Urban Planner

Urban Strategies Inc.; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 74,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking consultancy as an Urban Planner in Vancouver, where you'll collaborate on diverse urban projects and engage with communities. This role offers the opportunity to work in a hybrid environment, contributing to innovative policies and practices while being part of a dynamic team of experts. You'll be involved in project management, community engagement, and the analysis of planning policies, making a real impact on urban design. If you are passionate about creating thriving urban spaces and enjoy working in a collaborative setting, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Professional Development Programs

Social Events

Flexible Work Environment

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in planning or related field required.
• Experience with planning policy and regulations in BC is essential.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on diverse projects with multidisciplinary teams.
• Support analysis of policy documents and zoning by-laws.
• Engage with community stakeholders and manage communications.

Skills

Urban Planning

Policy Analysis

Project Management

Community Engagement

Communication Skills

Detail Orientation

GIS Knowledge

Fluency in French or Mandarin

Education

Bachelor's degree in Planning

Master's degree in Planning

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Urban Strategies Inc. is an urban design, planning and engagement consultancy with studios in Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario, and Vancouver, B.C. 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 70+ Planners, Urban Designers and specialized staff. The firm is led by our 16 Partners and 6 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 Description:

As an Urban Planner based out of our Vancouver office, you are responsible for collaborating on a wide range of assignments on projects large and small in a variety of settings and across Urban Strategies offices in Vancouver, Toronto and Hamilton. Urban Strategies currently operates within a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities:

Practice Area

• Under the guidance of the Project Leadership, 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

• Advance small projects; support the advancement of complex projects as part of a multidisciplinary team;
• Support and, where required, lead meeting facilitation with clients and at community consultation events in conjunction with Project Leads. Oversee and support the presentation of concepts at client and public meetings;
• Contribute to the preparation and management of client contracts and budgets; oversight of budget utilization and project risk management. Support budget revisions, invoice management and finalization. Follow up with clients as requested regarding invoicing and collections, highlighting with Project Leadership when there are concerns. In collaboration with Project Leadership, 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.
• Support the onboarding of new Planners in collaboration with Project Team.

Marketing and Business Development

• 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.

Engagement and Communications

• Support community and stakeholder engagement, including building relationships, creating and communicating engagement materials, managing online surveys and social media channels, and experience applying an equity lens.
• Support the management of the contact database.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in planning or a related field.
• Experience in applying planning policy and regulations in British Columbia including the Local Government Act, Official Community Plans and zoning by-laws.
• Able to connect, engage and influence.
• Organized and detail oriented.
• Travel may be required for this position.
• Master’s degree in planning or a related field (preferred).
• Membership in OPPI and CIP (preferred).
• Ontario-based development planning experience (preferred).
• Basic skills in Adobe InDesign and Adobe Creative Suite software (i.e., Photoshop, Illustrator) (preferred).
• Proven knowledge and/or experience working with GIS, data mapping, management and analysis (preferred).
• Fluency in French or Mandarin (preferred).

Within your attached cover letter, please include why you are interested in working for Urban Strategies. Tell us about the path you have taken in becoming and growing as an Urban Planner.

Please also attach a separate writing sample for which you are the sole author of.

Salary Range: $74,000-83,000

Urban Strategies is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that success happens where new ideas can flourish – in an environment that values diversity, a place where people from various backgrounds and experiences can work productively together. 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 and design.

Please visit our website to learn more about our firm.

Note: This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required, and the employee may be required to perform other duties (that they are skilled to perform) as requested.

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