Planner I (Special Projects Office)

at  The City of Vancouver

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:
A post-secondary degree in planning recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners is preferred and a minimum of one year professional experience in the planning field, or an equivalent combination of post-secondary education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as an effective member of a team; to cooperate with other employees, officials and the public; and to complete assignments using sound professional techniques and judgment is required.
• Ability to design and lead a participatory public consultation process and to negotiate and mediate among various interest groups on potentially contentious issues.
• Working knowledge of the City’s Zoning and Development By-law, Official Development Plans and Policies and Guidelines, plus a broad knowledge of City services, programs and processes.
• Knowledge of City policies, particularly related to land use, is an important asset.
• Demonstrated effective analytical skills and verbal and written communication skills, including writing and public speaking skills.
• A strong cultural awareness of Indigenous and diverse cultural communities.
• Demonstrated experience in land use planning and community planning and the ability to prepare policy documents and to produce and communicate with visual material are also required.
• Demonstrable skills and proven ability in the following software are requirements: word processing (Word), quantitative analysis (Excel), presentations (PowerPoint), preparation of visual materials (Adobe Creative Suite). Urban design analysis (SketchUp) and spatial analysis/mapping (ArcGIS) are desirable.
• Membership or eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners is desirable.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite. At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.
The City’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination against COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the City deem it necessary to re-introduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties.
Business Unit/Department: Planning, Urban Design & Sustainability (1275)
Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time
Position Start Date: August, 2023
Position End Date: December, 2024
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-029: $47.57 to $56.25 per hour

MAIN PURPOSE & FUNCTION

The Planner I will work as part of the planning team in the Special Projects Office. Key focus areas of the role will be to draft policy and reports, provide policy advice for rezoning enquiries and applications, participate in community engagement activities, prepare work plans, and supervise consultant studies. The successful candidate will become an integral part of the Special Projects Office and play a key role in liaising with other City departments and external agencies. The position will become involved in a variety of Special Projects Office work as required. Current projects include the implementation of the Broadway Plan and Northeast False Creek Plan, Central Waterfront planning, UBCx planning and the Jericho Lands.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide a range of professional services and some technical support as part of the planning team in the Special Projects Office
• Provide advice to internal and external parties on area plan policy in relation to rezoning enquiries and applications
• Assist with developing and refining area plan policy in response to Council directions
• Prepare amendments to zoning by-laws and guidelines
• Prepare reports and formulate recommendations to senior staff and to Council
• Prepare and give presentations to internal and external audiences
• Assist with preparation of work plans
• Supervise consultant studies
• Prepare research, data collection and other technical assignments
• Undertake community engagement activities and build connections with key stakeholders
• Supervise and coordinate the work of junior staff
• Liaise with other City Departments including Engineering, Arts, Culture and Community Services, Park Board, and Real Estate and Facilities Management.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned