Planner I - Embodied Carbon Planner

Requisition ID: 42228 

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 cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. 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 and Function

The Planner I is an essential member of the Green and Resilient Buildings Branch and works on buildings embodied carbon policy development and implementation. The work is complex professional city planning in the investigation and development of solutions with regard to embodied carbon matters.

The position is responsible for developing embodied carbon policy, compliance processes, reviewing embodied carbon requirements in permit applications and for advising on and preparing policy, zoning, and guidelines. The position may also work as part of other planning projects or areas within Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability as required.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads and coordinates the work of an interdepartmental team.
• Provides a range of professional services and technical support as part of a planning team focused on embodied carbon policy development and implementation.
• Responds to public enquiries regarding embodied carbon policy, and reviews, evaluates and processes embodied carbon elements of permit applications.
• Establishes collaborative working relationships with developers, design professionals, community organizations, businesses and other stakeholders.
• Manages the stakeholder consultation process; designs, attends and facilitates engagement events including community forums, stakeholder meetings, and workshops (including weekday evenings and weekends).
• Undertakes research, and data analysis.
• Co-ordinates and synthesizes input from internal and external review groups and stakeholders.
• Advises and negotiates with applicants.
• Prepares presentations, policy changes, and complex reports for senior management and Council.
• Presents complex material and information to stakeholders, staff, City Council, and the public.
• Prepares requests for professional service proposals, evaluates responses, and  manages the work of consultants and junior staff including budget, timeline and deliverable tracking.
• Advises on and prepares policy, programs and guidelines for green building initiatives
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• A degree in urban planning recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners and a minimum of one year of professional experience in the planning field or an equivalent combination of post-secondary education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of development planning, architecture or related fields of study, and a working knowledge of other subjects applicable to development, construction, and policy work.
• Expertise in embodied carbon, including whole building lifecycle assessment
• A working knowledge of land-use planning and policy
• Understanding of building codes and their application in Canada, especially sections related to fire protection and occupant safety (i.e., Part 3)
• Understanding of the technical, business, and operational challenges, benefits and best practices associated with low-carbon building materials and designs in commercial, multifamily, or detached residential buildings.
• Background in applied research, analysis, and data management
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as an effective member of a team within a large bureaucracy; to cooperate with other employees, officials and stakeholders.
• Ability to act in a coordinating capacity internally within the department and with City officials and other stakeholder groups including citizen groups.
• Ability to exercise considerable judgment and demonstrate professionalism, diplomacy, tact, and discretion.
• Ability to organize and coordinate projects.
• Proven effective analytical skills, and verbal and written communication skills, including writing and public speaking.
• Ability to prepare guidelines and policy documents and to produce and communicate with visual material.
• Skills and ability in the following software: word processing (Word), quantitative analysis (Excel), and presentations (PowerPoint)   

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: Planning, Urban Design & Sustainability (1275) 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time 

Position Start Date: November 2024 

Position End Date: October 2026 

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-029: $51.70 to $61.13 per hour

Application Close: September 19, 2024

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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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.