McElhanney Ltd.

Role Overview
McElhanney’s Vancouver Island branches are seeking a Junior / Intermediate Planner to join their team. Supporting vibrant, liveable communities is a key focus of McElhanney across Western Canada, and our new local planning team will be active in laying the groundwork for complex, inter-disciplinary projects that shape the way we live. For this reason, we are looking a Planner to help in growing our planning practice in the North Island with the flexibility of living in Courtenay or Campbell River.

The successful individual will be a part of a team focusing on a wide range of projects from redesigning an urban corridor so that it’s more liveable and efficient, helping a small town revitalize its downtown, developing community plans, or assisting a developer realize their vision for a new community. The candidate will require a keen understanding of local concerns and sensitivities, as well as understanding approvals process to ensure a successful project.

For additional information on Vancouver Island, visit our customized Vancouver Island careers page. 

Responsibilities

• Work in a team environment to deliver a diversity of planning projects and support other professional practice projects (Landscape Architecture, Recreation Planning, Environmental Consulting);
• Design and prepare preliminary subdivision layouts and development concepts and sketches, ideally using specialized computer hardware and software such as AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite. Ensure designs, development concepts and plans are accurate and in compliance with municipal legislation and public policy requirements;
• Assist with community planning, policy analysis, land use and urban design assignments;
• Research appropriate and responsible land uses for site and conceptual assignments and land development projects.  Ensure the appropriate and responsible land uses secure the physical, economic and social efficiency, health and well-being of the surrounding community and/or context;
• Undertake research and analysis of development data, trends and issues at the local, regional and national scales;
• Provide sound planning advice and input to clients, using a high level of understanding regarding multi-disciplinary practices;
• Help clients and civic officials develop strategies to promote community development and efficient land use consistent with municipal legislation, public policy and community/regional goals. This includes development of new policies and bylaw regulations/amendments related to land use, and other municipal planning documents;
• Responds to enquiries regarding rezoning and development permit potential in relation to municipal legislation and public policy. Processes rezoning and development applications;
• Take part in the public consultation process; designs, attends and help facilitate public information meetings that include the residents of the community, project stakeholders, municipal officials and others;
• Ensure all planning processes follow appropriate legislations including but not limited to the municipal bylaws, public policies, and procedures.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years community planning experience, preferably with a background in consulting;
• Degree in urban planning, urban design, or related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Sound knowledge of the Community Charter and Local Government Act;
• Experience in urban design; land development; and municipal planning;
• Proven excellence in creative problem solving and solution implementation;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Technical and policy writing expertise;
• Effective time management skills with the ability to function in a high volume, challenging environment;
• Membership (or eligibility for) with the Canadian Institute of Planners;
• A valid driver’s license is required.

If this is the opportunity for you, apply now or visit www.mcelhanney.com/careers to apply online. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.