Planner II (Landscape)

Requisition ID: 42464

Organization

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 & Function
The Planner II (Landscape) is responsible for highly complex professional urban design and landscape planning work related to the physical design and development of Vancouver’s public and private realm.

The position provides landscape advice on planning initiatives, rezoning applications and development applications involving medium and large-scale development. This work will include review and assessment of formal development proposals; development and implementation of urban design and landscape policies and guidelines; consultation and negotiation with internal and external stakeholders; presentations to panels, committees and Council; and, continuous improvement of associated processes.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

- The work is undertaken in a multi-disciplinary team environment and involves both independent thought and co-operative decision-making. The subject matter can be controversial and requires thorough, conceptually clear and accurate responses to varied stakeholder interests.

- Manages and coordinates senior landscape input and direction for development proposals from the initial enquiry stage through to final Development Permit approval, including:

1. Evaluation and communication of advice and recommendations related to the City's ecological design policies and objectives.
2. Consultation with internal and external stakeholders (e.g. Engineering Department or Public Open Houses).
3. Consultation with relevant advisory bodies (e.g. Urban Design Panel or Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee).
4. Co-ordination of internal and external multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder design advice to ensure optimal overall urban design outcome.
5. Development of project specific design directions and exploration of potential solutions.
6. Presentation of final development proposals (written, verbal and visual) to relevant approving body (e.g. City Council, Development Permit Board or Director of Planning).

- Undertakes and/or manages ecological design policy development including:

1. Refinement of adopted policy, regulations and guidelines.
2. Support creation of new policy, regulations and guidelines.
3. Participation in major planning initiatives involving complex projects and often politically sensitive.

- Undertakes and/or manages process improvements including providing professional landscape design input for a range of area plans, major projects, and rezonings at the single-site and complex multi-site scale.

- Works within a multi-disciplinary team environment dealing with highly complex and controversial landscape design and development planning matters.

- Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

1. University graduation, preferably with a post-graduate degree in Landscape Architecture, Urban Design or Community and Regional Planning or equivalent combination of post-secondary education and experience. Professional experience in landscape architecture and urban design is preferred, including extensive experience in the private sector, with demonstrated experience in management of large-scale projects.
2. Membership or eligibility for membership in the British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects is preferred.
3. Membership or eligibility for membership in the Planning Institute of British Columbia is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Considerable knowledge of urban design, site planning and landscape architecture.
2. Considerable knowledge of several of the following as they relate to landscape planning: urban design, social sciences, law, sustainable development practices and municipal finance.
3. Considerable knowledge of governmental, legal and financial procedures for municipal development and of the City By-Laws relative to landscape planning activities.
4. Considerable knowledge of sustainable landscape design and construction practices.
5. Strong skills in communicating urban design concepts graphically both digitally and by hand.
6. Strong graphic skill, including use of AutoCAD, Sketch Up, Photoshop, etc.
7. Strong verbal, written and presentation skills.
8. High degree of design skill as well as critical thinking ability.
9. Ability to establish effective co-operative working relationships, undertake negotiations and resolve conflicts with developers, consultants, arborists, City departments and the general public.
10. Ability to analyze complex situations, determine appropriate course of action and make recommendations to senior management.
11. Ability to organize and co-ordinate multiple projects with tight timelines.

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: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: April, 2025

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-031: $56.27 to $66.55 per hour

Application Close: April 13, 2025

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. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.