Planning Assistant

Squamish-Nation; District of North Vancouver; On-site; CAD 58,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional Growth

Pension matching

Professional development budget

Job summary

Squamish Nation’s Strategic Priorities Office is seeking a Planning Assistant to support planning, development, and delivery of transformative projects that advance the Nation’s Generational Plan.

You will coordinate with IDS Strategic Projects Team and Planning & Capital Projects Team, manage project logistics, engage community members, and help bring strategic priorities to life in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Diploma or certificate in Planning, Housing, Project Management, or related field.
• Undergraduate degree in related discipline is an asset.
• PMP/CPMP or Prosci certification is an asset.
• 2–3 years of progressive planning/project support experience.
• Experience with project management software and database systems is an asset.
• Advanced proficiency with MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Project).
• Strong written and verbal communication with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide admin support to Executive Lead, IDS, and coordinated meetings. (minutes, requests)
• Collaborate with community members, consultants, and partners on scope of work.
• Coordinate with architects, designers, and engagement consultants across planning phases.
• Lead smaller projects or components with leadership support.
• Maintain project tracking systems, reports, databases, and dashboards.
• Oversee document management and records administration.
• Process PO, contracts, invoices, and change orders.
• Support procurement activities including supplier pricing and negotiations.
• Develop RFP and tender documents.
• Assist with project business cases and budget documentation.
• Liaise with internal departments and external partners.

Skills

MS Office Suite

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Organization & multitasking

Education

Diploma or certificate in Planning

Undergraduate degree asset

PMP/CPMP certification asset

Tools

Microsoft Project

Database systems

Job description

Salary Range: $57,990.00 To $81,186.00 Annually

Be Part of Something Meaningful

Join the Strategic Priorities Office (SPO) as a Planning Assistant, where you will help support the planning, development, and delivery of transformative projects that advance the Squamish Nation’s long-term vision and Generational Plan. Working closely with the Integrated Development Strategy (IDS) Strategic Projects Team and the Planning & Capital Projects Team, you will play a key role in coordinating projects, supporting community engagement, managing project logistics, and helping bring strategic priorities to life.

The Strategic Priorities Office oversees large-scale planning and development initiatives and works in partnership with Hiy̓ám̓ Housing and Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation to support the Nation’s growth, sustainability, and community priorities. As Planning Assistant, you will contribute to meaningful projects that strengthen Squamish Nation lands, infrastructure, housing, and community well-being.

What You’ll Do

Provide primary administrative support to the Executive Lead, IDS, including coordinating meetings, managing requests, and taking meeting minutes.

Work with community members, consultants, and project partners to develop detailed scopes of work.

Coordinate with architects, designers, and engagement consultants throughout project planning and design phases.

Lead smaller-scale projects or project components with support from leadership.

Maintain project tracking systems, reporting tools, databases, and dashboards.

Oversee project document management and records administration.

Process purchase orders, contracts, invoices, and change orders.

Obtain consultant pricing, support negotiations, and assist with procurement activities.

Develop RFP and tender documents.

Support the development of project business cases and budget documentation.

Liaise with internal departments, government agencies, Hiy̓ám̓ Housing, and Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation.

Respond to inquiries from community members and internal stakeholders regarding planning and capital projects.

Prepare reports, presentations, and briefing materials for Council and other audiences.

Support departmental goals and contribute to the success of the Strategic Priorities Office and Planning & Capital Projects teams.

What We’re Looking For

Diploma or certificate in Planning, Housing, Project Management, or a related field from a recognized post-secondary institution.

Undergraduate degree in a related discipline is considered an asset.

Project Management (PMP/CPMP) or Change Management (Prosci) certification is an asset.

2–3 years of progressive experience supporting planning, project coordination, reporting, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery.

Experience working in a planning, project management, consulting, or related environment.

Experience using project management software and database systems is an asset.

Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Project, with the ability to quickly learn new technologies.

Strong written and verbal communication skills with excellent attention to detail.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

High level of professionalism, confidentiality, diplomacy, and integrity.

Knowledge and understanding of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw history, culture, customs, land, and people is considered an asset.

Why Work With Us

• Professional Growth – We invest in our people with training, mentorship, and career development
• Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Values – Be part of an organization that values Úxwumixw (community/peoples), snew̓íyelh(guiding through teachings), wenáxws (respect) and inclusivity.

As a dynamic community organization, we understand the importance of employing enthusiastic and talented people to work together. We know that our future strength and growth is very much dependent on our key resources – our people. With a variety of programs and services, we offer career paths that fit many areas of expertise, backgrounds, and interests. Along with competitive compensation and benefits, we foster an environment that values diversity through the respect and appreciation of each person for their individual attributes.

Candidates are typically offered compensation between the beginning to the midpoint of the range. We are committed to providing a fair and equitable package that reflects the value an individual brings to the organization.

Benefits: We offer extended medical and dental, pension matching, supplementary savings, and a professional development budget.

Join us in building a future rooted in culture, values, and community strength. Your work matters here. #Workwithpurpose