Climate Equity & Reconciliation Planner (Social Planner I)

Main Purpose and Function

The Climate Equity & Reconciliation Planner is in the Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability department. Working within the Climate Adaptation & Equity Branch of the Sustainability Group, this position supports advancement of climate action, equity, and reconciliation within the City’s climate work program. This position also supports in the advancement of the City’s Equity Framework and UNDRIP Strategy.  The work will help advance implementation of the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and the City’s Equity Framework and other related City strategies.

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

The Climate Equity & Reconciliation Planner (Social Planner I) will be responsible for performing research, project management and policy development work related to climate action work, equity and reconciliation. The work will help advance implementation of the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, Climate Emergency Action Plan, the City’s Equity Framework, the UNDRIP Strategy and other related City strategies. Specific tasks will include:

• Supports the coordination of work within the Sustainability Group to centre equity, justice, and reconciliation in policy development, public engagement, projects, and programs.;
• Builds and maintains cross-departmental relationships with other teams working on climate policy, programs and other equity initiatives;
• Supports in the identification of capacity-building and learning needs among Sustainability staff to build competency in applying equity, justice, and reconciliation values into climate policy and programs, and to enable transformational change;
• Supports the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of progress made towards climate equity goals;
• Support the coordination with climate mitigation and adaptation leads to ensure Host Nations are engaged and up to date via the City’s Intergovernmental processes;
• In partnership with others, leads and participates in educational workshops and presentations with community members, youth, internal staff, and others on climate change, climate impacts, climate and environmental justice;
• Leading and supporting research and projects that plan for and implement equity, reconciliation and climate action.
• Organizing and preparing supporting material for senior management and other city staff.
• Supporting, planning, and implementing public engagement and internal/ external stakeholder processes.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and liaising with internal and external partners/stakeholders to gather input on projects and/or build collaboration, particularly with systemically excluded communities and community-based organizations.
• Preparing meeting agendas, PowerPoint presentations, note-taking, minutes, and related tasks.
• Carrying out other project-specific tasks for the Sustainability Group on an as-needed basis.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Post Secondary degree preferably with a Masters Degree in social sciences or in a related field, and experience in administration or in a field requiring diplomatic and persuasive abilities or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of equity and, in the context of climate change adaptation and mitigation, its connection to colonization, anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism, transphobia, misogyny, homophobia, classism, xenophobia, moralism, and ableism;
• Considerable knowledge of diversity, inclusion and equity considerations in a workplace environment combined with a broad perspective on equity.
• Considerable knowledge of current best practices, issues, and challenges in the field of sustainability, climate change adaptation and mitigation.
• Knowledge of local organizations serving equity-denied communities, including Indigenous organizations, social agencies, and services operating in Vancouver;
• Knowledge of and experience with theories and practices from the fields of social innovation, systemic design, and decolonizing methodologies is an asset;
• Organizational skills and ability to support multiple initiatives, projects, report on outcomes, and meet deadlines;
• Ability to apply climate justice, equity and social justice, and community partnerships best practices;
• Excellent facilitation skills, relational skills;
• Research and analysis skills, and knowledge of research methodologies to develop projects and policies are required.
• Strong inter-personal skills and ability to maintain positive relationships with staff, stakeholders and partners.
• Strong project management skills and experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication/ presentation skills, including the ability to translate complex concepts into easily readable formats.
• Able to meet deadlines while working with minimal supervision.
• Graphics and computer skills in Microsoft Office, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), AdobeCreative Suite (illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), or other similar graphic software.
• Ability to meet transportation needs.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work a hybrid work 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.

Business Unit/Department: Planning, Urban Design & Sustainability (1275) 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time 

Position Start Date: August 2025

Position End Date:  July 2027

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-029: $51.7 to $61.13 per hour

Application Close: July 13, 2025

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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Once you start your application you can save your work and leave the applications page, however please remember to submit your profile to the specific job requisition before the posting closing date.

In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.