Planning Assistant

Squamish; North Vancouver; On-site; CAD 57,990 - 81,186; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended medical and dental

Pension matching

Supplementary savings

Professional development budget

Job summary

Squamish seeks a Planning Assistant to support planning, development, and delivery of transformative projects that advance the Nation's Generational Plan. You will work with IDS Strategic Projects and Planning & Capital Projects teams to coordinate projects, engage the community, manage logistics, and help bring strategic priorities to life.

Applicants should have a diploma/certificate in a related field, 2–3 years of experience in planning or project coordination, and strong MS Office skills.

Qualifications

• Diploma or certificate in Planning, Housing, Project Management or related field.
• Undergraduate degree is an asset.
• PM/CPMP or Prosci certification is an asset.
• 2–3 years of progressive experience supporting planning, project coordination, reporting, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery.
• Experience in planning, project management, consulting, or related environment.
• Experience using project management software and databases is an asset.
• Advanced MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Project) and quick learning of new tech.
• Strong written and verbal communication with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills and professional integrity.
• Knowledge of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw history, culture, lands and people is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide primary administrative support to the Executive Lead, IDS, including coordinating meetings and taking minutes.
• Develop detailed scopes of work with community members and partners.
• Coordinate with architects, designers, and engagement consultants during planning and design phases.
• Lead smaller projects or components with leadership support.
• Maintain project tracking systems, dashboards, and data reporting.
• Manage project documents and records.
• Process purchase orders, contracts, invoices, and change orders.
• Support procurement activities and consultant pricing.
• Develop RFP and tender documents and assist with business cases and budgets.
• Liaise with internal departments, Hiy̓ám̓ Housing, Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and briefing materials for Council and others.

Skills

Communication

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Education

Diploma or certificate in Planning/ Housing/ Project Management

Undergraduate degree asset

PM/Prosci certification asset

Tools

Outlook

Word

Excel

Project

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