Planner II

Requisition ID: 42526 

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 and Function
The Planner II is a project lead in Community Planning within the Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability department. The position plays a key role in implementation of the recently approved Vancouver Plan, including the development of a city-wide official development plan, and area plans. This includes coordinating the delivery of Vancouver Plan priorities related to Community Planning, including scoping and developing work programs for various work items. The position may also include providing policy advice on policy enquiries, rezoning enquiries and rezoning applications, as well as supporting the development of land use policy and new guidelines and district schedules. 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Scopes, prepares and manages project work plans and is accountable for deliverables and following timelines. 
• Manages projects of various scales, including policy review and plan implementation, as well as monitoring plan goals and development activity.
• Drafts policy amendments and guidelines to implement and/or update city-wide or community plans.
• Works closely with internal stakeholder groups to advance goals and objectives of community plans and city-wide policy through participation on tech teams, supporting master plan scoping and engagement, and preparing background materials to inform projects at various phases of the permitting process. 
• Establishes collaborative working relationships with community organizations, Business Improvement Associations, residents, property owners, developers, architects, agencies and other stakeholders.
• Communicates effectively through report writing, presentation to other staff, management, City Council and the public. 
• Designs and attends public engagement activities, including community forums, workshops and meetings.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications
Education and Experience:

• University graduate degree in planning or a related discipline, recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners, and a minimum of two years of professional experience in the planning field, preferably supplemented by supervisory experience, or and equivalent combination of post-secondary education and experience.
• Membership or eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners is desired.
• Experience in project management, developing engagement programs, drafting policy, communicating complex ideas and working with interdisciplinary project teams.
• Experience drafting land use policies, guidelines or bylaws that integrate considerations related to housing, economy, social and cultural well-being, public amenities, facilities, transportation, public space, and the environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of the City's community and area plans, Official Development Plans, city-wide plans and related policies, plus a broad knowledge of City services, programs and processes.
• Considerable knowledge of urban planning, architecture or research subjects and a working knowledge of other subjects applicable to planning work. 
• Exercises strong interpersonal, public engagement and communications skills, as well as considerable judgment, professionalism, diplomacy, tact and discretion.
• Considerable skill in collaborative decision-making, negotiation, interest-based problem solving, and demonstrated ability to achieve multiple program objectives within defined timelines are essential.
• Ability to scope, develop and manage work programs related to land use and area planning, and plan implementation.
• Ability to prepare and present complex material to staff, the public, and City Council; ability to write clear, concise Council reports, memos and presentations and make sound recommendations.
• Ability to scope, design and lead public consultation processes; strong facilitation skills, and a demonstrated ability to deal with challenging engagement scenarios.
• Ability to exercise initiative and sound judgement in managing workload while delivering complex projects on time and on budget.
• Ability to work both independently and participate successfully on work teams and with the public, and to complete assignments using sound professional techniques and judgement. 
• Familiarity with rezoning processes and a working knowledge of zoning and land-use regulations, land development economics and urban design principles is strongly preferred.
• Ability to meet transportation requirements

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: December 2024

Position End Date: August 2026 

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-031: $56.27 to $66.55 per hour

Application Close: November 7, 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.