Planner II

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo; Fort McMurray; Hybrid; CAD 132,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in Fort McMurray is seeking a Planner II to research, prepare, and present statutory documents, reports, and studies for planning projects. You will review development applications and provide expert advice to internal and external stakeholders to address growth needs.

Responsibilities include leading major planning documents, analyzing socio-demographic data, preparing council reports, and enforcing Land Use Bylaw provisions while collaborating with

Qualifications

• Degree in Urban or Regional Planning or related field.
• 3 years of directly related planning experience.
• GIS (ESRI) knowledge is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning projects and prepare statutory documents and development agreements.
• Review development applications and provide professional planning advice to stakeholders.
• Prepare reports for Boards, Committees, and Regional Council and present findings.
• Enforce compliance with the Land Use Bylaw and promote knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to support sustainable growth.

Skills

Planning knowledge

Communication skills

GIS knowledge

Data analysis

Project management

Education

Degree in Urban or Regional Planning

Tools

Microsoft Office

AutoCAD

ArcGIS

Power BI

R

Job description

Position Type: Permanent Full Time

Bi-weekly Working Hours: 70 hours bi-weekly

Job Location: Fort McMurray

Pay Level: PL14

Market Rate*: $63.50

COLA: Bi-Weekly - $480

Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy): 27/09/2026

* This position's pay rate has been adjusted to reflect current market conditions. The non-market, evaluated permanent rate of pay for this position is64.77.

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 DIVISION

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 II will research, prepare, and present statutory documents, specialist reports, studies, and statistical analysis for planning projects. The incumbent will also review and make decisions on development applications and subdivisions. In addition, the incumbent will also assist with the investigation and analysis of community planning issues to address future growth requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead projects including evaluation, negotiation, creation, amendment, and implementation of key planning documents such as statutory plans, Land Use Bylaw, outline plans, design briefs, and development agreements.
• Compile and analyze socio-demographic and economic data and technical factors that affect community and regional development.
• Perform duties of the Development Authority for the municipality by reviewing and making informed decisions on development applications, including permits, subdivisions, and amendments.
• Review and prepare development agreement(s) pursuant to development approvals and negotiate requirements with the applicants.
• Through public engagement and customer services inquiries, receive input and provide professional planning advice and interpretation on matters related to various planning projects to internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare reports for Boards, Committees, Management, and Regional Council, and assist with and deliver presentations as required.
• Initiate and support actions to enforce compliance with provisions of the Land Use Bylaw.
• Provide technical guidance to internal and external stakeholders and members of the public to facilitate the development process.
• Promote knowledge sharing and learning opportunities to other planning staff by providing advice and project leadership.
• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Technical knowledge of the planning hierarchy in Alberta, provincial planning statutes (such as Municipal Government Act, Subdivision & Development Regulation), municipal by-laws.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and projects.
• Demonstrated ability to tactfully handle complex and difficult planning and development inquiries.
• Ability to read and interpret technical construction drawings, Provincial Acts and Regulations, municipal plans and bylaws, procedure manuals, and other guidelines and documents.
• Proficient in various computer programs including, but not limited to Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project), Adobe, AutoCAD, and ArcGIS and working knowledge of data visualization tools such as Microsoft Power BI, R.
• Works collaboratively and productively with co-workers and actively contributes to team activities.
• Promotes creativity by proposing innovative ideas and new solutions to problems.
• Ability to deal courteously and effectively with a diverse range of people, using judgment, tact, and sound decision‑making skills, sometimes in conflict situations.
• Strong multitasking skills and the ability to manage a high volume of projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to conduct research, prepare comprehensive reports and studies, and remain current with industry practices relating to planning.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Degree in Urban or Regional Planning, or a related degree program is required.
• Three (3) years of directly related experience is required.
• Knowledge of GIS (ESRI) is an asset.
• Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners is an asset.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• 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.