CitySpaces Consulting

ABOUT US

CitySpaces Consulting is an award-winning firm and a leading provider of community planning, development consulting, and engagement services in communities throughout Western and Northern Canada. For nearly 40 years, we have been committed to “building lasting, livable, and inclusive communities,” with a spotlight on social sustainability. We are known for our professionalism, dedication, social ethic, and inclusive approaches.  

With current commitments and emerging opportunities, CitySpaces is seeking a Planning Assistant to join our firm to support various projects. This is a full-time position based out of our Vancouver office.

THE POSITION WILL INVOLVE

• Work as part of CitySpaces’ community planning team, supporting a variety of planning and engagement projects such as: housing needs assessments, housing action plans/strategies, social needs assessments, childcare action plans, poverty reduction plans, social policy studies, Indigenous and northern community planning, land use planning, regulatory planning, special research studies and engagement processes.
• Undertake diverse forms of research and analysis; writing concise memos, letters and reports; and case study research.
• Assist in the organization of community engagement activities such as workshops and interviews, attend and assist in their conduct, and summarize inputs such as analyzing and preparing reports on key metrics resulting from consultation processes.
• Undertake various statistical research assignments including preparing spreadsheets, tables, graphs, and charts to illustrate data and information.
• Analyze / interpret data, and synthesize technical research into readable narrative that can be easily understood by a broad audience.
• Assist in the development, administration and analysis of surveys, including quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Support project leads with coordinating meetings and events, preparing meeting agendas and recording minutes.
• Support the development of proposals and other business development activities.
• Periodic travel to sites throughout Western and northern Canada. Evening and weekend meetings are sometimes required (having a valid BC Driver’s Licence is beneficial).

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

• Applied planning diploma or certificate. An undergraduate degree with further qualifications in planning, geography or related field and courses in research methods and statistics is considered an asset.
  • Keen interest in working on social purpose projects and initiatives, such as affordable housing, poverty reduction, equity and inclusion practices, and Indigenous issues.
  • Familiarity with various sources of data relevant to community planning and development research (i.e., Statistics Canada, BC Statistics, CMHC) with experience managing large datasets and high volume of information.
  • Familiarity with the Housing Needs Report Amendment Act would be considered an asset.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience preparing spreadsheets.
  • Demonstrated ability to prepare clear, concise reports, and efficiently and accurately analyze the quantitative and qualitative data involved.
  • Experience and/or familiarity with both urban and rural community contexts in BC.
  • Strong organizational skills and time management skills.
  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage and prioritize workload.
  • Ability to work towards/meet project timelines.
  • Cooperative, energetic team player with a focus on productive outcomes.
  • Understanding or experience working in a consulting environment is considered an asset.
  • Experience working with Indigenous and northern groups is considered an asset.

COMPENSATION, TEAM + COMMUNITY

• Salary: $64,000 to $72,000 commensurate with experience.
  • Vacation: Three weeks of vacation, plus six personal days and holiday days in December.
  • Culture and Workplace: Working in a collaborative and collegial environment; a highly supportive culture and inclusive workplace; a focus on family and work/life balance.
  • Values and Mission: CitySpaces prioritizes projects which are inspirational, meaningful, and result in community change.
  • Volunteering: Community volunteer commitments are encouraged and supported.
  • Work Arrangement: Hybrid in-office/at-home work arrangements, with a minimum of three days in office each week.
  • Other: Transportation allowance, an extended health and wellness benefits package, payment of professional dues, and professional development funding.

OUR TEAM

At CitySpaces Consulting, we are:

• Passionate about social purpose real estate, caring for the people and places where we live and work.
• Committed and forward thinking, planning several steps ahead where we can.
• Curious and creative problem solvers, finding resourceful and collaborative ways to address issues.
• Tenacious, firm, and persistent, working to drive our projects in our clients’ best interests.
• Good listeners, thoughtful advisors, and strong advocates.

If this sounds like you, please apply by submitting a CV and covering letter to: careers@cityspaces.ca by July 15th

CitySpaces evaluates job applicants based on skills, experience and the potential to carry out the job duties of the position. We believe in equitable access to jobs and opportunities regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, faith practice, ethnicity, socio-economic background, place of origin, family situation, or other characteristics. We encourage all applicants interested in the position to apply.