Manager of Development Planning

City of Courtenay; Courtenay; On-site; CAD 114,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flex program

Benefit and pension plans

Job summary

City of Courtenay is seeking a Manager of Development Planning to lead the planning team and oversee land use applications, bylaws, and policy updates. You will ensure timely approvals aligned with Council priorities and manage staff reports for amendments and planning studies.

The role requires a degree in urban planning, professional registration or eligibility, and 7–9 years in community planning with management experience.

Qualifications

• Degree in Urban Planning or related discipline required.
• Graduate Studies in Planning is an asset.
• Completed Approving Officer Course (MATI) or equivalent.
• Membership or eligibility for CIP/Planning Institute of BC.
• Valid BC Class 5 Driver's Licence is required.
• 7–9 years of community planning experience with management exposure.
• Experience with development approvals and local government preferred.
• Strong communication, negotiation and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Quality control of land use applications and timelines for approvals.
• Align approvals with Council strategic priorities.
• Update land use bylaws and policies.
• Prepare staff reports for bylaw amendments and planning studies.
• Manage development permits, variances and related land use matters.
• Prepare and monitor budgets; lead planning staff.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Presentation

Negotiation

Research

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Management

Team leadership

Budgeting

Decision making

Education

Degree in Urban Planning

Graduate Studies in Planning

MATI or equivalent

CIP/Planning Institute of BC membership

BC Class 5 Driver's Licence

Job description

City of Courtenay

Manager of Development Planning

Reporting to the Director of Development Services, the Manager of Development Planning is responsible for the quality control of land use applications and timelines for approvals to align with Council strategic priorities; updates to the land use bylaws and policies; the preparation of staff reports for bylaw mendments, scoping and managing planning studies, development variance permits; development permits; and other related land use matters. The incumbent also prepares and monitors budgets and manages a team of professional Planning staff. The Successful Candidate Will Have:

• Degree in Urban Planning or related discipline.
• Graduate Studies is an asset in Planning from a recognize institution.
• Completed Approving Officer Course (MATI) or equivalent.
• Membership, or eligibility for membership, in the Canadian Institute of Planners/ Planning Institute of BC
• Valid BC Class 5 Drivers License
• Considerable (7-9 years) experience in the community planning field with management experience and a focus on development approvals.
• Some experience working within a local government.
• Two plus years as a Deputy Approving Officer/Approving Officer.
• Experience in updating a SDS Bylaw
• Experience in Development Cost Charges or equivalent
• Thorough knowledge of the philosophies, principles, and practices of municipal planning, land development, subdivision, sustainability and design.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, presentation, negotiation, research, problem solving, analytical, and management skills
• Good office computer skills
• Ability to be creative and use sound judgment in making planning decisions
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Ability to plan, assign and direct the work of personnel and lead, coach, mentor, and motivate staff in a team environment
• Ability to deal effectively with representatives of government, business and development, the general public, City staff and Council members

Complementary Assets:

• Experience in Urban design, landscape design, active transportation, park planning, civil technology, community services, transit

This is a full-time, union-exempt position, with an annual salary range of $113,528 to $129,010 (Pay Band 9). The City offers an optional Flex program and excellent benefit and pension plans. A Supplementary Information Package can be obtained by request from the Consultant, which includes a complete job description and full details of the compensation and benefits.

Fri. Sept. 25, 2026