significant input from residents, rewarding if environment is civil and constructive. Generally more stable employment than private sector. Ability to impact a community longer term. You see the results of long-term programs and plans.	Often significant input from residents, frustrating if interactions are from pessimists and majority of feedback is non-constructive. Pay is not as good as private sector. Not as many sexy projects.

Career Paths: Following are some general observations regarding career advancement in the Public Service-City Sector.

Your exposure to a broader diversity of topics will be greater in a smaller community than it will in a larger community.
Some cities are set up for divisionalized work (current planning / long-range planning, etc) and some are set up for position progression only. i.e. a Senior Planner will do both current planning and long-range planning. The larger the city, the more likelihood there are divisionalized duties. Often this impact is lessened with job growth opportunities allowing the switching of responsibilities during employment.
The following career path summary is typical for a larger city. Smaller cities will likely have fewer steps, and less overall staff. It is not uncommon for a “Director” in a small city to periodically perform duties of a technician in a large city just because there is no one else to do the work.

Career Path Summary: Public Service -City *More advanced positions would also require skills and education of lesser positions
Job Position / Title	Typical Duties	Recommended Education / Skills*
Planning Intern	Packet preparation, copying, etc. Surrounding property owner legal notice research and mailing.	Pursuing a planning degree, either undergraduate or graduate. Generally no experience required Great resume builder to help get that first job
Planning Technician	Case research. Preliminary case review and report.	Pursuing a planning degree, either undergraduate or graduate Relevant experience as intern Good with details, legal notices, mailings,
Planner I – Current Planning	Subdivision plat review and staff report Zoning case review and staff report	Degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture Knowledge of technical professions such as surveying, civil engineering, landscape architecture
Planner I – Long Range Planning	Master plan research: Land Use Plan, Master Thoroughfare Plan, Parks, Trails, Special studies: Public forum administration Working with regional agencies	Degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture Good writing, editing skills Public forums, meeting facilitation
Planner I –Neighborhood Planning	Special studies in defined areas Constituent nurturing	Degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Urban Affairs, Social Work Facilitation skills, Interactive personal skills
Planner II - Senior Planner. Asst. Planning Director	Project management & reporting	Professional certification Advanced degree or specialized skills Supervisory experience (2-4 yrs)
Planning Director	Policy development, visioning Personnel management issues Prioritization of projects aligned with manager or city council	Management degree or significant management & supervisory experience (5-10 yrs) Political savvy Community representation

Mentors: The following people with City Planning experience have offered to answer questions or provide guidance to students. These are busy people. Recommendation is to send a summary of questions via Internet and allow them to call back and discuss.

Contact	Phone / Email	Experience & Knowledge Areas
David Gattis, AICP Asst. City Manager Benbrook, Texas	PH: (817) 249-3000 EM: cityhall@ci.benbrook.tx.us	Private practice ___ yrs Planning Director & ACM for med. City (40K), 15yrs Past TxAPA president, national APA experience
Craig Farmer, FAICP Planning Director Lubbock, Texas	PH: (806) 775-3308 EM: cfarmer@mail.ci.lubbock.tx.us	Private practice ___ yrs Planning director in two large cities (100K+), 15+ yrs. National APA experience
Greg Last, AICP, ASLA, CED Dir. Of Econ. Development Southlake, Texas	PH: (817) 481-1671 EM: glast@ci.southlake.tx.us	Private practice 10 yrs w/ private planning/eng. firms Planning director 8+yrs for small high-growth city Economic development
Cameron Walker, AICP Planning Director Midland, Texas	PH: (915) 685-7405 EM: cwalker@mail.ci.midland.tx.us	Planning director for large City (100K+) TxAPA Board

PUBLIC SERVICE -Regional

Overview: Public service employment with a Regional Entity can be both challenging and rewarding. Organization structure options are characterized by the following.

Regional Planning: Majority is probably Councils of Governments. Detailed discussion to follow.
State Planning: Working for the state, examples might include a Historic Preservation Planner.
County: TBD
Regional Transportation: Agencies such as DART, Toll way Authority

Overall Perceptions: Public Service -Regional Planning (can vary greatly between regions and agencies)
Positives	Negatives
Work on a variety of programs with multiple cities and agencies. Will have exposure to wide range of policy officials, federal, state and local agency staff, and other stakeholders. Can be more flexible in terms of career path. Tend to be more project-focused. Staff generally have good working relationship with their boards of directors.	Very little physical/land use planning. COGs have no regulatory authority, are not always regarded as having great impact on major planning decisions. Some “planner” jobs at COGs are not necessarily filled by planners. Projects tend to be very broad in scope, sometimes hard to see tangible results.

Career Paths: Following are some general observations regarding career advancement with a public regional planning agency.

Great opportunity to be exposed to a wide variety of cities, agencies and consulting firms, good for networking and later career moves.
Much demand for technical skills, GIS and transportation modeling for example; however, these specialties may not be the best pathway to top management positions.
Most projects done under grants or interlocal contracts—good background for a later move to consulting, since you will gain experience working within tight time frames and budgets.
COG roles are still emerging, becoming more important, particularly in urban areas where planning issues are more regional in nature.

Career Path Summary: Public Service -Regional Planning *More advanced positions would also require skills and education of lesser positions
Job Position / Title	Typical Duties	Recommended Education / Skills*
Planning Intern	Research Database clean-up Conducting surveys GIS projects	Pursuing a planning degree, either undergraduate or graduate Generally no experience required Computer and/or writing skills essential
Economic Development Planner	Prepare Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. Assist local governments, economic development organizations, in obtaining grants or with other programs to support business development. Analyze demographic and employment data.	Master’s degree in planning or related field Some experience and/or specialized training in economic development. Familiarity with basic economic development fundamentals and public grant and finance programs. Excellent computer, writing and oral communication skills.

Job Position / Title	Typical Duties	Recommended Education / Skills*
Environmental Planner	Solid waste management planning. Water quality management planning. Wetlands conservation planning.	Master’s degree in planning (or engineering) with environmental emphasis or in environmental management/science. Some experience required. Familiarity with environmental regulations. Excellent computer, writing and oral communication skills. Depending on position, GIS or other specialized technical skills.
Transportation Planner	Develop long and short range transportation plans. Air quality planning. Bicycle and pedestrian planning Travel demand modeling.	Masters in planning or engineering with transportation emphasis. Some experience required. Excellent computer, writing and oral communications skills. GIS and/or travel demand modeling skills required for some positions.
GIS Analyst	Developing base maps and information layers. Developing source data from databases and interpretation of aerial and satellite imagery. Conducting geospatial analysis. Creating user interfaces. Developing web-based mapping applications.	Undergraduate or masters in planning, geography or environmental science. Some experience required. GIS and cartographic skills required. Web based mapping, aerial and satellite imagery interpretation skills may be required for some positions.
Demographer	Prepare estimates of population and employment at various levels of geography (planning area, census tract, traffic assignment zone). Prepare regional forecast “control totals” Devise methodologies for “disaggregating” control totals to smaller levels of geography.	Masters degree in planning or related field. Some experience required. Familiar with population and employment estimation and forecast techniques. Some positions may require specialized skills with programs and models such as SAS, REMI, and/or forecast allocation methodologies.

Mentors: The following people with Regional Planning Entity experience have offered to answer questions or provide guidance to students. These are busy people. Recommendation is to send a summary of questions via Internet and allow them to call back and discuss.

Contact	Phone / Email	Experience & Knowledge Areas
Jeff Taebel, AICP Houston / Galveston Area Council of Governments	PH: (713) 993-4560 EM: jtaebel@hgac.cog.tx.us	Regional Council of Governments
Mark Sweeney East Texas COG	PH: EM:
Jack Tidwell	PH: EM:

Mentors: The following people with Other Regional Agency experience have offered to answer questions or provide guidance to students. These are busy people. Recommendation is to send a summary of questions via Internet and allow them to call back and discuss.

Contact	Phone / Email	Experience & Knowledge Areas
Jack Wierzenski Asst. VP of Planning & Econ. Development DART – Dallas Area Rapid Transit Authority	PH: EM:	REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION
	PH: EM:
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PUBLIC SERVICE – State & Federal
This item still in development

Overview: Public service employment with a State or Federal Agency can be both challenging and rewarding. Organization structure options are characterized by the following.

State Planning: Working for the state, examples might include a Historic Preservation Planner, Texas General Land Office
Federal Planning: Examples include EPA, FAA, Corps of Engineers, HUD

Overall Perceptions: Public Service – State & Federal (can vary greatly between agencies)
Positives	Negatives

Career Paths: Following are some general observations regarding career advancement with a state or federal planning agencies.

Career Path Summary: Public Service – State & Federal *More advanced positions would also require skills and education of lesser positions
Job Position / Title	Typical Duties	Recommended Education / Skills*

Mentors: The following people with State or Federal experience have offered to answer questions or provide guidance to students. These are busy people. Recommendation is to send a summary of questions via Internet and allow them to call back and discuss.

Contact	Phone / Email	Experience & Knowledge Areas
Sally Shipman	PH: EM:	HUD
	PH: EM:

PRIVATE PRACTICE - Consulting

Overview: Employment with a Private Practice Consulting Firm can be very rewarding and / or very frustrating. Organization structure options are characterized by the following.

Planning Only: A private firm concentrating on planning only might include such services as ordinance development, master plan development,
Engineering Firm / Planning Support: Many civil engineering firms hire a limited number of planners to help with their primary engineering service. Often this requires a fair amount of knowledge in physical design of residential subdivisions and commercial projects.
Multi-Disciplinary Firm: Generally larger firms that include planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering and less frequently architecture, mechanical engineering, structural engineering, environmental consulting, etc.

Generally, private practice planners either work for municipal or land development clients

Consultant for Municipal Clients: Consultants for municipal clients are often called upon to draft development regulations, prepare comprehensive plans or function as a city’s planning department.
Consultant for Land Developers: Includes working for a land development company, an engineering company, architectural firm, a pure planning consultant organization or a law firm. As a consultant for land developers, planners are used to design project, navigate the land development process or expedite permitting.

Overall Perceptions: Private Practice - Municipal Clients
Positives	Negatives
Can often influence land use patterns and the quality of land development through the drafting of regulations. Pay may be better than working directly for a city. Opportunities to work on many projects in different jurisdictions. Can introduce state-of-the-art-planning practices to jurisdictions that wouldn’t normally know about them. Can develop expertise in specific planning areas. Cities tend to pay their bills.	Consultants can be used as scapegoats or lightening rods for controversial projects or programs May involve extensive traveling or evening meetings. Projects may take longer than expected. Often fierce competition for same projects. Keeping track of billable hours. Can be very politically influenced (both in how jobs are obtained and in the results given to clients.)

Career Paths: Following are some general observations regarding career advancement in the Private Practice – Municipal Clients-City Sector.

Your exposure to a broader diversity of topics may be greater.
Depending on the size of the firm, entry level planners may not get extensive client contact for a few years.

Career Path Summary: Private Practice - Municipal Clients *More advanced positions would also require skills and education of lesser positions
Job Position / Title	Typical Duties	Recommended Education / Skills*
Planning Intern	Research planning programs Data collection	Pursuing a planning degree, either undergraduate or graduate Generally a good grasp of zoning or comprehensive planning required Great resume builder to help get that first job
Entry Level Planner	Research planning programs Data collection and interpretation Report formatting	Knowledge of municipal government Understanding of the regulatory process Awareness of successful planning programs
Senior Planner	Drafting reports, regulations or programs Presentations to elected and appointed officials Citizen involvement	Advanced planning or related degree Pursuing AICP certification A solid understanding of zoning or comprehensive planning required Knowledge of municipal government Understanding of the regulatory process Understanding of local politics Awareness of successful planning programs Clear and concise writing skills
Principal	Marketing Editing Presentations to officials and neighborhood groups	Professional certification Significant involvement with the Profession Management experience / education

Mentors: The following people with Private Sector Municipal Planning experience have offered to answer questions or provide guidance to students. These are busy people. Recommendation is to send a summary of questions via Internet and allow them to call back and discuss.

Contact	Phone / Email	Experience & Knowledge Areas
Karen Walz, AICP Strategic Community Solutions	PH: (214) 670-5773 EM: kwalz@airmail.net	Private practice Past TxAPA Chapter President
Mike McAnelly, AICP Carter & Burgess, Inc.	PH: (214) 638-0145 EM: mcanellyd@c-b.com	Comprehensive Planning Transportation Planning Environmental Planning Past TxAPA Chapter President
Bret Keast, AICP Wilbur Smith Associates	PH: (281) 343.5034 EM:bret@lanekendig.com	Comprehensive Planning
Dan Boutwell, AICP Principle Municipal Planning Group	PH: (817) 295-2700 EM: mprginc@flash.net	Municipal planning firm
Lee Einsweiller, AICP Duncan Associates	PH: EM:	Development Codes

PRIVATE PRACTICE - Land Development

Overview: Private practice employment with a Land Development focus can be both challenging and rewarding. Organization structure options are characterized by the following.

Employment with a pure land planning company.
Employment with engineering company.
Employment with an architectural firm.
Employment with a law firm.

Overall Perceptions: Private Practice - Land Development
Positives	Negatives
Pay is usually better than working in public sector. Extensive contact with planners in different jurisdictions. Have some input on the physical development of an area. Garner a solid understanding of the land development and regulatory processes. May get to entertain clients or colleagues. Can actually see results of work.	Often seen as the enemy. Can’t always pick your clients. Billable hours. Travel and participation in evening meetings. Projects aren’t always welcomed and don’t always further good planning practices. High degree of stress. Long hours. May require weekend work (especially with law firms)

Career Paths: Following are some general observations regarding career advancement with a private sector firm that focuses on land development.

A firm grasp on the land development process can be transferred to non-traditional employment opportunities for planners.
Can lead to the opening of your own business.

Career Path Summary: Private Practice - Land Development *More advanced positions would also require skills and education of lesser positions
Job Position / Title	Typical Duties	Recommended Education / Skills*
Planning Intern	Data collection Compiling and filing of applications	Pursuing a planning degree, either undergraduate or graduate Generally no experience required Great resume builder to help get that first job
Entry Level Planner	Data collection Compiling and filing of applications Review and interpretation of development regulations Site visits Preparation of exhibits	Degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture or Architecture Good writing skills Good analytical skills Good interpersonal skills Ability to read and understand a plat or survey
Mid-Level Planner	Data collection Compiling and filing of applications Review and interpretation of development regulations Site visits Neighborhood meetings Public presentations Preparation of exhibits	Good public speaking skills Knowledge of the land development and regulatory process Pursuing AICP Certification
Job Position / Title	Typical Duties	Recommended Education / Skills*
Senior Planner	Data collection Compiling and filing of applications Review and interpretation of development regulations Site visits Neighborhood meetings Public presentations Preparation of exhibits	Advanced degree Professional Certification
Principal	Marketing Data collection Compiling and filing of applications Review and interpretation of development regulations Site visits Neighborhood meetings Public presentations Preparation of exhibits	Management experience

EDUCATION

Overview: Employment with an Educational Institution can be very rewarding and / or very frustrating. Organization structure options are characterized by the following.

There are only about 80 accredited Masters planning programs nationwide, so professor jobs are limited. Bachelors programs (and unaccredited Masters) in related fields are more common.
Adjunct positions are relatively easy to get at 2-year and 4-year colleges.

Overall Perceptions: Education (can vary greatly between institutions and employee characteristics)
Positives	Negatives
Very flexible hours May have summers off Opportunity to conduct research on topics you choose Involvement at national level Influential with public policy Influence field via the training of students Often involved or studying state of the art practices	Perceived as ivory tower Involves much public speaking Potentially involves travel “Publish or Perish!” Few tangible rewards for working on community projects

Career Paths: Following are some general observations regarding career advancement with an Educational Institution.

Professor / Department Head is a great opportunity to do “cutting edge” research of importance.
Can easily be combined with or lead to consulting
Adjunct / GRA pay is poor, and professor jobs are very competitive.

Career Path Summary: Education *More advanced positions would also require skills and education of lesser positions
Job Position / Title	Typical Duties	Recommended Education / Skills*
Graduate Assistant a.k.a. Grad. Teaching Asst. Grad. Research Asst.	Varies from semi-clerical to helping with research, organizing meetings, etc. Develops teaching materials Assists in laboratory or field research Prepares and gives examinations Assists with conferences, grading exams Teaches lower-level courses	Pursuing a graduate planning degree, Great resume builder to help get that first job
Adjunct Professor	Teaching only, part-time	Masters degree in field to be taught Specialized training or experience in subjects taught Strong verbal presentation skills, public speaking
Professors Assistant Associate (tenured) Full (tenured)	Teaching full-time, typically more than one subject Directs research of others pursuing advanced degrees Research (grant funded & free) Arranges, coordinates and supervises applied research activities (e.g. workshops) Service to university (committees, etc.) Service to profession (conferences and community projects, etc.)	Ph.D. Sound research background, ability to be promoted, must publish Excellent technical writing skills
Department Head	All the above plus Budgeting & personnel Representing school at functions, speaking Scheduling, course development, curriculum changes, etc.	Ph.D. Experience at Associate or Full level Administrative experience Managerial / people skills

Mentors: The following people with Educational Institution experience have offered to answer questions or provide guidance to students. These are busy people. Recommendation is to send a summary of questions via Internet and allow them to call back and discuss.

Contact	Phone / Email	Experience & Knowledge Areas
Elise Bright, Professor CIRP – UT Arlington	PH: (817) 282-3338 EM: bright@uta.edu	14 years as “real world” planner (Fed, state, local, COG, consulting) 14 years as professor Revitalization, zoning/subdividing, environmental, economic development
Bob Paterson – UT Austin Department Chair	PH: (512) 471-1922 EM: rgfp@mail.utexas.edu