The City of Nelson

Title: Planner II
Reports to: Director, Development Services and Climate Leadership
Department: Development Services and Climate Leadership
Date Developed: July 2012
Revised: February 2021/November 2022
 

SUMMARY
Reporting to the Director of Development Services and Climate Leadership, the Planner II performs a variety of current and long-range Planning tasks primarily related to the Local Government Act and the Community Charter.
 

IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES
N/A
 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provides information and assistance to the public on moderate to complex planning-related matters regarding zoning, land use and other municipal bylaws, including the interpretation of municipal bylaws and provincial planning legislation;
2. Coordinates project review with other City departments and outside agencies;
3. Prepares staff reports and policy recommendations to the Director of Development Services and Climate Leadership;
4. Reviews a variety of permit applications (including building permits and development permits) for compliance with bylaws and design guidelines; drafts permits and makes recommendations on approval to the Director of Development Services and Climate Leadership;
5. Attends and presents regularly at Council meetings;
6. Compiles and evaluates significant amounts of data and information. Undertakes research on specific planning and sustainability initiatives and proposed bylaw amendments;
7. Performs field investigations to ensure projects conform to zoning regulations, design regulations, and/or approved plans; assists permit applicants with preliminary inquiries as well as to satisfy conditions of approval;
8. May be required to attend meetings of the Advisory Planning Commission, Board of Variance, Parking & Traffic Committee, Cultural Development Commission – Heritage Working Group or similar internal or external committees, acting as Recording Secretary and completes assigned tasks. Responsible for the preparation of agendas, meeting schedules, meeting notices, minutes, and other documents;
9. Independently designs and coordinates public and stakeholder engagement;
10. Attends meetings organized for special City projects and acts as a departmental liaison;
11. Responsible for the management of composition, maintenance and updates of information related to the Department of Development Services on the City’s website to ensure validity;
12. Assists in the project management of long-range planning and sustainability initiatives, acting as Project Manager in the absence of the Senior Planner. Includes grant writing, development and coordination of RFPs, responding to technical inquiries, preparation/facilitation of community consultations, and participating in various working/steering committees;
13. Works with the Manager of Corporate Services on encroachment agreements, licenses to occupy and other legislative matters where applicable;
14. Other duties as assigned.
 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
• A university degree in Planning or a university degree in a planning-related discipline (Geography, Urban Studies, etc.) is required. A Master’s degree in Planning or a planning-related field is desirable.
• A minimum of two years of directly-related progressively responsible experience in municipal planning and subdivisions.
• Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners, or Eligibility for membership
• Current valid BC Driver’s License with a good driving record.
 

SKILLS
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and techniques used in land use planning and building services.
• Knowledge of current urban planning issues (for example, as they apply to housing policy issues and trends).
• Ability to manage policy and plan development projects independently and as part of a team.
• Interest in continuing education and following recent developments related to the planning profession and municipal policy.
• Ability to prepare professional and technical planning and/or administrative reports and studies and analyze and evaluate data.
• High degree of creative ability and adaptability in the planning and development field.
• High professional and ethical standards.
• Ability to perform all duties under minimal supervision.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; interpersonal skills
• Ability to analyze problems and identify alternative solutions.
• Ability to develop bylaws and policies related to land use planning and development.
• Ability to organize work schedules and prioritize work using strong organizational skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain courteous, tactful, diplomatic working relationships with the general public, contractors, staff and elected officials.
• Ability to use InDesign, Illustrator, GIS, and website content management platforms is an asset.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to hr@nelson.ca with reference #24EX51 by July 5, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.