City of Victoria

Housing Planner

Competition Number:          24/180

Posting Scope:                      Internal / External

Posted Date:                         July 23, 2024

Closing Date:                        August 20, 2024, 4:30 PM PST

Department:                           Planning and Development

Posting Type:                        Continuous (Regular Full-Time) 

 

Work schedule:                    Monday to Friday ( 35 hour work week)

Salary:                                   $ 55.64 per hour, Pay Grade  17

Job Code:                             4395

Employee Group:                 This is a CUPE Local 50  position

Number of Vacancies:         1

Work from Home

The successful candidate for this posting may be eligible for participation in a hybrid, work from home arrangement in alignment with the City’s Work from Home Policy. Such arrangements are determined with each employee and subject to change based on operational needs and policy direction. 

Flex 

The successful candidate for this vacancy would participate in a modified work week, earning a flex day off each bi-weekly period by working additional time each day. Modified work weeks established in accordance with the CUPE Local 50 Collective Agreement and are subject to change. 

The City of Victoria is looking for a motivated Housing Planner to join the Citywide Planning Division. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work with a team of planners on the development of policies and initiatives to support implementation of the Victoria Housing Strategy. Also, the position will play a role in supporting the development of affordable rental housing through policy work and existing programs. Our ideal candidate has a strong grasp of municipal land use planning processes, is a strong communicator, and is comfortable presenting complex information to a range of groups. At the same time, the City is looking for a planner that is interested in finding creative solutions to address the urgent need for housing across the continuum in our community.

POSITION FUNCTION

Perform planning functions related to development and implementation of municipal housing policy, strategies and regulations. 

KEY DUTIES

Implement Victoria Housing Strategy actions; support local area planning processes and development of housing-related policies; provide advice and recommendations to senior staff and Council on planning and housing policies, programs and initiatives, both in written reports and oral presentations; lead or assist with zoning bylaw updates that support the provision of housing supply and diversity, consistent with the Official Community Plan and neighbourhood plans.

Research housing issues and trends; apply research to inform policy, planning and program development; prepare housing statistics for annual reports; interpret related bylaws and policies.

Organize public engagement events; facilitate small group discussions at workshops, open houses and public meetings; make presentations. 

Represent the Department at community and advisory group meetings and to outside agencies; liaise with social service agencies, community organizations, neighbourhood associations and other levels of government; respond to enquiries from the public, outside agencies and other departments by providing information on City policies, initiatives and processes. 

Coordinate, assign and review the work of consultants as required.  May need to coordinate consultant contracts and budgets depending on project scope.

Perform related duties where qualified.

INDEPENDENCE

Work is generated by Council priorities, operational plans and assigned by supervisor as well as project managers or senior members of project teams.

Work is reviewed through discussions with supervisor, including issues such as major policy briefs, work program objectives and schedules.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Effort:

Normal   

Mental Effort: 

Short periods of intense concentration while preparing reports and recommendations. (often)

Meet multiple deadlines. (often)

Visual/Auditory Effort: 

Focus on a variety of source data and computer for short periods. (often)

Work Environment:  

Office. 

May be required to work irregular hours. (occasional)

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Organize and prioritize work.

Understand and apply the principles of urban planning and housing.

Compose and present proposals and policies.

Interpret policies, legislation and regulations.

Working level operation of current City word processing, spreadsheet and related specialty software. 

Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Deal with the public in a courteous and tactful manner.

QUALIFICATIONS

Formal Education, Training and Occupational Certification:

University Undergraduate degree in urban planning accredited by the Canadian Institute of Planners (4 years) 

Current and valid Class 5 B.C. Driver’s License.

Experience:

4 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

OTHER:

May be requested to substitute in a more senior position. 

To apply for this opportunity, you will need to create an online profile or log back into our career portal at www.victoria.ca/jobs - only online submissions will be considered. All applications must be submitted online by 4:30 pm on the closing date noted on the posting. Please be prepared to provide proof of qualifications as outlined in your resume. 

The City of Victoria is committed to integrating equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility into our programs, policies, spaces, and services. Our goal is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the community we serve and aim to become. Individuals who are Indigenous, racialized, immigrants, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, or facing any additional barriers are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be available upon request throughout the application and selection process. 

If you require assistance, please email us at careers@victoria.ca.