Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Tactical Urbanism • Density • Environmental Impact

Sustainable Development

Term from Urban Planning industry explained for recruiters

Sustainable Development is an approach to city and community planning that focuses on meeting current needs while ensuring future generations can meet their own needs too. It's like creating a blueprint for cities and communities that balances environmental protection, economic growth, and social well-being. This includes planning for energy-efficient buildings, creating green spaces, managing waste effectively, and designing walkable neighborhoods. When you see this term in resumes, it often indicates experience with environmentally conscious planning projects, community development, and long-term city planning strategies.

Examples in Resumes

Led Sustainable Development initiatives for a 500-acre mixed-use community project

Implemented Sustainable Development strategies in municipal master planning

Created Sustainable Development guidelines for urban renewal projects

Typical job title: "Sustainable Development Planners"

Also try searching for:

Urban Planner Environmental Planner Sustainability Coordinator City Planner Development Manager Sustainability Consultant Urban Development Specialist

Where to Find Sustainable Development Planners

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you approach implementing sustainable development principles in a city master plan?

Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss comprehensive approaches including stakeholder engagement, environmental impact assessments, economic feasibility studies, and long-term monitoring strategies. They should mention specific examples from their experience.

Q: What strategies have you used to balance economic development with environmental protection?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate experience in creating win-win solutions, such as green building incentives, public-private partnerships, and innovative zoning approaches that promote both business growth and environmental conservation.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What sustainability metrics do you use to evaluate development projects?

Expected Answer: Candidate should mention common measurements like energy efficiency ratings, walkability scores, green space ratios, and community impact assessments. They should understand how these metrics influence project success.

Q: How do you incorporate community feedback into sustainable development projects?

Expected Answer: Should discuss experience with public meetings, surveys, focus groups, and how they've used community input to modify development plans while maintaining sustainability goals.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the three main pillars of sustainable development?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain environmental protection, economic growth, and social equity in simple terms and how they work together in development projects.

Q: What sustainable features would you include in a new residential development?

Expected Answer: Should mention basic elements like energy-efficient design, water conservation, waste management, green spaces, and public transportation access.