McElhanney Ltd.

The Opportunity:

McElhanney’s North Vancouver Island branches are seeking Planners to join their team. Supporting vibrant, livable communities is a key focus of McElhanney across Western Canada, and our new local planning team will be active in laying the groundwork for complex, inter-disciplinary projects that shape the way we live. For this reason, we are looking for Policy and Development Planners to help in growing our planning practice in the North Island with the flexibility of living in Courtenay or Campbell River.

The successful individual will be a part of a team focusing on a wide range of land development projects throughout British Columbia, with a focus on Vancouver Island. This individual will also have the opportunity to work with local governments for regulation, policy and development approvals process projects.  The candidate will require a keen understanding of local concerns and sensitivities, as well as understanding approvals process to ensure a successful project. Whether you’re just starting off your career, at an intermediate level, or a well-seasoned Professional Planner, we have a place for you!

For additional information on Vancouver Island, visit our customized Vancouver Island careers page. 

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Work in a team environment to deliver a diversity of planning projects and support other professional practice projects (Landscape Architecture, Recreation Planning, Environmental Consulting);
• Design and prepare preliminary subdivision layouts and development concepts and sketches, ideally using specialized computer hardware and software such as AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite;
• Assist with community planning, policy analysis, land use and urban design assignments;
• Research appropriate and responsible land uses for site and conceptual assignments and land development projects.  Ensure the appropriate and responsible land uses secure the physical, economic and social efficiency, health and well-being of the surrounding community and/or context;
• Help clients and civic officials develop strategies to promote community development and efficient land use consistent with municipal legislation, public policy and community/regional goals. This includes development of new policies and bylaw regulations/amendments related to land use, and other municipal planning documents;
• Responds to enquiries regarding rezoning and development permit potential in relation to municipal legislation and public policy. Processes rezoning and development applications;
• Take part in the public consultation process; designs, attends and help facilitate public information meetings that include the residents of the community, project stakeholders, municipal officials and others;
• Ensure all planning processes follow appropriate legislations including but not limited to the municipal bylaws, public policies, and procedures.

What You’ll Bring:

• Knowledge of community planning, urban design, development planning, and municipal planning; preferably with a background in consulting or local government
  • Junior, 2+ years of experience
  • Intermediate, 8+ years of experience
  • Senior, 15+ years of experience
• Degree in urban planning, urban design, or related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Sound knowledge of the Community Charter and Local Government Act;
• Proven excellence in creative problem solving and solution implementation;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Technical and policy writing expertise;
• Effective time management skills with the ability to function in a high volume, challenging environment;
• Membership (or eligibility for) with the Canadian Institute of Planners;
• A valid driver’s license is required.

If this is the opportunity for you, apply now or visit www.mcelhanney.com/careers to apply online. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.