District of Summerland

Summerland, nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, is an idyllic town with beautiful beaches, orchards, vineyards, and mountains. The population of this centrally located municipality is just over 12,000. If you are excited about building a sustainable, healthy community and you share our values of service, integrity, and innovation – the District would like you to be part of our team.

Reporting to the Director of Development Services, Summerland has an excellent opportunity for a Planner I who will be responsible for providing customer and planning services on land use and subdivision applications as well as providing a range of professional planning functions, including advice to internal and external clients and support for departmental planning projects. 

The District of Summerland is at the early stages of embarking on a number of exciting planning projects, such as a proposed 146 unit “eco-village” high-sustainability residential community located on the District’s land at the toe of Cartwright Mountain and in proximity to a new solar and battery storage electrical generation facility, as well as the revitalization of the District’s Downtown core through the implementation of the recently adopted Downtown Neighbourhood Action Plan.

 Qualified candidates will possess the following:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in Planning, Geography, or a related field.
• A minimum of 1 year of planning experience either in the private sector or in a local government setting.
• Working knowledge of the theoretical land use planning principles, local land use planning policies, and possesses the ability to make land use decisions and recommendations.
• Working knowledge and understanding of the Local Government Act, Land Title Act, Community Charter, Agricultural Land Commission Act and other relevant federal and provincial policies and legislation as they relate to local government.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to write comprehensive reports.
• Knowledge of the intent and objectives of District bylaws and the ability to research and provide guidance on accomplishing the proposed objectives.
• The ability to read architectural, engineering and site plans and understand specifications.
• Skills and good judgement in dealing with the public, staff, community groups and the development industry, with a strong focus on customer service.
• A valid Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence.

Please view our website at www.summerland.ca/jobs for a complete job description including all required skills, knowledge, and qualifications. 

This position is in the CUPE 1136 bargaining unit and offers an hourly wage of $42.59 per houras well as a competitive benefits package and pension. 

The District of Summerland is currently able to offer the successful candidate the option of either a 4-day compressed or 5-day, 35-hour work week. Summerland’s Municipal Hall regular office hours are open to the public from 8:15 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday. In addition, an unfurnished, affordable, temporary accommodation may be available for a successful applicant required to relocate. 

Interested applicants may submit a cover letter and resume in pdf format, quoting Competition No. 24-27 Monday, June 24, 2024, to hr@summerland.ca. 

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.