Explore how your federal experience as a Community Planning (GS-0020) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Junior Planner, Assistant Planner, Field Analyst | Assist in community development projects through data collection, analysis, and on-ground surveys. Support senior planners in drafting proposals and project documents. | $40,000 - $55,000 |
| 5-7 | Community Development Associate, Urban Planner I, Planning Analyst | Conduct research on zoning regulations and land use planning. Collaborate with community stakeholders and prepare reports for planning commissions or city councils. | $55,000 - $75,000 |
| 8-9 | Urban Planner II, Senior Planning Specialist, Community Development Coordinator | Lead projects on urban redesign and sustainability initiatives. Analyze demographic and socioeconomic data to inform strategic planning and engage with community inputs. | $75,000 - $95,000 |
| 10-11 | Lead Urban Planner, Principal Planner, Senior Community Development Manager | Oversee complex planning projects and provide expert guidance. Develop comprehensive plans addressing local infrastructure needs and economic growth. Manage teams and serve as primary contact for municipal relationships. | $95,000 - $120,000 |
| 12-13 | Director of Community Planning, Senior Policy Advisor, Urban Planning Manager | Direct community planning initiatives and policy formulation. Liaise with government officials and stakeholders, and ensure compliance with regulations. Establish long-term goals for community development. | $120,000 - $150,000 |
| 14-15 | Chief Planning Officer, Vice President of Urban Development, Executive Director of Community Planning | Strategize large-scale urban planning efforts and inform city planners. Spearhead quality assurance in project execution and lead major policy shifts that influence community planning operations. | $150,000 - $200,000 |
| SES | Senior Executive Vice President of Planning, Chief Executive Officer of Urban Affairs, Federal Administrator of Community Development | Lead the vision and execution of community planning strategies at a national level. Ensure alignment with federal policies, and drive innovation in community engagement and resource allocation. | $200,000 - $300,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification
The AICP certification is highly regarded in the field of planning and is recognized nationwide. It demonstrates a planner's commitment to professional ethics and standards, which can be a significant advantage when applying for roles in urban planning firms or municipalities.
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
The PMP certification showcases an individual's ability to lead and manage projects effectively, a crucial skill in community planning. Employers in the civilian sector often seek candidates who can oversee development projects, engage stakeholders, and manage resources efficiently.
LEED Green Associate Certification
This certification indicates knowledge of green building practices and sustainability, essential in modern community planning. It helps job seekers stand out to employers focused on environmentally sustainable development and community resilience.
Certified Economic Development (CEcD) Certification
The CEcD certification focuses on economic development principles and practices and is valuable for planners involved in community economic strategy. Having this credential signals to employers a deep understanding of how planning impacts economic growth and community viability.
Urban Land Institute's (ULI) UrbanPlan Certification
This certification provides knowledge on the fundamentals of real estate and urban planning. It aids community planners in understanding market forces and financial feasibility, which is crucial for successful project implementation in the civilian sector.
Neighborhood Conservation & Development Certificate
This program equips planners with skills in community engagement and neighborhood revitalization techniques. It is particularly advantageous for civilian roles that require collaboration with community stakeholders and effective outreach.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal GS-0020 Community Planning role to the private sector can be both an exciting and challenging journey. The skills and experiences you gained in this federal position are valuable; however, adapting your approach and presentation will be crucial for a successful transition. Here’s a comprehensive guide that covers mindset shifts, resume and interview tips, networking strategies, and the translation of federal experience into private sector language.
From Stability to Flexibility: Federal jobs often offer stability and a clear path. Private sector roles can be more fluid and dynamic. Embrace the idea of change and adaptability. Being open to different cultures and working styles can enhance your appeal to potential employers.
Focus on Impact Over Process: Government roles frequently emphasize adherence to processes and compliance. In the private sector, focus on your ability to drive results and make an impact. Think about how your planning led to tangible outcomes and benefits for the community, and be ready to highlight those results.
Embrace Self-Promotion: Self-promotion can feel uncomfortable for many professionals, especially in a federal context where achievements may be taken for granted. In the private sector, your ability to market your skills and accomplishments is vital. Practice discussing your successes confidently and clearly.
Use Keywords: Tailor your resume with keywords that reflect the job descriptions you’re interested in. Look for terms in private sector postings related to project management, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach, and use them appropriately in your descriptions.
Quantify Achievements: Use metrics and data to emphasize your accomplishments. For instance, instead of saying you "led a community planning project," say you "led a community planning project that resulted in a 20% increase in public engagement over six months."
Format for Readability: Private sector employers often prefer concise resumes that are easy to skim. Use bullet points, clean formatting, and an efficient layout. Aim to keep your resume to one page if possible, especially if you have less than ten years of relevant experience.
Focus on Transferable Skills: Highlight skills such as project management, stakeholder engagement, communication, and analytical abilities that can translate into the private sector. Create a “Skills” section that showcases your capabilities clearly and concisely.
Practice STAR Method: In interviews, use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses to behavioral questions. Prepare examples where you planned and executed community projects that had meaningful results.
Understand Company Culture: Research the companies you're interviewing with to understand their values and cultures. Be ready to discuss how your work ethic and approach to community planning aligns with their mission and values.
Prepare Questions: Prepare insightful questions that not only demonstrate your knowledge of the company but also show your interest in how they approach community involvement and planning strategies in the private sector.
Reaching Out: Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with former colleagues, industry professionals, and recruiters in your field. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for informational interviews to learn from their experiences transitioning from federal to private sector.
Attend Industry Events: Join industry-related conferences, seminars, or networking events. Engaging in professional associations can help establish connections and open employment opportunities. Look for local chapters of planning or development organizations.
Volunteer or Join Projects: Get involved in community planning projects on a volunteer basis. This can enhance your experience, build your professional network, and provide contemporary examples of your work that resonate with private employers.
Reframe Achievements: Instead of using federal terminology that may not resonate in the private sector (like "compliance" or "federal directives"), use more universally understood language such as "best practices" or "strategic initiatives."
Draw Parallels: When discussing your experience, make explicit connections to the private sector. For example, if you managed a budget for a public project, relate this to budget management for corporate projects.
Highlight Collaboration: Many federal roles require collaboration with multiple stakeholders, which is also crucial in the private sector. Emphasize your experience working with diverse groups, such as NGOs, community members, and even local businesses.
This transition can open countless new opportunities for growth and development. Approach it with an open mind, leverage your past experiences to your advantage, and be proactive in your search. Remember, your federal experience is a solid foundation that can be strategically marketed to land a role in the private sector. Best of luck on your journey!