Planner III

Requisition ID: 42596 

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
This position is responsible for highly complex professional landscape design, urban design and development and planning work consisting of consultation, negotiation, review, analysis and development of design concepts for medium and major developments. The incumbent supervises staff and provides input into large-scale area planning programs, rezoning applications and a variety of special projects including public realm plans.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises, trains and mentors professional and technical staff group within the Division including Planning Analysts and Assistants who coordinate Advisory Panel meetings. 
• Consults, negotiates, reviews, analyzes and develops landscape and urban design concepts in a highly complex professional development planning environment.
• Provides landscape and urban design input and regulatory review of large-scale area planning programs, community planning, rezoning and development permit applications and a variety of special projects. 
• Prepares reports and makes presentations to relevant Panels, including the Urban Design Panel, the Development Permit Board, City Council and in public meetings and sessions is required.
• Project manages developments from the initial enquiry through to issuance of the development permit, coordinate with a project team, oversee input from review groups, and resolve conflicts and co-ordinate hand-off to building staff.
• Conducts correspondence with the general public and other Departments on regulatory and technical problems. 
• Participates in meetings with developers, consultants, citizen committees and other special interest groups.
• Supports development of policies, procedures and practices to ensure regulatory compliance of all systems related to the protection and preservation of trees. 
• Issues management - Investigates, processes and resolves complaints from the public pertaining to landscape matters.
• May be asked to prepare or oversee the preparation of court or council reports; providing evidence to the courts, council or senior management related to enforcement and prosecution of by-law infractions.
• Provides leadership on implementation of the Urban Forest Strategy, Ecological Strategy, Exempt Sites and Tree Fund related to privately held lands. 
• Coordinates and develops procedures with management between departments to ensure efficient review processes. 
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications
Education and Experience:

• University graduation, preferably with a post-graduate degree in Landscape Architecture, Urban Design or Community and Regional Planning or equivalent combination of post secondary education and experience.
• Considerable professional experience in landscape architecture and urban design, is preferred including extensive experience in the private sector, with demonstrated experience in management of large-scale projects.
• Membership or eligibility for membership in the British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects is preferred.
• Membership or eligibility for membership in the Planning Institute of British Columbia is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Critical thinking with an emphasis on large-scale design and development.
• Ability experience in negotiating and conflict resolution.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing and using visuals.
• Thorough knowledge of governmental, legal and municipal financial procedures for municipal development and of the City By-Laws relative to planning activities.
• Experience in leading teams and in project management within a team environment and defined time lines.
• Experience in responding to public and development industry regulatory enquiries such as at the Enquiry Centre or similar is desirable.
• Ability to organize, direct and supervise work of others engaged in planning and urban design work.
• Ability to act in a liaison capacity coordinating work performed with that of several other divisions of PDS, other City departments, consultants and with external stakeholders. 
• Working knowledge of building construction and current trends.
• Working knowledge of design and presentation tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Photoshop, etc.
• Knowledge of Vancouver’s Framework for City of Reconciliation, Equity Framework and Diversity on Advisory Bodies Policy is desirable.
• Knowledge of the City’s advisory board and panel policies and by-laws is desirable.
• Knowledge of AIBC and other professional organization advisory panel policies and by-laws is desirable.

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:  November, 2026

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-034: $63.84 to $75.51 per hour

Application Close: November 11, 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.