Planner 1 (Development)

City of New Westminster • New Westminster, BC

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of New Westminster is seeking a Development Planner to join their Planning and Development department. This role will guide applications through the development approvals process and undertake multi-disciplinary work within a team environment. The Development Planner will ensure development projects align with the City’s objectives and bylaws, covering areas such as land use, community benefits, transportation management, housing and social strategies, economic development, and environmental protection. Responsibilities include improving the development approvals process through policy and procedure review, managing rezoning and development applications efficiently, leading negotiations for community amenities, liaising with stakeholders, preparing reports and bylaw amendments, and presenting to various groups including Council.

Requirements

• Post-graduate degree in urban planning or a related discipline, with sound work experience in development planning; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners.
• Considerable knowledge of City by-laws, rules, and regulations relating to development planning.
• Considerable knowledge of best practices in community planning particularly at the local government level.
• Understanding of the legal and other best practices and tools applicable to the development approvals process for mixed-use and medium to high-density developments including sustainable development principles, community engagement and project management.
• Proficiency in creating and applying urban design principles and design guidelines in the evaluation of complex development projects.
• Sound experience in the development review process, particularly at the municipal level, from initial enquiry to Building Permit application.
• Experience with economic, environmental, cultural and social considerations in the evaluation of development projects.
• Experience with urban land economics, including the review of development pro formas and the use of financing growth tools such as amenity negotiations and density bonus policies.
• Track record of being creative and exercising sound judgment in a fast-paced work environment while managing multiple tasks and resolving conflicts.
• Ability to work proficiently on your own or as part of an interdepartmental team in moving forward assignments and/or projects in a timely and efficient manner.
• Ability to express ideas effectively both orally and in a written manner to a variety of audiences.
• Natural ability to successfully engage other employees, professionals, Council, City committees and the public, and to convey clearly, the principles and requirements of sound planning and development.

Responsibilities

• Guide applications through the development approvals process.
• Ensure development projects are consistent with the City’s objectives and bylaws.
• Undertake multi-disciplinary work within a team environment.
• Work towards improvements in the development approvals process through the review and refinement of procedures and policies.
• Manage the review of rezoning and other development applications in a timely manner.
• Lead the negotiation of community amenities arising from projects.
• Liaise with applicants, other City staff, professionals, and the public.
• Prepare reports and bylaw amendments.
• Make presentations to community groups, City advisory committees, and Council.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level