Planner I (Development Planning)

Requisition ID: 43912 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and engaging workplace.  Working at the City of Vancouver and within the public service can be a rewarding career where you play a key role in ensuring impartial and equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and addressing the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose and Function
The Planner I assists in the processing of development and building permit applications, primarily in the low to medium density zoning districts and commercial and housing renovations (with an expectation to increase the scope of zones reviewed), by providing urban design, planning and residential zoning and development by-law advice to the public, staff and applicants. This position resolves problems of by-law interpretation on sites having special characteristics and recommends relaxations where warranted using judgement based on by-law intent, guidelines, policy, hardship, site inspections, technical review and professional architectural experience.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides a range of professional services and technical support as part of a planning team.
• Provides planning review for low to medium density housing and other more complex planning projects
• Supports DBL Service Centre with professional planning and urban design advice and with customer service
• Represents the Director of Planning at the Board of Variance for projects
• Monitors the impact of zoning regulations on single-family areas, and in consultation with the policy staff, recommends and reports to Council on new regulations and guidelines where appropriate
• Prepares illustrated bulletins to assist the public in understanding residential zoning regulations
• Prepares and manages work programs, coordinates the work of junior staff, and supervises consultant studies, providing direction and guidance to professional consultants engaged by the City.
• Assists with developing and refining policies and guidelines.
• Undertakes research, analysis, and synthesizes input from internal and external review groups and the public.
• Writes reports, facilitates meetings, develops presentations, and presents to staff, management, City Council, community members, and external stakeholders.
• Manages various public engagement and consultation processes, including designing, attending, and facilitating community events, forums, workshops, and meetings (including evenings and weekends).
• Provides consistent and accurate advice to internal and external parties on policy and in relation to enquiries and applications.
• Liaises with other City Departments, including Development, Buildings and Licensing, Engineering, Arts, Culture and Community Services, Parks, and Real Estate and Facilities Management.
• Performs related architectural work, planning work and other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications 
Education and Experience:

• A post-secondary degree in planning recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners and a minimum of one-year professional experience in the planning field, or an equivalent combination of post-secondary education and experience.
• Experience with Architecture, Building Design/Renovation and/or Urban Design is preferred; experience includes residential design and project review, including experience in wood frame construction.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of residential zoning regulations and guidelines and experience with implementation and administration of residential zoning by-laws and guidelines is an asset.
• Strong negotiating skills.
• Ability to relate well to other staff, builders, designers, architects, owners, Boards, Panels, members of Council and the general public.
• Working knowledge of other subjects applicable to planning work.
• Working knowledge of the Vancouver Building By-Law.
• Good knowledge of governmental structures and systems.
• Membership or eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners or Architectural Institute of BC is desirable.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with staff, officials, stakeholders, and the public.
• Strong analytical, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, including public speaking and the preparation of accessible materials, reports, and presentations.
• Proficiency in software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and ArcGIS, with knowledge of design software considered an asset.
• Sound knowledge of research methodologies and experience delivering creative engagement processes, particularly for equity-seeking communities.
• Ability to manage projects, exercise initiative, and meet tight deadlines, demonstrating professionalism, diplomacy, tact, and empathy.
• Knowledge of municipal planning, land development, community development, social and affordable housing policies, and housing agreements.
• Experience in housing policy development, data analysis, and building consensus on housing projects in diverse and potentially contentious settings.
• Awareness of Indigenous and culturally diverse communities, with strong cultural sensitivity and awareness.
• Ability to supervise staff, lead participatory public consultation processes, and negotiate among various stakeholders.

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: July, 2025 

Position End Date: July, 2026 

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

Number of positions: 2

Application Close: June 15, 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.