Planner I

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo; Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is seeking a Planner I to review development applications, analyze growth factors, and support statutory planning and amendments in Fort McMurray. This permanent role reports to the Planning & Development Services division and requires collaboration with internal teams and the public.

Under supervision, you will issue and explain decisions on development permits, assist with creating statutory plans, and help enforce the Land Use Bylaw.

Qualifications

• Degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Architecture, or related field.
• Preference for related planning experience.
• Membership in or eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners preferred.
• Submission of Criminal Record Check required.

Responsibilities

• Function as Development Officer for development permits and amendments and make recommendations or approvals under applicable bylaws and policies.
• Receive and examine subdivision applications and prepare reports for Subdivision Authority.
• Research and analyze factors affecting community and regional development.
• Prepare statutory plans in accordance with the Municipal Act.
• Enforce compliance with Land Use Bylaw provisions.
• Review Land Use Bylaw/Statutory Plans for current municipal needs.
• Write reports for boards and Council; assist with presentations.
• Provide technical guidance to stakeholders and the public.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Reading plans

ArcGIS

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Education

Urban/Regional Planning degree

Tools

ArcGIS

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

Visualization software

MS Office (Word/Excel)

Job description

Requisition ID: 4049

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

Reposted (dd/mm/yyyy): 29/08/2026 - Original CUPE Closing Date Feb 22, 2026

Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy): 13/09/2026

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.