Government & Defence

Airport planners are a type of urban planner who designs and sketches master plans for new airports or renovations of existing airports. These professionals are required to research relevant regulations and perform environmental impact studies to ensure that the facility is compliant and safe. These professionals typically have a bachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, regional planning, architecture or a closely related field.

Airport planners are responsible for planning, designing and overseeing the construction of new airports or the renovation of existing ones. They work with a wide range of stakeholders—from architects to engineers to contractors—to ensure that their airport meets all relevant safety standards and is built in a way that maximizes efficiency and profitability.

The airport engineer also may direct the maintenance of runways, taxiways, hangars, terminal buildings, and grounds.

Western Sydney Airport
(Source: 7 News)

ANZSCO ID: N/A
     
Alternative names: Airport Engineer
  
Knowledge, skills and attributes

Airport planners typically need to have the following qualifications:

• Education: Most airport planners have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some airport planners choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in airport management or a related field. These professionals can also earn a certificate in airport management or airport operations.
• Training & Experience: Most airport planners will receive on-the-job training when they start working for a company. This training will help the airport planner learn the specific software and computer programs the company uses. It will also familiarize the airport planner with the company’s procedures and policies.
• Technical skills: Technical skills are the abilities to use software, technology and other tools to complete tasks. Airport planners use technical skills to create and update spreadsheets, design and create presentations and create and update documents.
• Communication skills: Communication skills are essential for an airport planner, as they are often required to communicate with a variety of people, including airport staff, passengers and other airport stakeholders. Effective communication skills can help an airport planner convey information clearly and answer questions from others.
• Problem-solving skills: Problem-solving skills are essential for an airport planner, as they may be called upon to solve a variety of issues. For example, if a project is delayed, the planner may need to find alternative solutions to ensure the project is completed on time. They may also need to find solutions to unexpected problems that arise during the planning process.
• Organizational skills: As an airport planner, you may be responsible for managing a variety of tasks and projects. Having strong organizational skills can help you manage your workload and prioritize your responsibilities. Organizational skills can also help you keep track of important documents and information.
• Analytical skills: Analytical skills are the ability to gather information and draw conclusions from it. As an airport planner, you use analytical skills to assess the needs of an airport and determine the best way to meet those needs. For example, if an airport has a high number of international travelers, you might determine that the airport needs to build a customs area to process international travelers more efficiently.

 

(Source: Cairns Post)

Duties and Tasks

Airport planners contribute to the design and layouts for aviation facilities. As an airport planner, your duties may include researching and studying the area to decide the best placement for runways, terminals, maintenance buildings, and roads within the airport. You may work for non-commercial airlines and help determine where to build cargo terminals and non-commercial airports. Airport planners are also involved in large-scale projects for airport improvements and expansions, or targeted projects to reduce noise or improve traffic flow.

This position includes participating in public meetings, public hearings, agency meetings, and coordinating with airport users. The applicant will be responsible for the management, preparation, and QA and QC of airport planning documents on general aviation and air carrier airports. Planning documents may include but are not limited to: master plans, airport layout plans, creation of alternatives and design standards for environmental assessments, site selection studies, aeronautical surveys, instrument approach feasibility studies, safety and security analysis, benefit cost analysis studies, writing and updating airport certification manuals, emergency plans, and security manuals. Keep current with Federal planning and design aspects.

Airport planners typically have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Designing and implementing improvements to existing airport facilities or proposing new construction projects
• Preparing reports on traffic patterns and activity at airports, including delays, accidents, and other problems that occur during peak hours
• Conducting environmental impact studies to determine the effects of proposed construction projects on surrounding communities, wildlife habitats, and other environmental factors
• Ensuring that all safety regulations are met, including emergency preparedness plans, evacuation procedures, and runway lighting systems
• Recommending changes to airport layout plans, such as boarding gates and baggage claim areas, based on current and projected passenger activity levels
• Conducting inspections of airport facilities to identify problems with terminal architecture, signage, lighting systems, or other issues that may affect safety or service quality
• Monitoring construction projects for compliance with state and federal laws regarding environmental protection and worker safety
• Developing plans for new airports or expanding existing ones based on projected growth in air traffic volume over a 10- to 20-year period
• Preparing detailed diagrams of airport layouts showing runways, terminals, hangars, and other structures

Australia's $11 Billion New Western Sydney Airport Is A Gamechanger!
https://youtu.be/bczi87d37vA

 

Working conditions

The work of airport engineers occurs in and on airport property. They work in a variety of settings, including airports, air traffic control towers, and office buildings. They typically work full time during regular business hours, although they may occasionally work evenings and weekends to attend meetings or to meet deadlines. Airport planners who work for consulting firms may travel to meet with clients or to observe airport operations. Airport planners who work for the government may also travel to attend conferences or to conduct site visits. The work of airport planners can be stressful because of the potential consequences of errors, such as delays in airport operations or safety hazards.

Hours may include day or night shifts depending on the project.


Tools and technologies

You should get familiar with the planning process and learn how to use GIS software. You need to use GIS software (ArcGIS, AutoCAD) for mapping and analysis

Education and training/entrance requirements

To pursue a career as an airport planner, earn a bachelor’s degree in aviation management, urban or regional planning, civil engineering, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree and who have airport planning experience in the particular state or region where their new airport project will take place. Most importantly, you must understand CASA regulations, other aviation laws and rules, and aviation safety practices.
  
Employment Opportunities

Most airport planners start their careers working for an airport or an engineering firm that specializes in airport planning. With experience, they may advance to positions such as project manager, airport operations manager, or airport director. Some airport planners also become consultants, working on a contract basis for various airports.

How Are Airports Designed?
https://youtu.be/z1S0Mg4HaOI

 

Additional Information
   
Here are three trends influencing how airport planners work. Airport planners will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for More Diversity in the Workforce

The airport planning industry is facing a major diversity problem. According to a recent study, only 5% of airport planners are women and even less are Indigenous. This lack of diversity can have a negative impact on the quality of airport planning work, as it means that many perspectives are not being considered.

To address this issue, airport planners need to be more proactive about recruiting a more diverse workforce. They can do this by reaching out to universities with a high percentage of minority students, attending job fairs in communities where there is a high concentration of minorities, and advertising in publications that target specific ethnic groups.

Airport Security Will Become Even Tighter

As airport security becomes even tighter, airport planners will need to find ways to make the process more efficient.

One way to do this is to create better systems for moving passengers through the airport quickly and efficiently. This could include designing terminals with fewer bottlenecks or adding more security lanes. In addition, airport planners will need to focus on making the screening process more comfortable for passengers. This could include providing amenities such as free WiFi or charging stations.

A Greater Focus on Customer Experience

As airports become more crowded and competitive, they are placing a greater emphasis on customer experience. This means that airport planners will need to focus on creating an environment that is both functional and enjoyable for travelers.

In order to achieve this, airport planners will need to think about how they can improve the overall experience for customers. This may include things like improving the food options or adding more entertainment options.

The Conversation 4 July 2023

   Government & Defence

Community planners are responsible for developing plans and programs for the use of land in their community, which may refer to a rural community, an urban community, or an entire region. Their ultimate goal is to improve their community by accomplishing goals such as accommodating population growth, and revitalizing physical facilities and infrastructure. To develop these plans and programs, planners must study the social, cultural, environmental, political and physical conditions of their community using various sets of data, and develop conclusions based on their analysis and study.

Whether working in the public sector or the private sector, the job of a community planner is one that is incredibly collaborative, and they spend much of their time working with other professionals, such as architects, health professionals and engineers, in order to work out the details of their plans.

ANZSCO ID: 232611

Knowledge, skills and attributes         

Community planning (whether urban, rural or regional) requires knowledge in diverse fields such as community design, economics, architecture, ecology, sociology and geography.  

• You have an interest shaping the economic, physical, social and geographic elements of your community

• You are interested in developing, presenting and defending community development project proposals

• You enjoy working on a team, and bringing people with diverse interests together

• You are interested in working with city officials, architects, engineers, land developers and private citizens

• You enjoy working with data and numbers

• You have, or are willing to earn a degree in planning or a related field of study

To perform your planning duties with competence, you'll need a certain set of skills. These skills may vary depending on your area of specialization and the specific responsibilities of your job, but they generally include:

• Knowledge of urban spatial structure or physical design

• Able to discover trends in population, employment, and health by analyzing demographic data

• Able to effectively evaluate the status and success of a project

• Able to effectively juggle the (often competing) interests of various stakeholders

• Able to act as a mediator or facilitator when community interests conflict

• An understanding of local, regional, and federal government programs and processes

• An understanding of the social and environmental impact that planning decisions have on communities

• Able to articulate planning issues to a wide variety of audiences

• A deep understanding of the interaction between the economy, transportation, health and human services, and land-use regulation

• Able to envision alternative physical and social environments

• Proficient with geographic information systems (GIS) software

 

Crucial Personal Characteristics to Have
  
In order to enjoy performing the duties of a community planner, you need to have certain personality traits. Taking enjoyment from your duties is important, as it helps you maintain a positive attitude towards your work, which usually leads to having a long and successful career.

You enjoy teamwork: Community planners often work as part of a team, with other planners, engineers, politicians, architects, the general public and other stakeholders. Could you envision yourself bring these individuals and groups together, and taking enjoyment from being part of a team?

You enjoy working with data and numbers: In order to develop and support project proposals, community planners need to analyze and draw conclusions from data such as population statistics, economic and social data, geographical information, resource inventories and environmental indicators.

You have an interest in your environment: Most people who choose to become community planners have a genuine interest in their surroundings. They have a natural curiosity about things that affect the geography and environment of a community, such as how waste can be safely disposed, and how topography affects how roads and subdivisions are deigned.

You have an interest in the needs of the community: Becoming a planner involves balancing views on what a community needs, as voiced by different stakeholders. People within a community may have needs that are very different from one another, such as those who are single versus those who have a young family. If you want to work as a community planner, you should enjoy the challenge of understanding and balancing all of the needs within your community.

 

(Source: Government of Alberta)

 

Duties and Tasks

• Prepare land development guidelines for assigned tracts of land or regions

• Prepare statutory plans, community plans and land use bylaws

• Review plans that have been submitted for land development or subdivision

• Provide guidance pertaining to community development and renewal

• Coordinate public forums and public participation meetings

• Assess the economic, physical, political, environmental, social and other conditions of the area and identify trends

• Maintain information systems and databases

• Confer with local authorities, civic leaders, architects, engineers, developers, land surveyors, land owners, social scientists, lawyers and other professionals

 

The Conversation 29 June 2021

 

Working conditions

Community planners often find themselves having to attend meetings and giving presentations, which means they often have to put in hours during the evenings and on weekends. A career as a community planner is well suited from someone who doesn't need to leave the office right at 5 and forget about it until the next day.
   

Tools and technologies

Proficient with geographic information systems (GIS) software

   
Education and training/entrance requirements
  

Because of the diversity of skills and knowledge required in this line of work, many who become planners choose to pursue a degree in planning, as it best covers all topics as they apply to planning. However, many planners may go into the profession with an undergraduate degree in a field closely related to planning, followed by a graduate degree in planning. They could have a Bachelor’s degree in Community/Social Planning, Social Science, Human Geography, Public Policy or Urban Planning and/or demonstrated capability through past employment experience.

Having an undergraduate degree in planning, or a closely related field, will typically qualify you for entry-level jobs in community planning, such as Community Planning Technician. A degree from a from your national planning accreditation board is considered the most thorough educational preparation for the community planning field.

To become a community planner practitioner you typically need a graduate degree in planning, or an undergraduate degree with several years of work experience. Some practicing community planners have an undergraduate degree in planning, although others may have studied geography, urban studies, architecture, economics, forestry or sociology.

   
Employment Opportunities

Community planners are employed, typically on a full-time basis, by the following types of organizations:

• Local/State/Territory government departments

• Federal government departments and agencies

• Municipal governments (including towns, counties or cities)

• Inter-municipal service agencies

• School boards

• Land development companies

• Research and policy institutions

• Universities (in research and/or teaching capacities)

• Not-for-profit organizations

• Large corporations in resource and utility industries

• Economic development authorities, and other such organizations

 

   Government & Defence

Zoning inspectors are responsible for interpreting and enforcing property zoning regulations and requirements on behalf of the municipal or regional planning, zoning, and land use departments. Zoning inspectors develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

They must ensure that new development and on-going land occupancy conforms to any applicable regulations regarding land use and zoning, drainage and storm water management, special flood hazard areas and nuisance abatement.

ANZSCO ID: N/A
   
Alternative names: Zoning Officer
   
Knowledge, skills and attributes
   
In order to become effective in a career as a zoning inspector, you need to posses a certain set of skills. These skills will allow you to perform your job duties with competence, and are likely listed ‘required skills’ or ‘assets’ on zoning inspector job postings.

• Working knowledge of standard surveying practice and note taking

• Able to read, analyze, and interpret blueprints, maps, technical procedures, or governmental regulations

• Able to write reports and business correspondence

• Able to present information effectively

• Able to respond to questions from groups, contractors and colleagues

• Able to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference

• Able to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical solutions

• Vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus

Personal Traits Needed to Become a Zoning Inspector
   
In order to enjoy performing the duties of a zoning inspector, you need to have certain personality traits. These personality traits will help keep you interested in your job as a zoning inspector, and will help you maintain a positive attitude towards your job duties.

• Enjoy dealing with people

• Enjoy having clear rules and organized methods for work

• An interest in ensuring that laws and regulations are properly enforced

• The ability to be diplomatic when dealing with property owners who may not agree with zoning interpretations

• The ability to remain calm when others become hostile or aggravated

• Enjoy analyzing information

• Enjoy directing the work of others, such as inspection or zoning technicians

Did You Know? Before taking the exciting plunge of buying property, it is essential to be informed about every detail that will impact you as a buyer. The location of the place and planning zones shouldn’t be overlooked as they are able to determine property values and outline the development potential of your area. This article will answer a few key questions regarding property zoning and assist in keeping you in the loop as a residential or commercial purchaser. What Does It Involve?    The zoning of a potential property provides insight into the local municipality’s standards and how the property fits within the community perspective. Property zoning sets the ground rules for the size, placement and even which pets can be kept within the vicinity. It is also helpful to check the zoning of surrounding properties and which conditional uses can be requested through the council. Through being more aware of the home’s inclusions, property access and environmental assessments, you are able to make more financially sound decisions. When Is It Used?    Developers are regularly checking the property zoning for any changes, especially when it comes to residential growth areas. It is appealing as there is a lot of building potential, with blocks of land being able to produce denser apartment-style homes that can accommodate several tenants. (Source: Real Estate Investar) Victoria’s residential planning zones are divided up into three different types. a. The Neighbourhood Residential Zone covers single and double-storey properties that contain historical value and unique characteristics. As these properties are easily distinguishable in the local area, they have to follow certain requirements around height restrictions and garden areas. b. Meanwhile, the General Residential Zone includes spaces where housing and population diversity are expected to increase. Following similar requirements, this zone also aims to maintain and enhance the existing neighbourhood character. c. In addition, Residential Growth Zones involves places where housing density is expected to keep up with population growth at town centres. (Source: I Build New)

Duties and Tasks

• Maintain accurate and complete zoning inspection reports

• Prepare zoning inspection report

• Prepare and process zoning violation letters

• Investigate and resolve citizen claims of possible zoning violations

• Review legal descriptions, land title documents and plot appropriate information on maps

• Perform photo research to gather information regarding correct legal description of property

• Write and issue permits in accordance with the zoning ordinances

• Determine land use compliance and legal accessibility and maintain accurate land use maps

Working conditions

Zoning inspectors typically work standard weekday business hours, although overtime may be required occasionally in order to complete projects and meet deadlines.

Zoning inspectors spend a good amount of their time in an office setting writing reports, processing violation letters, reviewing legal descriptions, and determining land-use compliance. They may also spend some time inspecting properties on site.

When performing inspections, a zoning inspector may come across certain hazards, such as moving parts, heights, loud noises, and various outdoor weather conditions. Zoning inspectors may also be required to stand, walk, climb, balance, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Tools and technologies

Zoning Inspectors use computers to write reports and process violation letters.

Education and training/entrance requirements
   
The educational requirements for becoming a zoning inspector may vary by municipality, although you are typically required to have degree or a TAFE diploma in building construction, urban planning, architecture or a related field.
   
Employment Opportunities

Zoning inspectors are employed on a part-time, full-time and contractual basis by the following types of organizations:

• Municipal governments

• Accredited inspection agencies and contractors

 

Parks planners are responsible for performing planning and landscape architectural work in the area of park planning. They must also research, analyze and interpret data related to park land use. Park planners may be involved in municipal, regional or national park planning. Parks planning is a career that requires the application of knowledge from a variety of fields. Because of this, parks planners come from a wide variety of educational backgrounds.

ANZSCO ID: N/A
  
Alternative names: Parks Landscape Planner,
   
Specialisations: Municipal, Regional or National Parks
   
Knowledge, skills and attributes

In addition to education and certain personality traits, there are other requirements to becoming a parks planner. For example:

• Must be able to understand main issues that will affect land use in the future, ie demographics, environment, etc.

•  Must have a working knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, and government policies

•  Must be able to reconcile opposing interests of various stakeholders

•  Must be able to use simple language in order to be persuasive

Below is a list of personality traits, skills and attributes you will need to succeed as a parks planner:

Teamwork: Park planners almost always work as part of a team. This team may be composed of other planners, politicians, architects, engineers and other related professionals. Since park planning involves representatives of the general public, their opinion must be in favor of proposed developments, thus they can also be considered part of the team.

Analytical abilities (numbers and data): Park planners must be able to effectively interpret population statistics, resource inventories, geographical and environmental information, as well as economic and social data. Park planners must also be able utilize this data in support of policy and project proposals.

An interest in the environment: Park planners are typically interested in the world around them and the environment. Having a genuine interest in issues such as the best way to preserve trees, wildlife and other natural resources, is the best way to foster effective ideas in these areas.

Able to balance public needs and environmental concern: A crucial element of parks planning is the ability to create a balance between the present and future needs of individuals and the needs of the general public at large without compromising the environment.

Schedule flexibility: Much of a park planner’s job consists of liaising with community members and receiving direction from elected members of council, you will often have to attend meetings in the evenings and weekends.

Conflict management: Not everyone agrees on land use and park planning proposals. Many people are passionate about their neighbourhoods and their city. As a planner you will often face situations where conflicting viewpoints are difficult to reconcile. You must be able to effectively mediate these situations, seek compromise and ultimately make difficult decisions that likely won’t please everyone.

Hazelwood Park SA
(Source: Burnside SA Govt)

Duties and Tasks

• Use computer aided design programs to assist with landscape architectural work

•  Assist in the selection of outside contractors and consultants

•  Review contract bids

•  Oversee the work of outside contractors

•  Monitor compliance with insurance requirements related to the work being performed

•  Prepare written reports regarding various land use planning matters

• Create site plans for assigned projects

•  Speak before public meetings or formal hearings

•  Prepare construction specifications for park planning activities

•  Participate in the development of design standards and requirements

•  Create technical drawings

Working conditions
  
Parks planners typically work in an office environment during normal weekday working hours. These hours may be extended into the evenings or weekends on occasion on order to meet deadlines or attend stakeholder meetings. Park planners must also conduct site visits to proposed development or redevelopment locations.

Park planners often work in teams, and must confer with one another, as well as with representatives from other business units or government departments. They must also be involved in or lead stakeholder meetings, which typically include members of the general public, business representatives and other stakeholders.

Education and training/entrance requirements

Many parks planners have a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in planning or a related discipline such as Urban Planning, Engineering, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Political Science, Forestry or Economics.


Employment Opportunities

Park planning is a very specialized field, and because of this there are not a wide variety of employers that hire parks planners. As parks planning can be a very competitive field, some employers may require candidates to have a graduate degree in order to be considered for employment. Parks planners who wish to become Registered Professional Planners must have at least a bachelor's degree in planning and a certain number of years of professional planning experience.

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

Architect	Building Inspector	Civil Engineer	Conveyancer
Demographer	Emergency Disaster Planner	Environmental Scientist	Geographer
Geographic Information Systems Officer	Landscape Architect	Local Government Inspector	Park Ranger
Politician / Parliamentarian	Surveyor	WHS Officer

 

Materials sourced from
the Job Guide;
Jobs & Skills WA [Urban & Regional Planners ];
Careers at Council [Planning and Development; Parks, Sports, Facilities; ]
Salary Expert [Zoning Inspector; ]
Target Jobs UK [Planning Technician; ]
Academic Invest [Community Planner; Zoning Inspector; Parks Planner; ]
AVJobs [Airport Engineer; Index; ]
ZipRecruiter [How to become an Airport Planner; ]
Climb the Ladder [Airport Planner; ]
Go Civil Air Patrol [Airport Plan (PDF); ]
Your Career [Urban & Regional Planners]