Urban Designer and Planner

Practice: Victoria University in the University of Toronto

Posting Date: February 20, 2025
Closing Date: March 6, 2025
Position Title: Urban Designer and Planner

Pay Scale Group: USW Pay Band 12
Department: Office of the Bursar - Major Capital Project Management and Planning
Salary:$77,324-$98,886
Type of Appointment: 12-month Term Appointment
Normal Work Schedule:Full-time - 35 hours a week; Monday to Friday

PURPOSE

Reporting to the Associate Director of Major Capital Project Management and Planning, the Urban Designer and Planner will be involved in the development and oversight of space utilization and planning, urban design and master planning projects of varying complexities on the Victoria University campus at the University of Toronto. This role includes preparing research and analysis, reviewing policies and guiding principles and creating plans and programs for the future use of campus lands and urban development. The Urban Designer and Planner will prepare reports, presentations and engagement materials, and coordinate the submission of complete approval applications and documents. Additionally, the role involves coordinating project requirements including communications, documentation and IT needs.

Collaborating closely with the Associate Director and other university departments, the Urban Designer and Planner ensures projects align with campus plans and meet specified strategic requirements. Responsibilities include assisting in monitoring scope changes and maintaining project timelines. The Urban Designer and Planner will establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels within the University and with external stakeholders. They also participate in meetings, facilitate communication between stakeholders and provide technical expertise in urban design and planning aspects, including reviewing design drawings and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and ethical standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in urban design, urban planning, architecture or landscape architecture tracking towards professional licensure or equivalent education.

Experience:

Minimum of 4 years of experience in urban design and planning.
Strong portfolio showing urban design and planning projects.
Comprehensive understanding of urban design and planning principles, with a thorough understanding of legislative and ethical frameworks governing the profession.
Experience with community engagement and consultation processes.
Experience in urban design and planning within the higher education sector is advantageous.
Working knowledge of sustainable design principles is preferred.

Skills:

Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Sketchup and Adobe Creative Skills.
Strong Graphic and visualization skills.
Attention to detail and organization skills.

DUTIES

Research and Analysis

Research urban development trends, policies, and planning best practices to inform strategies and recommendations.
Gather, research and analyze data from various sources to inform design and planning decisions. Compile research into studies and presentations.
Assist in planning projects for space utilization, urban design and master planning in alignment with the Victoria University Strategic Framework.
Stay informed about codes, planning regulations and policies, the University design standards, relevant legislation, and municipal by-laws.

Urban Design and Planning

Collaborate with internal stakeholders and consultants to carry out urban design and master planning projects of varying complexities.
Support the analysis and summarization of policy documents, zoning-by-laws and background studies.
Recommend for approval objectives and policies relative to future use of campus lands, including urban design strategies and framework.
Conduct planning and public realm studies. Prepare design scenarios and conceptual illustrations. Develop detailed urban design plans, including streetscapes, public spaces, and land use plans considering the latest approaches and trends in urban development, architecture, urban design, and urban planning.
Create diagrams, graphic information conveying key concepts, conduct physical analysis. Prepare presentation materials for leadership to support policy development and community engagement processes. Use appropriate software and tools to represent concepts.
Support the preparation of reports, presentations, and other materials for communication with project stakeholders and regulatory bodies. Incorporate feedback from stakeholders into design revisions.
Ensure that all design and planning proposals comply with relevant codes and standards. Prepare municipal development applications, zoning by-law amendments and other regulatory documents.

Procurement and Selection of Professional Services:

Collaborate with the Associate Director to develop tender documents based on project requirements. Ensure the accuracy and completeness of project and legal documents prior to release maintaining clarity, consistency, and compliance with the University procurement policies and procedures.
Work closely with the University procurement services to oversee the bid process. Prepare addendums and responses to inquiries and support the analysis of tender submissions. Provide recommendations on shortlisted proponents to the Associate Director.

Project Management and Implementation:

Collaborate with the Associate Director, external consultants, and University departments to develop project plans and timelines.
Monitor project progress and costs against approved plans to ensure conformity with timelines, budget, and specifications. Notify the Associate Director of potential cost or time overruns, difficulties, or delays.
Maintain organized project documentation, ensuring documents are current and properly stored. Prepare standard project progress/status reports.
Stay up to date with emerging technologies, industry trends and best practices in space utilization, urban design and planning.

Engagement and Communication:

Support community and stakeholder engagement, including building relationships, creating and communicating engagement materials, managing online surveys where required. Gather and incorporate community input into design and planning processes.
Maintain ongoing communication with stakeholders, public officials, professionals and Vic community throughout the project lifecycle, providing regular updates on project progress and identifying and escalating issues as needed.
Coordinate with municipal and regional planning authorities to ensure compliance with regulations and policies.
Facilitate meetings by ensuring the presence of appropriate attendees and availability of relevant data. Produce comprehensive meeting minutes to document discussions and decisions.

To Apply:

External Candidates may proceed by clicking "Apply Now" below:

Victoria University thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.