Planner I (Service Centre Planner)

Requisition ID: 43378 

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 rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose & Function 
The Services Centre Planner, (Planner 1) assists in the processing of development and building permit applications, in the low to medium density zones including residential and commercial renovations by providing consistent, accurate advice to customers, and by guiding applications successfully from enquiry to issuance. This role is focused on problem solving and interpretation of by-laws to find clear and equitable outcomes for sites having special characteristics or hardships and grants relaxations where warranted.  This role will take on increasingly complex projects, over time, to address emerging zoning and council driven initiatives.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides accurate, consistent advice to customers and staff on matters related to the planning building by-laws and other applicable by-laws and processing outcomes for low and medium density zones.
• Supports DBL Service Centre with professional planning and urban design advice and with customer service.
• Provides decisions on behalf of the Director of Planning (DoP)
• Monitors the impact of zoning regulations for low to medium density areas, and in consultation with the policy staff, recommends and reports to Council on new regulations and guidelines where appropriate.
• Prepares illustrated information bulletins to assist the public in understanding residential zoning regulations.
• Provides technical assistance to staff.
• Presents to advisory panels and the public including representing the DoP at the Board of Variance, as required
• Performs related architectural and planning work as required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

University graduate degree in Planning or related university degree with an experience similar to the duties required, including Architectural or Building Design/Renovation experience and preferably supplemented by supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of post-secondary education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of land use, zoning regulations, guidelines, policies, and knowledge of the Vancouver Building By-Law.
• Ability to adapt quickly and adopt change related to current Council initiatives focused on permitting improvements, and expeditious delivery of housing to the City.
• Negotiation skills, and ability to exercise sound judgement, professionalism, diplomacy, tact and discretion.
• Analytical skills, and verbal and written communication skills, including writing and public speaking.
• Ability to organize and review a high volume of projects.
• Ability to work independently and as an effective team, to collaborate with other staff, and respond to the public.
• Ability to perform technical research and analytical work and prepare reports thereon.
• Proficiency in Posse and ability to document advice, decisions, and processing outcomes, including ability to issue Permits electronically
• Proficiency in Blue Beam and Adobe Acrobat including an ability to convey clear graphic markups and annotations to customers and staff

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.

Business Unit/Department: Development, Buildings & Licensing (1250) 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: May, 2025 

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

Application Close: March 23, 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.