City of Vernon

1) Parks Planner and 2) Long Range Planner

Considering the Okanagan? Think of Vernon.

If you've heard of the Okanagan, you know how beautiful it is. Four seasons, year round outdoor adventure and a rich agricultural bounty are just some of our charms. The City of Vernon is seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to join the Community Infrastructure and Development Services team. Vernon is a growing, evolving city and our team is dedicated to making it the greatest place in the world. If you are skilled, talented and want to make a difference, we want to hear from you.

1) Parks Planner 

Competition #:         10-COV-19

Closing Date:           February 12, 2019

Reporting to the Manager, Long Range Planning and Sustainability, the Parks Planner is responsible for development of park plans and policy, acquisition and design of new parkland and the design of improvements to existing parks. The Parks Planner works closely with Planning, Engineering and Operations staff and supervises a variety of planning and capital projects.

Duties Include: 

• Prepares and makes recommendations for a wide variety of planning projects, including a Parks Master Plan, other parks planning and policy initiatives including, neighbourhood plans, Zoning Bylaw amendments and the Official Community Plan.
• Creates both conceptual and detailed designs for park improvement and landscaping for City capital projects, using AutoCAD and/or ArcGIS.
• Directs and oversees contractors for parks and landscaping construction projects.
• Makes recommendations for parkland acquisition and provides architectural and landscape design solutions based on review of development applications.
• Oversees the inspection and approval of landscaping installed as part of new development.
• Obtains stakeholder input through innovative and effective community engagement initiatives.
• Works with the development community, other levels of government and other organizations to facilitate community partnerships that enhance the park system, including parkland acquisition.
• Prepares, submits and reports on grant applications to fund park projects.
• Researches relevant data and best practices in parks acquisition, design and management.
• Provides information, direction and advice to Council, other government bodies, staff, developers, business and industry representatives and the general public on municipal policies, regulations, procedures and matters related to parks.
• Makes presentations at public meetings, to City and stakeholder committees and to Council.
• Responds to various public enquiries and explains policies and initiatives.
• Manages a parkland inventory. 
• Develops park brochures and other publications related to the parks system for the general public.
• Performs other duties as required.
• All persons employed by the City of Vernon will be required to assist the City in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties.

Required Education and Experience: 

• Undergraduate degree in landscape architecture.
• Membership in the B.C. or Canadian Society of Landscape Architects
• Minimum 5 year’s experience in a related position preferably in both urban and natural parks planning.
• Valid BC Drivers’ License Class 5.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of landscape architecture and park planning.
• Considerable knowledge of landscape construction, materials, costs and methods.
• Considerable knowledge of best practices and trends in urban planning and sustainability.
• Ability to manage several projects at one time in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to participate effectively in a spirited team setting and in group problem solving.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as presentation skills.
• Excellent computer/technology skills and aptitude.
• Proficient in land based mapping technologies such as AutoCAD, ArcGIS and GPS systems.
• Ability to occasionally work evenings and weekends, as required.
• Knowledge of the operational health and safety regulations applicable to areas under construction.
• Valid B.C. Driver's License, Class 5.
• Ability to obtain and maintain enhanced security clearance.

Preferred Education and Experience: 

• Experience in a municipal planning or parks environment.
• Eligibility for membership in the Planning Institute of British Columbia.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) training.
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) training.

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2) Long Range Planner 

Competition #:         11-COV-19

Closing Date:            February 13, 2019

Reporting to the Manager, Long Range Planning and Sustainability, the Long Range Planner prepares long range plans and policy.  

Duties:

• Undertakes and facilitates the development of long range planning studies, neighbourhood plans, the Official Community Plan and growth management studies, including the development of implementation strategies and related bylaws.
• Uses creative techniques to ensure the meaningful and timely involvement and outreach to the community regarding planning studies and projects, including the community at large, neighbourhoods, individuals, interest groups and other stakeholders.
• Ensures that recommendations related to long range planning proposals, studies and policy recommendations are strategic and developed with due consideration of the City’s budget and resources.
• Performs research related to land use, zoning, subdivision design control, economics, demographics, urban development, parks and recreation, public services, utilities, environmental and social matters. 
• Assembles and analyzes data and prepares background reports for use in formulating neighbourhood plans and comprehensive (i.e. large scale) development applications.
• Develops all manner of planning policies based on research; applicable legislation, regulations and bylaws; the Official Community Plan and Council direction.
• Works independently and as part of departmental and interdepartmental teams on the preparation of major studies and policy proposals for recommendation to senior staff and administration.
• Reviews proposed subdivision and development plans to ensure conformance to adopted plans. 
• Provides information, explains policy and interprets related bylaws to builders, developers, government agencies, consultants and the public, and liaises with various internal and external departments, agencies and groups concerning development policies and land use control.
• Processes development applications, as required. 
• Prepares detailed work programs and terms of reference for planning studies and projects.
• Assists the City in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Graduation from a 4 year urban planning degree or related discipline. 
• Minimum 5 years related, progressively responsible planning experience.
• BC Drivers’ License, Class 5.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to participate in departmental and interdepartmental teams, and to lead those teams, as appropriate.
• Ability to positively influence future community development through visioning, strategic planning, planning policy, official plans and neighbourhood plans with a focus on implementation.
• Ability to develop, promote and lead innovative public participation and engagement processes.
• Proficient in the use of standard office equipment and software applications.
• Ability to manage contracts and consultants.
• Ability to perform statistical and trends analysis.
• Ability to keep abreast of technical changes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, professionals, the public and Council.
• Ability to assess short and long term implications of proposed projects and developments.
• Superior demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to exercise tact, diplomacy, and persuasion with a diverse group of internal and external contacts.
• Ability to maintain records and data.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Urban Planning.
• IAP2 training.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners.

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TO APPLY:

Please submit your resume, quoting the appropriate competition number to:  Human Resources, City of Vernon, using one of the following methods:

• Online at www.vernon.ca (In MS Word or PDF Format) or
• By Fax: (250) 550-3551

Internal applicants are asked to complete the on-line Application for Internal Postingform located on Jostle and forward this along with a resume.

By making application, you are authorizing the City of Vernon to verify, through whatever means deemed appropriate, any information included in your applicant profile. 

The City of Vernon wishes to thank all applicants; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No Phone calls please!