URBAN PLANTSPlanners plan the development of urban and rural areas. Most work for the city, county, or other government agencies, where they help develop and implement official policy regarding current and future land use. They are interested in all features of the environment, including the location and design of buildings, transportation systems, and the protection of natural resources, including air and water quality and population density. They report the best location for homes, stores and parks. Planners also consider the social and economic factors that will be affected by land use changes. Planners typically work in clean, well-lit offices. However, they may spend much of their time outside the office, attending meetings or hearings (sometimes after hours) or inspecting development sites. A bachelor's degree in planning or a related field is the minimum requirement for professional-level jobs. Some other requirements for most jobs include a master's degree or several years of work experience, or both. However, it is possible to start with just a bachelor's degree; the high competition for entry-level jobs and the increasing difficulty of the job itself make a master's degree appropriate. Most authorities recommend an undergraduate degree in a planning-related field, such as geography, political science, or architecture, followed by a graduate degree in planning. A degree in urban studies, environmental studies, or environmental planning programs requires the same two years of full-time study. Local government planning offices often hire students to work during the summer. Students can learn a lot before landing their first job after graduation. To become a certified planner, a number of courses must be completed. A few universities offer programs where students can earn a master's degree in planning as well as a similar field, such as architecture, in about three years of full-time study. Planners must be able to think in terms of relationships and visualize the effects of their plans and designs. They must be flexible and able to reconcile different points of view and make constructive policy recommendations. The ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing, is necessary for anyone interested in this field. Government agency salaries for planners with a bachelor's degree and little or no experience start at about $2,300 to $3,000 per month. Planners with a master's degree or one or two years of experience can start at $2,500 to $3,500 or more per month..