Planner, Economic Development & Strategic Projects

Town of High Level; High Level; On-site; CAD 89,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Benefits package

LAPP

Three weeks of vacation

Professional development

Collaborative workplace

Job summary

Town of High Level is seeking a Planner, Economic Development & Strategic Projects to lead economic development and guide planning initiatives in Northern Alberta.

You will build relationships with businesses, investors, and agencies, and develop plans that support growth, investment readiness, and long-term community sustainability.

Qualifications

• Degree in Urban Planning, Economic Development, Public Administration, Community Development, Business Administration, Geography or related discipline.
• Membership or eligibility for CIP or APPI strongly preferred.
• EDAC/EDA membership considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead economic development and tourism initiatives to support business growth and diversification.
• Build relationships with businesses, investors, government agencies and regional organizations.
• Research, prepare and implement plans, policies, studies and strategies for economic and community development.
• Identify, pursue and administer grant and funding opportunities.
• Prepare reports, presentations and recommendations for Council, Committees and Administration.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement, partnerships and community consultation.

Skills

Economic development

Strategic planning

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Grant writing

Education

Urban Planning

Public Administration

Geography

Job description

Town of High Level

Planner, Economic Development & Strategic Projects

Discover Your Next Planning Role in Northern Alberta Are you looking for the next step in your career in economic development, strategic planning, or municipal leadership? Northern Alberta is calling! Imagine living in a place where the long summer days stretch into unforgettable nights, and the beauty of the Northern Lights dances across the sky above you. In this stunning, close-knit community, your work goes far beyond reviewing development applications and administering policies. You'll help shape how our community grows, develops, and thrives for generations to come.

Why Northern Alberta?

Endless Summer Days: Enjoy long, golden hours with vibrant sunsets that inspire creativity and rejuvenate your spirit. The area offers a variety of active living opportunities for everyone, including camping, quadding, snowmobiling, hunting, and fishing. High Level offers pristine lakes and rivers and is the gateway to outdoor adventures across Northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories.

Breathtaking Northern Lights

Witness one of nature's most spectacular displays as the northern sky transforms into a canvas of colour and wonder.

A True Sense of Community

Join a place where neighbors are friends and your work has a direct impact on the future of the community. Your planning expertise will help guide development, support responsible growth, and create opportunities for residents and businesses.

Make a Difference

Your work isn't simply processing applications. You'll play an important role in shaping neighborhoods, supporting investment, implementing Council's vision, and ensuring the community develops in a thoughtful and sustainable way.

Set Down Roots

Northern Alberta offers a unique opportunity to build a fulfilling life and career in a region rich with opportunity. High Level is alive with festivals, rodeos, sporting events, and recreational activities for all ages. Experience the rich Indigenous cultures that help define our region and celebrate the many First Nations events and traditions throughout the year. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to live, plan, and thrive in one of Alberta's most extraordinary regions.

Ready to help shape the future of Northern Alberta? Your story starts here.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Director of Planning and Development Services, the Planner, Economic Development & Strategic Projects leads and supports strategic initiatives that advance the Town's economic growth, investment readiness, community development, and long-term sustainability.

As a key member of the Planning and Development Services team, you will:

• Lead economic development and tourism initiatives that support business growth and diversification.
• Build relationships with businesses, investors, government agencies, and regional organizations.
• Research, prepare, and implement plans, policies, studies, and strategies that support economic and community development objectives.
• Identify, pursue, and administer grant and funding opportunities.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for Council, Committees, and Administration.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement, partnerships, and community consultation activities.

The full job description is available www.highlevel.ca/jobs

What We're Looking For

Your educational background includes a degree in Urban Planning, Economic Development, Public Administration, Community Development, Business Administration, Geography, Public Policy, or related discipline. Membership, or eligibility for membership, with the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), or Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI) is strongly preferred.

Membership with an economic development organization such as EDAC or EDA would be considered an asset.

Your experience includes:

• Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, municipal planning, strategic initiatives, project management, community development, or a related field.
• Experience leading and coordinating multi-stakeholder projects.
• Experience preparing reports, funding applications, policies, and presentations for senior leadership, boards, committees, or Council.
• Experience working with municipal plans, strategic initiatives, and public engagement processes.
• Grant writing, funding administration, and municipal government experience would be considered strong assets.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. We welcome applications from early-career professionals, recent graduates, and individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. If you are excited about this opportunity and believe your education, experience, or transferable skills have prepared you for this role, we encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet every qualification listed.

You must possess a valid Class 5 Driver's License and be available to attend occasional evening or weekend meetings.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary (2026 wage range: $88,668.78-$109,051.42)
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP)
• Three weeks of vacation to start with annual northern allowance of $6,240
• Professional development opportunities
• A collaborative and supportive workplace culture
• Relocation support may be available for candidates relocating to High Level from elsewhere in Canada

For more information about our community and organization, please visit highlevel.ca. This position will remain open until filled. Early applications are encouraged, as submissions will be reviewed as they are received.