Senior Planner

District of Summerland; Summerland; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Summerland seeks a Senior Planner to oversee complex planning projects and provide valuable advice to clients. The successful candidate will possess at least 7 years of municipal planning experience and strong analytical skills. Responsibilities include leading strategic planning initiatives and supporting the District’s sustainability goals. This position offers competitive compensation at $56.71 per hour and flexible work options, either a 4-day compressed or a standard 5-day work week.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package

Pension

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years of progressive land use planning experience.
• Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP).
• Strong knowledge of Local Government Act, Land Title Act, Community Charter.

Responsibilities

• Undertake complex planning files and projects.
• Provide advice to internal and external clients.
• Lead and develop strategic projects for the District.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication abilities

Knowledge of land use planning policies

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Geography or a related field

Master’s Degree (preferable)

Job description

District of Summerland Senior Planner

Summerland, nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, is an idyllic town with beautiful beaches, orchards, vineyards and mountains. The population of this centrally located municipality is just over 12,500. If you are excited about building a sustainable, healthy community and you share our values of service, integrity, and innovation – the District would like you to be part of our team.

Reporting to the Director of Planning and Development, the District of Summerland has an opportunity for a Senior Planner who will be responsible for a wide range of planning functions. This role will undertake complex planning files and projects, and provide advice to internal and external clients. As a Senior Planner, you require a sound understanding of federal, provincial, and municipal legislation, and need to provide support and advice to select Committees of Council. The position offers professional growth opportunities for anyone who demonstrates strong analytical skills and communication abilities.

The Senior Planner will also lead and develop strategic projects for the District and provide direction, information, advice, and mentorship related to planning, assigned long-range planning projects, and the coordination of corporate and community sustainability initiatives.

The District is about to complete a major Official Community Plan (OCP) review and update, and will need related zoning bylaw amendments in the near future. The Senior Planner will be responsible in leading these planning initiatives on behalf of the District. In addition, the District is increasingly seeing larger-scale, unique and complex development applications requiring Senior Planner review and processing, from pre‑application enquiry to final approval.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Planning, Geography or a related field with preference being given to applicants with a Master’s Degree.
• Minimum of seven years of progressive and varied land use planning experience in a municipal planning environment and / or planning practice.
• Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP).
• Strong working knowledge of theoretical land use planning principles, local land use planning policies, and possess the ability to make land use decisions and recommendations.
• Strong working knowledge and understanding of the Local Government Act, Land Title Act, Community Charter, Agricultural Land Commission Act and other relevant federal and provincial policies and legislation as they relate to local government.

Please view Summerland’s website at www.summerland.ca/jobs for a complete job description including all required skills, knowledge and qualifications.

This position is in the CUPE 1136 bargaining unit and offers an hourly wage of $56.71 per hour as well as a competitive benefits package and pension.

The District of Summerland is currently able to offer the successful candidate the option of either a 4‑day compressed or 5‑day, 35‑hour work week. Summerland’s Municipal Hall regular office hours are open to the public from 8:15 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday.

Qualified applicants may submit a cover letter and resume, in pdf format, by Tuesday, January 13, 2026, to the attention of the Human Resources Department by email to [e-mail].

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those short listed for an interview will be contacted.