Agricultural Planning Coordinator

Comox Valley Redional Disctrict; Courtenay; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

Comox Valley Regional District is seeking an Agricultural Planning Coordinator to support planning and development services in the Comox Valley. The role focuses on coordinating agricultural initiatives and policies that strengthen the local food system, promote sustainability, and build climate resilience, acting as a key link between CVRD and the agri-food community.

The ideal candidate will navigate local government, build trust-based relationships, and bring capacity to enable collective

Qualifications

• Educated in Agriculture, Environmental Planning, Land Use Planning, Geography, or another related discipline with an undergraduate degree of four years, or equivalent.
• Over three years of progressively responsible experience in public facing agricultural planning or policy development.
• Ability to create and present reports in person and virtually.
• Familiar with provincial and national agri-food programs.
• Knowledge of CVRD mandate, priorities, and operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation, monitoring, and periodic revision of the Comox Valley Agricultural Plan and related policy initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the local agriculture community and partners in the agri-food value chain.
• Coordinate engagement and maintain effective channels of communication between CVRD and the local agricultural community.
• Collaborate with producers, processors, farmers’ institutes and associations, K’ómoks First Nation, regional partners and ministry staff.
• Research agricultural trends, land use data and local food system dynamics to inform planning and policy.
• Identify and recommend agriculture priorities and areas of advocacy.
• Lead or support planning, coordination, and delivery of agricultural programs, projects and events.
• Identify grant opportunities and foster collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Support public consultation and engagement processes related to rural agriculture planning.

Skills

Relationship builder

Collaborator

Public engagement

Policy development

Education

Undergraduate degree in Agriculture / Environmental Planning / Land Use Planning / Geography

Job description

Stage 3 Water Restrictions Now in Effect for Comox Valley and Royston Water Local Service Area More information

We are accepting applications for a full-time Agricultural Planning Coordinator to join our Planning and Development Services team. This position will support the agriculture sector in the Comox Valley by coordinating the development and implementation of agricultural initiatives and policies that strengthen the local food system, promote sustainability, build climate resilience, and encourage sector development. This position is fundamentally outward-facing and highly independent, serving as a key link between the CVRD and the local agriculture community. The Coordinator is expected to actively facilitate opportunities for collaboration that align with priorities identified in the Comox Valley Agricultural Plan, needs of the sector and the CVRD Board’s strategic priorities. A core expectation of this role is navigating the complexities of local government and establishing strong, trust-based relationships across the agri-food systems by showing up consistently, listening deeply, actively sharing information and bringing additional capacity to the community to enable collective action.

Reporting to the Community Development and Resilience Manager, the primary responsibilities of this role include:

• Leading the implementation, monitoring, and periodic revision of the Comox Valley Agricultural Plan and related policy initiatives;
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with the local agriculture community as well as other partners in the agri-food value chain;
• Coordinating engagement, developing and maintaining effective channels of communication and information sharing between CVRD and the local agricultural community;
• Collaborating with local producers, processors, farmers’ institutes and associations, K’ómoks First Nation, regional partners and provincial ministry staff;
• Researching and analyzing agricultural trends, land use data and local food system dynamics to inform planning and recommend policy;
• Identifying and recommending agriculture priorities and areas of advocacy;
• Leading or supporting the planning, coordination, and delivery of agricultural programs, projects, and special events;
• Identifying grant and funding opportunities and fostering collaboration with internal and external partners on agri-food initiatives;
• Supporting public consultation and engagement processes related to rural agriculture planning processes and policy initiatives.

Our ideal candidate is:

• A relationship builder and collaborator able to develop and maintain effective working relationships and build trust with diverse groups including farmers, processors, community organizations, rights holders and government agencies;
• Current in relevant legislation, regulations and best practices in agricultural policy and planning, land use planning, rural development and agri-food systems at the local and provincial levels;
• Educated in Agriculture, Environmental Planning, Land Use Planning, Geography, or another related discipline with an undergraduate degree of four years, or equivalent;
• Experienced in public facing agricultural planning or policy development, rural development, or related community economic development with over three years of progressively responsible experience (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered);
• Able to create and present reports and presentations in a professional manner in person and virtually;
• Familiar with provincial and national agri-food programs and funding opportunities;
• Current in the mandate, operating environment, board objectives, strategic priorities, structure and operations of the CVRD;
• Self-motivated, organized and able to balance multiple priorities;
• Experienced in strategic planning and preparing and developing policy recommendations;
• Able to work flexible hours as necessary to meet the requirements for engagement and attending community, committee and Board meetings, and events.

A valid BC Class 5 driver’s license is required for this role. Successful candidates will be required to consent to a Canadian Criminal Record Check.

This is a CUPE Local 556 position with a current wage rate of $44.82 per hour.

The closing date for this position is August 17, 2026 at 3:00 pm.

Applications for available positions with the CVRD must be received prior to the indicated closing date and time. We appreciate all applications; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If your application is shortlisted, you will be contacted in a timely manner to arrange an interview. Virtual or in-person interviews are available.

The CVRD respectfully acknowledges the land on which it operates is on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.

The CVRD is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive work environment. We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Notice of Collection

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We keep your personal information confidential. Collected personal information will only be used for the purpose for which it was collected or to obtain feedback regarding the delivery of this service.

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