Social Planner I (Food Systems)

Requisition ID: 43727 

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 engaging workplace.  Working at the City of Vancouver and within the public service can be a rewarding career where you play a key role in ensuring impartial and equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and addressing the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose & Function

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Social Policy, the Social Planner I works independently and as part of a team to help improve the social well-being of Vancouver residents through policy interventions that increase access to healthy food retail. This position acts as a leader within the division in project management, policy development, engagement, and communications.

This position provides project management and leadership on an externally funded initiative that will identify policy options to increase access to healthy food retail in Vancouver. The scope of “food retail” includes both private and non-profit grocery stores and may focus on policies that would support food retailers specializing in fresh produce and culturally relevant foods. This position is located within the Social Policy & Projects Division of the Arts, Culture and Community Services department and will coordinate work across multiple City departments.

The position is supervised by a Social Planner II leading the Equitable Access to Healthy Food Retail research and policy initiative, under the direction and reporting of the Assistant Director, Social Policy and Projects and works collaboratively with staff across several divisions and engages with community organizations and members of the public.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Develops plans to draft and implement policies and/or programs in support of healthy food retail (e.g., policy-based incentives, design guidance, business development supports).
• Conducts research and policy analysis.
• Coordinates and facilitates engagement sessions with residents, businesses, and/or community groups to discuss project findings and policy options.
• Convenes and coordinates an interdepartmental working group that will explore policy options to retain and expand food retail – particularly in under-serviced areas.
• Develops internal and public-facing communications materials
• Drafts summary reports and makes evidence-informed policy recommendations
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• University graduation in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Business Administration, Food Systems (from an economic development perspective), or other related discipline, preferably at the Master’s level.
• Professional experience related to the duties and responsibilities of the position, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in municipal scale food policy issues – preferably in relation to food retail, zoning and development bylaws, and small business supports.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of urban planning and/or community development, with expertise in land use, economic development, policy issues, and planning processes.
• Knowledge of municipal social planning, social policy, and social determinants of health.
• Ability to provide policy advice and/or leading policy enquiry reviews.
• Sound knowledge of planning and research methodologies.
• Ability to conduct policy-related research and analysis, including ability to assess for jurisdictional, legal, and financial appropriateness — preferably at a municipal scale.
• Knowledge of the cultural food business landscape in Vancouver, including their challenges and significance to diverse communities.
• Knowledge and understanding of the landscape of community-based and non-profit social service organizations in Vancouver.
• Knowledge of the Vancouver Plan, Vancouver Food Strategy, Healthy City Strategy, plus knowledge of City services, programs and processes, including the securing of community benefits from development.
• Ability to work effectively in a socially diverse context with communities that face economic, social or other disadvantages.
• Ability to engage with, negotiate, and build consensus with internal departments and with external parties including community stakeholders on complex social/community planning issues.
• Ability to exercise initiative and sound judgement in managing workload while delivering projects on time. Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex planning issues and information to a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to prepare complex written communications such as briefing notes, policy documents, speaking notes, and reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, professionals and the public.
• Ability to work independently and as an effective member of a team.
• 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 a hybrid work 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: Arts, Culture and Community Services (1200) 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time 

Position Start Date: June, 2025 

Position End Date: December, 2025 

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

Application Close: May 9, 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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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.