Town planning assistant

As a town planning assistant, you could:

• research information on land and property registers
• gather data, take photos and check maps on site visits
• prepare reports on potential development sites
• manage technical libraries, filing systems and databases
• draw up plans using computer-aided design software
• carry out surveys, like traffic impact assessments
• advise on planning and environmental regulations
• organise public consultations and answer enquiries about application procedures

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a town planning assistant to be a green job, you could:

• research and present reports on the environmental impact of plans
• aim to reduce congestion and promote cleaner ways to travel
• put sustainability at the heart of projects

Find out more about green careers

• knowledge of geography
• the ability to work well with others
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• customer service skills
• business management skills
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• maths skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You may need a driving licence to visit development sites.

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

With experience, you could become a team leader or move on to technician level. With further study, you could become a qualified town planner.

You might also set up your own business and offer consultancy support in areas like planning law, environmental regulations and sustainable design.