Job Description

DEPARTMENT: Climate Action, Planning and Development
STATUS: Full Time
NO. OF POSITIONS: One
UNION: CUPE, Local 387
HOURS OF WORK: 35 hours per week
SALARY: $54.44 – $64.43 + comprehensive benefits package

The City of New Westminster has earned a proud reputation for civic leadership, service delivery and outstanding employee relations. We offer our employees great work-life balance; competitive salaries and benefit plans (including pension); education and training opportunities; and challenging and rewarding work.

As a central hub in the Metro Vancouver area, the City of New Westminster delivers a broad spectrum of urban services to over 80,000 residents. It is a city rich in history with a viable and thriving economy, a population representative of the diversity of the region, and is staffed by talented and dedicated employees who work together to achieve its strategic vision.

We are looking for a Planner 2 to join our team of committed and passionate professionals who care deeply about the community they serve, who thrive on variety, and enjoy the challenge that comes with complex work. In this position you will report to the Supervisor, Development Planning, and you will manage some of the City’s most complex development projects and facilitate the multi-disciplinary review of projects through the approvals process. The successful candidate will ensure that all development projects and review processes are consistent with Council’s strategic priorities and the City’s overall city-building objectives, including those related to community amenities, housing and social strategies, environmental protection, economic development, reconciliation, and urban design; and advancing development related practices, policies and regulations within a team environment.

Specific duties will include: mentorship of more junior planners; processing complex development projects; liaising and coordinating with internal and external contacts on matters related to the work; participating with other senior staff in formulating, implementing and modifying land use plans and development application processes; managing the review of rezoning and development applications in a timely manner; participating in the negotiation of community amenities with the development community; liaising with applicants, other City staff, professionals and the public; preparing reports and bylaw amendments; making presentations to community groups, City advisory committees and Council; assisting in the creation or updating of department policies, procedures and bylaws; and other related duties.

If you have the following characteristics and qualifications, we want to hear from you!

• A Master’s Degree in urban planning or a related discipline, with considerable work experience in development planning or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Full membership or eligibility for full membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners.
• Advanced knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques, methods and procedures applicable to municipal planning.
• Considerable knowledge of the policies, rules, regulations, bylaws and legislation governing the work.
• Significant knowledge of several fields related to planning, such as urban design, social science, law, economics, development practices, and municipal finance, and of current trends and developments in these areas.
• Experience in the timely processing and oversight of complex development projects, at all stages, and preparing related reports.
• Experience participating in community planning processes and in representing the municipality and department on planning matters.
• Experience participating in various meetings related to the work such as Council meetings and making presentations.
• Experience working with senior staff in creating, implementing, and improving land use plans and application processes and procedures.
• Experience in implementing contemporary customer service excellence in conflict situations and providing service to applicants with reliance on a range of knowledge and experience.

• Ability to consult, liaise and coordinate with other staff, external public and private agencies, consultants and citizen groups.
• Ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of staff, and to apply excellent people management and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in facilitation, negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Ability to be creative and exercise sound judgment in a fast paced environment while managing multiple tasks and resolving conflicts.
• Ability to express ideas effectively both orally and in a written manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, professionals and the public, and to clearly convey the principles and requirements of sound planning and development.

What we offer:
• Work-life balance – 35 hour work week, vacation, an optional compressed day off program, and optional hybrid work schedule
• Health and wellness – extended health, dental, life insurance benefits, paid sick leave plan, plus other wellness-focused programs and benefits
• Retirement benefits – including municipal pension plan
• Career development – ongoing learning and personal development program

Apply online with your cover letter and resume in one document at www.newwestcity.ca/employment. By December 5th 2024

To support a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community; women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized individuals, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to diversity of our workforce, are encouraged to express their interest.

New Westminster is on the unceded and unsurrendered land of the Halq’eméylem-speaking peoples. It is acknowledged by the City that colonialism has made invisible their histories and connections to the land. We are learning and building relationships with the people whose lands we are on.

We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
This position is only open to those legally entitled to work in Canada.

Required languages: English

Education level: See Above

Required skills: See Above

Closest intersection: 6th Street & Royal Ave