Planner 2 (Development)

City of New Westminster•New Westminster, BC

14d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of New Westminster is seeking an experienced Planner 2 to join their Development Planning team. This role involves leading the review of diverse development applications, guiding projects through the city's application process, and collaborating with internal departments, external partners, applicants, consultants, community members, and Council. The position will also lead updates to development planning policies and bylaws, serve as a subject matter expert on city policies, and be involved in streamlining the development application process. This is an opportunity for a planning professional to blend technical expertise with collaboration and city-building, influencing projects related to housing, community amenities, environmental sustainability, economic development, reconciliation, urban design, and complete communities.

Requirements

A Master's degree in Urban Planning or a related discipline, along with meaningful experience in development planning, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Full membership, or eligibility for full membership, with the Canadian Institute of Planners.
Strong knowledge of municipal planning principles, legislation, bylaws, and development processes.
Experience managing complex development applications and preparing professional reports and recommendations.
Experience developing or updating planning policies, regulations and guidelines.
Strong collaboration skills and experience working with multidisciplinary teams and a wide range of stakeholders.
Excellent facilitation, negotiation, conflict resolution, and customer service skills.
The ability to communicate complex planning concepts clearly, both verbally and in writing.
Sound judgment, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
A commitment to building positive relationships with colleagues, community members, consultants, and development partners.

Nice To Haves

Experience using digital permitting systems, GIS, and electronic document management systems (EDMS) to support efficient development review and service delivery is an asset.

Responsibilities

Lead the review and processing of complex development applications from submission through approval.
Coordinate multidisciplinary reviews with internal departments and external partners.
Prepare planning reports, bylaw amendments, and recommendations for Council.
Help develop and improve planning policies, regulations, and development review processes.
Participate in negotiations related to community amenities and development agreements.
Provide planning advice to applicants, consultants, City staff, and the public.
Present projects and recommendations to Council, advisory committees, and community groups.
Mentor junior planning staff and contribute to a collaborative, supportive team environment.
Lead and advise updates to key development bylaw, policies and processes.
Support the Land Use and Housing Planning team with the creation and update of various policies and plans.
Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance development planning practices, processes and customer service.