The University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world.

Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together?

Job Summary
Campus + Community Planning is a committed group of urban planners, designers, engineers, public consultation professionals, building inspectors and sustainability experts dedicated to creating a vibrant, sustainable, live-work-learn community at UBC.

This term position offers an exciting opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary staff team and consultants to develop Campus Vision 2050, a comprehensive update to UBC's Land Use Plan and Vancouver Campus Plan, expected to begin in early 2022.

The Community Planner will work within the Campus Vision Project Team of Campus + Community Planning and collaborate closely with consultant teams to apply best practices in land use and community planning, engagement and sustainability to help shape the Vancouver campus of the future. The Community Planner will support and / or lead planning activities throughout all phases of Campus Vision, including baseline analysis and target setting, frameworks for conceptual options development and evaluation, collaboration and engagement with advisory groups, stakeholders and the public, assisting in the production of high quality engagement materials, and drafting content for final plans and supporting policies. The position requires progressive experience in the delivery of community and / or campus plans with an emphasis on innovative and collaborative processes and approaches.

Organizational Status
This position reports to the Associate Director, Community Planning. As part of an interdisciplinary Campus Vision Project Team, the position will support a variety of Project advisory bodies and will maintain working relationships with UBC departments including, Infrastructure Development, Building Operations, Parking, Student Housing & Community Services, and other UBC departments and subsidiaries including UBC Properties Trust. The Community Planner will also collaborate closely with the project consultants and may interface with other consultants.

Work Performed

• Assist in scoping, planning, and facilitating integrated planning processes to support all phases of Campus Vision 2050;
• Conduct research and analysis on relevant land use and community planning regulation and policy precedents, and develop and prepare reports with recommendations on various policies, programs and projects;
• Develop and implement planning and evaluation frameworks to assist in structured decision making;
• Provide technical planning support to advance public and stakeholder engagement activities;
• Develop and coordinate work programs to efficiently and effectively achieve planning program objectives;
• Facilitate multi-disciplinary / multi-interest discussions;
• Develop terms of reference for specific projects. Supervise consultants and administrative staff where requested;
• Prepare reports, presentations, and draft plan content for advisory committees and the Board of Governors, as required;
• Provide direct day-to-day planning support for Campus Vision 2050;
• Liaise and collaborate with a wide range of departments and stakeholders, as necessary to advance planning and project objectives;
• Coordinate and assist in analyzing and visualizing department and university data resources including demographics, housing, and GIS data; and
• Perform other planning-related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The Community Planner is responsible for activities related to the development of the UBC campus lands. The incumbent will influence allocation of funding in certain areas within project budgets of several million dollars. Errors in this work can cause problems of a financial, legal or political nature, which in turn result in cost and time delays during resolution.

Supervision Received
Works with a high degree of independence under the general direction of the Associate Director, Community Planning.

Supervision Given
Works with a high degree of independence under the general direction of the Associate Director, Community Planning.

Minimum Qualifications
University degree in Urban and / or Community Planning, and / or Landscape Architecture is preferred with demonstrated experience in neighbourhood and / or campus planning. Membership or eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners desired. Minimum of six years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience is preferred in a local government setting, in community and / or long-range planning with a land use and / or spatial focus. Familiarity with the Local Government Act, the University Act, the Metro Vancouver planning context is an asset. The position demands a high degree of versatility, interpersonal, organizational and analytical skills. Candidate should have supervisory ability, a high degree of judgement and initiative as well as skills necessary for handling confidential information. Demonstrated experience in project management, program planning, technical analysis, process facilitation, communication, and fluency in progressive planning concepts is required. The position requires a strong ability to communicate clearly and concisely verbally (including in presentations) and in written and digital graphic formats, including the ability to clearly articulate complex information to a variety of internal and external stakeholders. The ability to listen, learn, help and lead staff and stakeholders towards a common goal is essential. Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines is critical. Preferred computer skills include standard office software, Adobe Creative Suite and basic GIS. Experience with AutoCAD, Sketch-up and other planning and design related software an asset. 

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Please APPLY here: https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ubcstaffjobs/job/UBC-Vancouver-Campus/Community-Planner_JR3622