Planner I

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo; Fort McMurray; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in Fort McMurray is seeking a Planner I to review development applications, assist with investigations, and support statutory planning, subdivisions, and amendments. You will provide customer service, analyze data, and help prepare reports for decision-makers.

Ideal candidates hold a degree in urban or regional planning, with strong communication and technical skills.

Qualifications

• Degree in Urban or Regional Planning or related field is required.
• Preference for candidates with planning experience and CIPl membership eligibility.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; ability to work with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Function as Development Officer to review development permits and amendments and issue approvals per bylaws and policies.
• Receive and examine subdivision applications, prepare reports and recommendations for authorities.
• Research factors affecting community and regional development; prepare statutory plans.
• Enforce compliance with Land Use Bylaw; review plans for conformity with municipal needs.
• Write reports for boards and council; deliver presentations as required.
• Provide technical guidance to stakeholders to facilitate the development process.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Written & verbal communication

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Architecture, or a related degree program

Tools

ArcGIS

Adobe Creative Suite

AutoCAD

Visualization software

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Requisition ID:4530
Affiliation: CUPE Municipal
Position Type: Permanent Full Time
Number of Openings: 1
Bi-weekly Working Hours: 70 hours bi-weekly
Shift/Work Schedule:Monday - Friday
Department/ Branch: Planning & Development Services, Development Permitting
Job Location:Fort McMurray
Pay Level:PL11
Start Rate: $49.79
Permanent Rate: $58.52(Permanent rate effective after completion of probation)
COLA:Bi-Weekly - $480
Posted (dd/mm/yyyy): 11/09/2026
Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy):27/09/2026
Posting Type:Internal and External

We strive to make our hiring process accessible to all candidates. If you require accommodation for the interview or any other part of the application process, please let us know.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) is one of Canada's most unique and fast-evolving regions — a place where innovative thinking meets real-world impact. Our Planning and Development Division shapes where we live, work and play.

Planning & Development at RMWB is more than policies and plans, it’s about creating vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities. Join a collaborative team that leads long-term strategy, supports development initiatives, and partners with residents and community partners to build our shared future.

If you're passionate about smart growth and public service, this is your opportunity to make your mark.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under general supervision the Planner I will review, evaluate, assist with, and/or make decisions on development applications. The incumbent assists with the investigation and analysis of community planning issues to address future growth requirements, and supports statutory planning, subdivisions, and amendments. The incumbent also conducts research, responds to day-to-day enquiries, and provide customer service.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Function as a Development Officer for the Municipality, receive and examine development permits and amendments and make recommendations and/or issue approvals in accordance with the Land Use Bylaw and relevant statutory plans, provincial acts and regulations, and council policies.
• Receive and examine subdivision applications, prepare reports and recommendations for the Subdivision Authority according to the Municipal Government Act, Subdivision and Development Regulations, and the Land Use Bylaw.
• Research and analyze the physical, economic, social, geographic, and technical factors that affect community and regional development.
• Prepare and/or assist with the creation of statutory plans in accordance with the Municipal Government Act.
• Initiate and support actions to enforce compliance with provisions of the Land Use Bylaw.
• Review Land Use Bylaw and Statutory Plans for conformance with current municipal needs.
• Write reports for boards, committees, management, and Regional Council, and assist with or deliver presentations as required.
• Provide technical guidance to internal and external stakeholders, and members of the public to facilitate the development process.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• High degree of attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and assignments.
• Ability to analyze information from a variety of sources and accurately present in a concise manner.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clarify and convey information in a clear and concise manner.
• Respond to difficult situations in a professional manner.
• Works collaboratively and productively with co-workers, and actively contributes to team activities.
• Proven ability to read and interpret engineering plans, drawings, and specifications.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, or visualization software is preferred.
• Proficient with various Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel).

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Architecture, or a related degree program is required.
• Preference will be given to candidates with previous related planning experience.
• Preference will be given to candidates with membership in, or eligibility for membership in, the Canadian Institute of Planners.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Submission of a Criminal Record Check.
• A valid Class Five (5) Operator’s License is an asset.

SAFETY:

As an employee of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the incumbent is responsible for understanding and actively participating in the RMWB’s health and safety management system, and complying with all policies, practices, and procedures. All employees must take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves and others, as well as immediately report any concerns, near misses, incidents, and hazardous conditions to their supervisor.