Planning Assistant III - Green Infrastructure

Requisition ID: 42334 

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 Planning Assistant III – Green Infrastructure is responsible for supporting the City’s efforts to be a leader in climate adaptation, and in developing holistic, integrated approaches to rain water management using green rainwater infrastructure tools such as green roofs, rain gardens, and water harvesting systems.

The position works with various departments within the City as well as external groups such as non-profit organizations, private sector stakeholders, and other levels of government to undertake research analysis, and help develop policies, regulations, programs, education and capacity building relating to private and public green rainwater infrastructure and other climate change adaptation projects.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Research, data and project/program implementation support:

• Conducts best practice research, case studies, barriers identification, co-benefits, and contextual analysis on multi-scale green rainwater infrastructure, and other climate adaptation projects;
• Assists supervisors in the design, planning, and execution of projects and initiatives, including development of tender documents and coordination with consultants;
• Prepares and conducts technical research, surveys, analysis on topics of moderate complexity, including undertaking relevant field observations and notes and verifying accuracy of the content and field investigations; and
• Manages data for various initiatives, including collection, tracking, and reporting.
• Develops materials for meetings and events, including agendas, presentations, posters and graphics.
• Supports the development and implementation of communications materials to support education, training and capacity-building initiatives; and
• Maintains initiative web pages and contact lists.
• Organizes meetings and events, support public engagement and stakeholder processes, participates in and minutes public events and staff meetings;
• Engages with stakeholders at public events and during consultation processes;
• Liaises with external partners and/or stakeholders to gather input on projects and/or build collaboration; and
• Responds to public enquiries.
• Assists in the preparation of technical reports and council reports;
• Prepares content (text and graphics) for presentations, websites and other communications materials;
• Performs other duties and responsibilities, as assigned; and carry out other project-specific tasks on an as-needed basis

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent supplemented by courses in in planning, urban studies, landscape architecture, sustainability, engineering, environmental sciences or related field and sound experience, preferably in a municipal setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Sound experience as a Planning Assistant II preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Sound knowledge of integrated rainwater management and green infrastructure policy, planning, design and/or operations would be a considerable asset;
• Excellent research and analytical skills and ability to perform moderately difficult statistical survey and analysis work;
• Sound knowledge of conducting research, collecting and analyzing data, performing field studies and providing technical, communications and/or logistical support for design, planning, research and/or policy development projects;
• Strong knowledge or skills in using computer software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and software for graphic design and mapping including the Adobe suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator);
• Experience with mapping and/or graphics design including a sound knowledge of layout work, report design and reproduction, and of graphical representation of statistical data;
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively on inter-disciplinary teams, with staff across City departments, with contractors, consultants, outside agencies, industry stakeholders and the public;
• Excellent event planning and organizational skills related to public engagement activities and experience developing communication materials for workshops, meetings or presentations and supporting stakeholder engagement strategies;
• Strong organizational and time management skills including the ability to (1) manage multiple projects, tasks, and competing priorities at the same time, (2) set and meet deadlines, and (3) adapt to emerging or changing priorities;
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to self-motivate and work independently on a range of tasks including high-level research, administrative tasks, and writing;
• Ability to provide support and advice while functioning effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to meet transportation needs

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: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date:  November, 2024

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-021: $37.20 to $43.78 per hour

Application Close: September 29, 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.