Senior Planner, Trails & Outdoor Recreation

McElhanney; Calgary; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Health and dental coverage

RRSP matching

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Job summary

McElhanney, based in Western Canada, is seeking a Senior Planner to lead Trails and Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure initiatives across Canada. The role blends office-based planning with fieldwork, requiring strong writing, data analysis, and leadership to guide projects and mentor staff.

The successful candidate will travel regularly, develop master plans, manage client relationships, and contribute to business development while upholding trail sustainability principles.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in planning or developing trail and outdoor recreation infrastructure.
• Strong technical writing, editing, and report preparation skills.
• Experience with GIS, mapping technologies, databases, and related software.
• Demonstrated project management with budgeting, scheduling, and client management.
• Ability to travel for field assignments up to two weeks.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of trail master plans and related reports.
• Conduct research and data synthesis to support planning.
• Prepare technical reports, permit applications, and procurement docs.
• Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, and resources.
• Ensure deliverables meet client and regulatory requirements.
• Lead fieldwork, travel across Canada and abroad as needed.

Skills

Technical writing

GIS / mapping

Project management

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Education

Degree in Planning or related discipline

Registration with CIP or eligible

Tools

GIS software

Mapping tools

Databases

Job description

About McElhanney

Based in Western Canada for over 110 years, McElhanney offers innovative and practical engineering, surveying, mapping, planning, landscape architecture, and environmental services. As a 100% employee-owned and operated firm, with over 1,500 staff members in 31 locations, we are proud to offer qualified staff with shareholding options in our company. At McElhanney, we work in teams to build strong connections with our staff, clients, and local communities. Our employees enjoy working here because of our varied projects, high levels of autonomy, opportunities for career development, excellent total compensation and benefits package, and collaborating with a team of great professionals.

The Opportunity

McElhanney is seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Planner to join our Trails and Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure team. This role is ideal for a professional who is committed to developing sustainable, accessible, and engaging trail-based recreation opportunities for diverse user groups. While the role is rooted in outdoor recreation, a majority of the work involves office-based technical and strategic planning activities, including technical writing, data analysis, mapping, reporting, and project management. The successful candidate will be an exceptional writer, a self-starter, a strategic thinker, and a collaborative leader with a strong understanding of trail sustainability principles and outdoor recreation planning. As a senior member of the team, the Senior Planner will provide technical leadership, oversee complex projects, support business development initiatives, mentor junior staff, and build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders across Canada.

Location

The successful candidate must be based in Western Canada with proximity to key clients or projects. This role requires regular travel throughout Canada and occasional international travel for fieldwork and client engagement.

What You’ll Do

Planning & Project Delivery

• Lead the development of trail master plans, trail assessments, inventory reports, engagement reports, and other planning documents.
• Conduct research, analysis, and data synthesis to support planning recommendations and project deliverables.
• Prepare and review technical reports, presentations, permit applications, and procurement documents.
• Effectively managing a portfolio of projects, including management of project scope, budgets, schedules, resources, and client expectations.
• Ensure high-quality deliverables that meet client and regulatory requirements.

Trail Planning & Fieldwork

• Lead or oversee trail inventory, assessment, planning, design, and construction inspection activities.
• Apply trail sustainability principles to planning and design recommendations.
• Plan and execute field programs safely and effectively.
• Travel throughout Canada, and occasionally internationally, to conduct fieldwork and meet with clients and stakeholders.
• Work in a variety of outdoor environments, including remote locations and multi-day field assignments.

Mapping & Data Management

• Oversee spatial data collection, management, and analysis.
• Produce and review mapping products and visual project deliverables.
• Utilize GIS, mapping technologies, databases, and related software to support planning and design activities.

Leadership & Business Development

• Manage multidisciplinary project teams and mentor junior staff.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, project partners, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Lead business development initiatives and personal billable contributions.
• Identify new opportunities and contribute to the growth of McElhanney's recreation planning practice.

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in Planning or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Registration or eligible for registration with the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP).
• 7+ years of relevant experience in planning, designing, or developing sustainable trail and outdoor recreation infrastructure.
• Strong technical writing, editing, and document preparation skills.
• Experience with GIS, mapping technologies, databases, and related software.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including budgeting, scheduling, and client management.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability and willingness to travel for field assignments of up to two weeks at a time.

What We’re Looking For

• Passion for outdoor recreation and sustainable trail development.
• Strong leadership and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent analytical, technical, and communication abilities.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.
• Commitment to collaboration, quality, and client service.
• Active involvement in outdoor recreation is considered an asset.

What Can We Offer You?

The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $140,000 per annum. McElhanney offers fair compensation that is commensurate with the individual’s education, experience, skills, and professional qualifications. The posted base salary/wage range is representative of the required level of qualifications and experience for the position as noted in the job posting. The salary offered will be based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

• Work-Life Harmony: Balance your personal and professional commitments. Flexible hours to fit your lifestyle.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Maternity and parental leave top up program, health and dental coverage, RRSP matching, and Employee & Family Assistance Program.
• Safe & Inclusive Workplace: A culture of respect and inclusion for all.
• Compensation: Attractive total compensation package including a generous bonus plan and share ownership potential.
• Professional Development: Reimbursement for dues, educational assistance, mentorship program, workshops, and committee involvement.
• Career Progression: Support and mentorship to shape a career path that fits your goals.
• Relocation Support: Financial assistance if applicable.

This role is designated as asafety sensitiveposition.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At McElhanney, our unwavering commitment lies in cultivating a culture that aligns with our core values and fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate the collective achievements of a team rich in expertise, experiences, and perspectives, and welcome applications from individuals of diverse ethnicities, religions, backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, aboriginal statuses, various age groups, and those with disabilities. Requests for accommodations can be made at any stage of the selection process.

Our Purpose: Amaze our clients. Care for our communities. Empower our people.