City of Colwood is Looking For Job Description at Colwood, BC Full Time

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: SENIOR COMMUNITY PLANNER

DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY PLANNING

POSITION TYPE: FULL-TIME PERMANENT UNION POSITION

PAY GRADE: PAY GRADE 19

LAST UPDATED: May 2023 (under review)

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

ing to the Director of Community Planning this a senior professional role for an experienced planner

involving a high degree of independence and requiring advanced planning experience of significant

complexity and variety. The Senior Community Planner will use sound independent judgement and

creativity to help the City achieve its long-term goals and make operational decisions in the absence of

the Director of Community Planning. The Senior Planner role in Community Planning is primarily dedicated

to the creation of new City plans and policies. It also includes liaising with the Development Services and

Engineering Teams to support their management of development applications and capital projects.

This position requires a significant level of strategic thinking and the ability to consistently make sound

judgements on decisions that may have significant consequence for the City of Colwood and larger

community. The Senior Community Planner is expected to advise Council at times and is responsible for

assisting the Director with corporate functions and oversight of the Community Planning Department.

The Senior Community Planner will be responsible for managing projects and programs associated with

the following principal functions of the Community Planning Department:

• Long Range Planning and Policy
• Heritage Planning
• Arts, Culture, and Recreation
• Environmental Sustainability
• Economic Development

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports Director with the Official Community Plan (OCP) update process from project ini�a�on

to steering commitee liaison, land use strategy development, policy prepara�on, public

par�cipa�on, consul�ng with external agencies and stakeholders, and preparing completed

dra�s for Council and its commitees.

• Supports Director with comprehensive land use planning, subdivision, OCP, zoning and policy

reviews and the prepara�on of s for considera�on and approval by senior management or

Council.

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SENIOR COMMUNITY PLANNER | May 2023

• Supports Director with the development and implementa�on of area and neighborhood plans,

and a wide range of long-range plans including zoning bylaw updates and other land use plans.

• Prepares and delivers presenta�ons to senior management, Council, City commitees,

community groups and the general public on planning issues, ini�a�ves and projects.

• Undertakes research projects and analysis and prepares comprehensive planning s for

submission to senior management and Council.

• Conducts and facilitates public consulta�on mee�ngs and workshops using a variety of forums

and methods.

• Atends and represents the Community Planning Department at Council, Public Hearings,

advisory commitees, community planning mee�ngs and events as directed.

• Responds to public enquiries; consults with and provides technical planning advice and

recommenda�ons to other departments, the general public, and external organiza�ons and

agencies.

• Works collabora�vely with the Development Services Department and other City departments,

community stakeholders, local governments, agencies, consultants, contractors, developers, and

the public to achieve community planning related objec�ves.

• Must establish and maintain effec�ve working rela�onships with municipal officials and City

employees, and to meet with and successfully serve the public on an ongoing basis.

• Provides leadership to and some func�onal supervision of other Community Planning staff

through coaching, coordina�ng work assignments and providing guidance on day-to-day

procedural and opera�onal maters.

• Performs other du�es as required.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• A university degree (Master’s is preferred) from a recognized institution in a related field (urban

planning, geography, environmental science, architecture, engineering).

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in a local government setting in British Columbia. An

equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

• Certified Member (RPP) is preferred or eligibility for membership with the Canadian Institute of

Planners and Planning Institute of British Columbia.

• Registered Professional Planner designation and membership in the Planning Institute of British

Columbia or equivalent.

• A valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License is an asset.

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SENIOR COMMUNITY PLANNER | May 2023

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of the Community Charter and the Local Government Act as they relate to

Community Planning.

• Drafting and applying policies, bylaws, regulations, agreements, and procedures applicable to

community planning.

• Be knowledgeable and up to date with respect to planning techniques, legislation, and case law.
• Ability to organize and positively mentor and support the work of colleagues and consultants.
• Considerable knowledge and experience in community planning including social planning.
• Knowledge and experience in all the following areas is an asset:
• Long Range Planning and Policy
• Heritage Planning
• Arts, Culture and Recreation
• Environmental Sustainability
• Economic Development
• Knowledge of research and data collection methodologies.
• High attention to detail with strong written and oral communication skills, writing, public

relations skills, and practical problem-solving ability.

• The ability to exercise courtesy, tact, and diplomacy in the exchange of information with internal

team members and external contacts.

• Ability to work effectively, efficiently, and economically with minimal supervision.
• The ability to perform well under pressure while dealing with contentious matters.
• Demonstrate understanding and application of the following competencies:
• Adaptability: Willingness to be flexible in a changing environment.
• Relationship Building: Establishes and maintains respectful and cooperative working

relationships.

• Effective Communication: Communicates effectively with others.
• Problem Solving: Recognizes and acts to resolve problems.
• Organization: Organizes the work so that others will understand it and will be able to

achieve the City’s goals.

• Collaboration: Uses a consultative approach to initiate and foster a spirit of cooperation

to achieve corporate goals.

• Customer Focus: Provides excellent service to both internal and external customers.

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SENIOR COMMUNITY PLANNER | May 2023