Senior Planner-Long Range
 

Permanent Full-time, 35 hours per week

Are you naturally collaborative, service-oriented and community-focused? Do you want to make a difference in your community and be part of an organization that has a direct impact on the quality of life of residents in the Comox Valley? At the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, equitable and diverse workplace which is representative of the community we serve. Our core values-collaboration, service, accountability and sustainability help guide us in everything we do. If you share our commitment and values, please consider applying with us.
 
In addition to the Comox Valley being an attractive geographic location to live and play, rich in rural agriculture, vibrant urban development, meandering coastline and dramatic mountains, working at the CVRD provides work/life balance through flexible work options (including remote work up to three days per week for eligible positions), competitive salary and wages, employer-paid benefits package, and municipal pension plan. At the CVRD we value continual learning and growth and support employees’ development through technical, professional, and leadership training.
 
Working with the CVRD is a plus for everyone. To learn more, visit our website at www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/about/careers/work-cvrd
 
We are currently accepting applications for a full-time Senior Planner-Long Range to join our Planning and Development Services team. The Senior Planner will focus on policy development and implementation of Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) Board priorities and strategic initiatives such as climate change adaptation and mitigation, active transportation, and the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS). This advanced planning position will work alongside the Manager to lead long range planning initiatives for the CVRD and undertake a wide variety of regional planning work including managing complex planning projects and studies from initiation to completion, project management, grant writing, overseeing consultants, designing and delivering community engagement processes, conducting research, and preparing and presenting reports to diverse audiences.
 
Reporting to the Manager of Long Range Planning and Sustainability, the primary responsibilities of this role include:

• Strategic planning policy development including project management of major projects or amendments to the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS), Official Community Plan (OCP), Local Area Plans (LAP) and other long range planning related strategic initiatives;
• Researching, planning, coordinating and implementing key planning policies and programs, sustainability and climate change projects and initiatives;
• Coordinating, leading and managing complex and sensitive policy and bylaw amendment projects from inception to successful conclusion;
• Providing policy recommendations to ensure future projects align with the RGS, OCP and LAP;
• Collaborating with various internal/external partners and rights holders at the local and provincial levels in the matter of seeking out funding grants and partnerships that will support the CVRD’s policy initiatives and long range planning projects;
• Leading and facilitating engagement and consultation opportunities with municipal and provincial staff on key projects and policy initiatives;
• Planning, leading and facilitating public consultation and engagement processes related to long range planning projects and policy initiatives;
• Conducting data analysis and policy review related to matters such as population and employment projections, housing, employment, and climate change initiatives in order to provide strategic input and advice on regional sustainability and growth;
• Developing staff reports, briefing materials, and presentations and making recommendations to senior leadership, Board, and committees to support decision-making on complex and potentially politically sensitive topics;
• Conducting comprehensive technical studies and research regarding a variety of complex and emerging land use, planning, sustainability and policy matters;
• Facilitating collaborative discussions and relationships among internal and external stakeholders;
• Coordinating and participating in meetings, workshops and open houses to develop and/or amend OCPs, LAPs and the RGS and other land use and planning matters as assigned

 
Our ideal candidate is:

• A strategic thinker with the ability to evaluate land development proposals for compliance with the CVRD RGS, land use planning principles and the long-term strategic vision for the CVRD;
• A strong communicator with excellent facilitation and leadership skills;
• A confident, professional speaker with the ability to make presentations of complex material in understandable terms;
• A relationship builder able to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders including colleagues, key partners and the public;
• Educated in land use planning, environmental studies or another related discipline with a Master’s degree and over four up to and including five years of directly related experience leading broad policy development and analysis including interpreting land use regulations and identifying implementation impacts of land use policy decisions within the context of an RGS (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered);
• A registered professional planner or eligible for membership with the Planning Institute of BC;
• Experienced in leading public consultation processes with multi-stakeholder groups and interests;
• Current in provincial legislation relating to the work, including the Local Government Act, Housing Supply Act and other provincial regulatory processes related to land use and policy with extensive knowledge and understanding of planning theory and practice of sustainability and climate change;
• Sensitive to the political realm within the local government context with the ability to be an innovative thinker on complex planning issues and policies;
• Current in the mandate, vision, operating environment, business objectives, structure and operations of the regional district;
• Knowledgeable in project management methodologies and able to provide day-to-day oversight of external consultants/contractors/stakeholders and execute projects;
• Strategic, analytical and creative when it comes to problem solving;
• Self-motivated, organized and able to balance multiple priorities;
• Resourceful with strong research and writing skills;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with strong skills in Adobe Acrobat, Explorer, and SharePoint;
• Able to work flexible hours specific to Board and Committee meeting schedules and public engagement events;
• Local government experience is preferred.

 
A valid BC Class 5 driver’s license is required for this role. Successful candidates will be required to consent to a Canadian Criminal Record Check (including vulnerable sector search if applicable). This is a CUPE Local 556 position with a current wage rate of $44.68 per hour.

To review the complete job description and to apply go to www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/jobs.
 
The closing date for this position is May 30, 2023 at 3:00 pm. Applications for available positions with the CVRD must be received prior to the indicated closing date and time. We appreciate all applications; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If your application is shortlisted, you will be contacted in a timely manner to arrange an interview. Virtual or in-person interviews are available.
 
The CVRD respectfully acknowledges the land on which it operates is on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.
 
The CVRD is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive work environment. We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.