Urban Planner

Urban Strategies Inc.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Urban Strategies Inc., an urban design consultancy, seeks an Urban Planner with 2+ years of experience for its Toronto office. The role involves collaborating on diverse projects, analyzing policy documents, and preparing communication materials. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical skills paired with knowledge of planning policies in Ontario.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant experience in urban planning.
• Strong knowledge applying planning policy and regulations in Ontario.
• Ability to engage, influence, and connect with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on various projects.
• Support the analysis of policy documents and zoning laws.
• Prepare reports and presentations for stakeholders.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Detail Oriented

GIS Knowledge

Creative Software Skills

Data Mapping and Analysis

Fluency in French or Mandarin

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or Related Field

Master’s Degree in Planning or Related Field

Membership in OPPI and CIP

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Creative Suite

MS Office Suite

Job description

Urban Strategies Inc. is an urban design, planning and engagement consultancy with studios in Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario, and Vancouver, BC. We lead complex projects in cities all over the world and have an active practice across Canada and in the US, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. We are problem solvers who can help achieve successful outcomes for the full range of urban opportunities. Urban Strategies is a group of 80+ Planners, Urban Designers and specialized staff. The firm is led by our 16 Partners and 7 Principals and supported by a complement of skilled professionals. We have diverse backgrounds, including architecture, landscape architecture, planning, public administration, engagement, geospatial analysis, graphic design and the visual arts. We combine our diverse perspectives to plan and design welcoming, thriving places – and have fun in the process.

Position Summary

Urban Strategies is looking to hire a planner with 2+ years of planning experience, as an Urban Planner at our Toronto office. Urban Planners are responsible for collaborating on a wide range of assignments on projects large and small in a variety of settings.

Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Project Leadership, an Urban Planner will :

• Work with multidisciplinary teams to advance complex projects;
• Support the analysis and summarization of policy documents, zoning-by-laws and background studies;
• Develop innovative policies, practices and outcomes;
• Support the preparation of reports, presentations, panels and other materials for communication with clients and project stakeholders;
• Work independently and exercise judgement on specific tasks to support the overall project team;
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and persuasively, both orally and in writing;
• Adapt and respond to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment;
• Quality control and troubleshooting of project work.

Project Management

• Under the guidance of Project Leadership advance small projects; support the advancement of complex projects as part of a multidisciplinary team;
• Support and, when required, lead meeting facilitation with clients and at community consultation events;
• Oversee and support the presentation of concepts at client and public meetings;
• Contribute to the preparation and management of client contracts and budgets; follow up with clients as requested with regards to invoicing and collections, and highlighting with Project Leadership when there are concerns.
• Manage the scheduling and logistics for meetings and consultation events;
• Support optimal resource allocation and utilization for project teams;
• Report back to Project Leadership any key issues or concerns regarding project processes, budgets and client or subconsultant relations;
• Ensure that business development is updated as to the project status and that project marketing materials are up to date.
• Support the onboarding of (buddy with) new planners in collaboration with project teams.

Marketing and Business Development

• Under the guidance of the Partners and Principals, participate in and support marketing and business development discussions and initiatives working closely with the Business Development team;
• Support the preparation of responses to RFP's; strongly consider how to structure the components of an RFP and team members.

Qualifications :

• 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree in planning or a related field.
• Demonstrated strong knowledge of and experience in applying planning policy and regulations in Ontario, including the Provincial Policy Statement, the Growth Plan, and official plans and zoning by-laws.
• Able to connect, engage and influence.
• Organized and detail oriented.
• Travel may be required for this position. Employees must be eligible to travel according to current government regulations.
• Master’s Degree in planning or a related field.
• Membership in OPPI and CIP.
• Proven knowledge and / or experience working with GIS.
• Proven knowledge and / or experience working with InDesign.
• Basic skills in Adobe InDesign.
• Skills in other Adobe Creative Suite software (i.e. Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Strong PowerPoint skills; a solid understanding of MS Office suite.
• Skills and experience in advances data mapping, management and analysis.
• Fluency in French or Mandarin.

Urban Strategies is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that success happens when new ideas can flourish in an environment that values diversity, a place where people from various backgrounds and experiences can work productively together to produce great results. Our studios are designed for maximum interaction, across all disciplines and levels of seniority. We cultivate an integrated, collegial workplace both in person and working remotely, with numerous staff committees, social events, and professional development programs. These opportunities to celebrate, learn and have fun together are essential to our philosophy as an organization. We strive to build up each other and the profession. We make space for everyone at the firm to grow, lead, teach and have an impact. We share what we learn and expand opportunities for people to participate in planning, design and engagement.

Please visit our website to learn more about our firm.

Please note, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please connect with us if you require accommodation in the interview process.