Planner I (Housing Regulation)

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function
This position provides project management expertise to deliver the housing targets set out in the Housing Vancouver Strategy.

This position works with and supports the Housing Regulation team that sits within the Housing and Policy Regulation Team. The position supports the work of the team on a variety of development projects related to tenant protections, securing affordable housing through the City’s planning and development processes, legal agreements, rental incentives, and protection of existing low-income affordable housing.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews development permit and rezoning applications for a given area, assists in the evaluation of potential development sites by using a diverse range of quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques, including scenario building and option appraisals to determine optimal affordable housing project outcomes.
• Conducts correspondence with and maintains positive relationships with Vancouver City departments (Planning and Development Services, Real Estate Services, Law, Finance, Social Policy, Parks, and Engineering) and external stakeholders to initiate and facilitate key projects in a timely and effective way.
• Effectively navigates projects through the approvals process and establish strong relationships with all partners.
• Consults with and advises other civic departments to provide advice on complex affordable housing projects based on experience and knowledge from multi-residential housing development and delivery, and community and stakeholder engagement.
• Provides liaison with the public, community groups, and representatives of the development industry, non-profit housing groups, and senior government representatives and agencies.
• Performs project assignments on any aspect of planning by conducting research studies, preparing and supervising surveys, analysing survey results, formulating recommendations and preparing reports for presentation to senior staff as required.
• Contributes to supporting the Senior Planner in managing shifting work demands, providing project management support and ensuring the Housing Project team meets milestone targets and is responsive to changing priorities.
• Supports the development and implementation of housing policies and strategies aimed at protecting, renewing, and improving the affordable housing stock in Vancouver.
• Provides housing policy advice related to rezonings and development enquiries and applications.
• Provides research, analysis, and technical support.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications
Education and Experience:

• A post-secondary degree in planning recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners and a minimum of one year professional experience in the planning field, or an equivalent combination of post-secondary education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of current housing policies of the City of Vancouver and other levels of government, as well as municipal development approval processes and regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of urban planning, architecture or research subjects and a working knowledge of land development policies and objectives and the City's diverse interests.
• Considerable current knowledge of municipal planning, land development, community development, housing planning.
• Good knowledge of project management philosophies and practices, including project scope, budgeting, scheduling, and coordination of team activities.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and graphics programs (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) is required, and a working knowledge of GIS and other mapping software and 3D software (e.g., Sketchup).
• Working knowledge of development proforma and the implications for affordable housing projects, particularly the relationship between viability and affordability.
• Working knowledge of the legal mechanisms to secure development arrangements, housing tenure and affordability.
• Ability to prioritize conflicting, time-sensitive tasks.
• Ability to perform moderately complex technical research and prepare reports. Experience in developing, reviewing and monitoring development schedules, legal agreements, and financial analysis instruments.
• Ability to be thorough, methodical and manage project details while maintaining focus on larger project goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, and the ability to speak publicly in front of a variety of audiences.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite. At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: Planning, Urban Design & Sustainability (1275)

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time

Position Start Date: January 2025

Position End Date: December 2025

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-029: $51.70 to $61.13 per hour

Application Close: November 28, 2024

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process.