Planner II (Urban Design/Development)

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

The Planner II (Urban Design/Development) is responsible for highly complex professional planning, urban design and development planning work related to the physical design and development of Vancouver’s public and private realm.

The position provides built form and urban design advice on planning initiatives, rezoning applications and development applications involving small, medium and large-scale development and redevelopment. This work will include supporting the City-Wide Development Guide project and other urban design policy initiatives; review and assessment of formal development proposals; consultation and negotiation with internal and external stakeholders; presentations to panels, committees and Council; and, continuous improvement of associated processes.

Key Contacts and Reporting Relationships

The Planner II (Urban Design/Development) is a member of the Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability Department/Current Planning/Development Planning. The position reports to the Senior Planner and Project Lead of the City-Wide Development Guide project and the Assistant Director of Planning for Development Planning – Urban Design, Landscape and Heritage Groups.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

The Planner II (Urban Design/Development) role is part of 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.

• Supports the City-Wide Development Guide project and other urban design policy projects, with responsibilities including:
• Analysis and redrafting of existing built form guidelines, standards and bulletins.
• Preparing graphics and diagrams.
• Undertaking and/or managing stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Manages and coordinates the design development and approval process for development proposals requiring urban design or built form analysis from the initial enquiry stage through to final Development Permit approval, including:
• Evaluation and communication of advice and recommendations related to the City’s urban design policies and objectives.
• Consultation with internal and external stakeholders (e.g. Engineering Service, members of the general public, etc.).
• Consultation with relevant advisory bodies (e.g. Urban Design Panel or Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee).
• Co-ordination of internal and external multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder design advice to ensure optimal overall urban design outcome.
• Development of project specific design directions and exploration of potential solutions.
• Presentation of final development proposals (written, verbal and visual) to relevant approving body (e.g. City Council, Development Permit Board or Director of Planning).
• Works within a multi-disciplinary team environment dealing with highly complex and controversial urban design and development planning matters.
• Undertakes and/or manages process improvements such as:
• Systems refinement.
• Communications refinement.
• Provides professional urban design advice and manages built form and public realm advice and negotiation for a range of projects including area plans, major projects, and rezonings at the single-site and complex multi-site scale.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• University graduate degree in Planning or related university degree with experience similar to the duties required, preferably supplemented by supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of post-secondary education and experience.
• Architectural or alternate design experience with an emphasis on large-scale development.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of urban design, architecture and landscape architecture design.
• Considerable knowledge of several of the following as they relate to planning: urban design, social sciences, law, economics, development practices and municipal finance.
• Considerable knowledge of sustainable building design and construction practices.
• Strong skills in communicating urban design concepts graphically both digitally and by hand.
• Strong graphic skill, including use of AutoCAD, Sketch Up, Photoshop, etc.
• Strong verbal, written and presentation skills.
• High degree of design skill as well as critical thinking ability.
• Ability to establish co-operative working relationships, undertake negotiations and resolve conflicts with developers, design consultants, City departments and the general public.
• Ability to analyze complex situations, determine appropriate course of action and make recommendations to senior management.
• Ability to organize and co-ordinate multiple projects with tight timelines.
• Familiarity with rezoning processes and a working knowledge of zoning and land-use regulations, land development economics and urban design principles is strongly preferred.
• Ability to meet transportation requirements.

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: 08/09/2024

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

Application Close: November 7, 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.