Community Planner

About the Opportunity

Our Fraser Valley Practice team is searching for an experienced Community Planner to join our growing consulting practice in Surrey and Abbotsford. We aim to create solutions for communities facing complex problems, working alongside local governments and Indigenous communities. Through our work, we take a collaborative approach that entails integrating across departments and jurisdictions to create effective outcomes.

We’re searching for a curious and solutions-focused individual who wants to build their career alongside our team of established practitioners. We are excited to find someone who leads with purpose, is motivated to tackle complex problems through a community-centric approach, and has the desire to serve our work in communities.

Coupled with the diverse learning and project experience opportunities, do you see yourself excited to contribute to…

• Building your career and growing alongside a team of professionals in a dynamic and fun environment.
• Growing our consulting practice with a focus on serving Fraser Valley Indigenous communities and local governments.
• Engaging with our clients to understand their unique challenges, work collaboratively to explore solutions, and develop thoughtful and meaningful implementation strategies.
• Building relationships with both local governments and Indigenous communities to better serve their planning needs.
• Developing trusting relationships and partnerships both with our clients and within Urban Systems, committed to a culture built on trust.
• Being part of a team to deliver on projects related to community planning, land use policy and bylaw development, Indigenous planning, housing, development approvals, and local government finance.
• Undertaking research on a wide range of topics, data analysis, and public engagements.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and other documents that present information in a manner easily understood by a wide variety of audiences.

About You

Our focus is on finding great people to add to our team. We are open to master’s graduates from various educational backgrounds, including community planning, geography, or public policy, with 2 to 5 years of experience in a relevant community planning or consulting role. The core skills and attributes that will help you succeed here include:

• You possess a consulting mindset and are always looking for ways to provide value and insights to clients.
• You have experience in and are passionate about serving local governments and Indigenous communities.
• Relationships matter, you understand what it takes to cultivate strong relationships, and seek out new relationships and project opportunities to foster collaboration and growth.
• You have excellent oral and written communication skills. You have the ability to communicate thoughtfully and thoroughly with team members and others
• You are a self-starter, you enjoy taking the initiative and driving projects forward with minimal supervision.
• You consistently deliver high-quality work, ensuring that all outputs meet or exceed expectations.
• You are adaptable and able to adjust to changing circumstances and new challenges with ease.
• You are accountable and dependable, taking responsibility for your actions and consistently meeting deadlines.
• You are a big picture thinker and are able to see the broader context and long-term implications of your work.
• You are available to travel throughout Lower Mainland and British Columbia for project work, including visiting communities.
• You are registered, or are eligible for registration, as an RRP or MCIP.
• Have a valid class 5 driver’s license.

About Us

Urban Systems is a Canadian employee-owned interdisciplinary community consulting firm. We are united in our mission to transform communities everywhere into vibrant places where people want to live today, tomorrow, and forever.

At Urban Systems, vibrant communities are everything—including our own work community. Since 1975, we have grown to more than 700 people with 18 offices across Canada. Every day, our purpose-driven team works closely with our clients and their communities to deliver impactful work. We are proud to work with diverse clients, including Indigenous communities, all levels of government, commercial and residential land developers, and the natural resource sector.

We care for our communities and for our people. It’s our differences that make us exciting, and our shared belief in Urban Systems that binds us together. We’re searching for the creative and passionate and the curious and courageous to join us in creating meaningful and generational change in communities.

Our Commitment to You

Are you looking for opportunities to participate in challenging projects and work with multiple teams? Join a diverse and supportive group of professionals at Urban Systems and take part in impactful work building vibrant communities across Canada. Here’s what you can expect as a team member at Urban Systems:

• Competitive Compensation and Benefits. You’ll receive competitive compensation, extended health, dental, vision care coverage, and more. This position will have a salary range of $78,000.00 - $94,000.00 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The range is negotiable based on your skillset and experience.
• Paid Time Off. We encourage all team members to take time off to recharge. Enjoy 3 weeks of paid vacation to start, in addition to statutory days off throughout the year.
• Learn and grow. Your professional growth & development is supported here. You are encouraged to take initiative and shape your career through coaching, in-house learning, technical courses, and more.
• Work with Interdisciplinary Teams. Amazing things happen when you mix creativity, curiosity, teamwork, and a strong desire to collaborate and innovate. You will be part of diverse, interdisciplinary teams to deliver important projects for our clients and their communities.
• Flexible Hours & Work Environment. You have a life outside of work. We offer flexibility in your work schedule and work environment to help you do your best work and meet your commitments.
• Saving for the Future. To help you achieve your long-term retirement goals, we offer a Long-Term Matching Program that matches your contributions (up to 5%) to an RRSP or TSFA.
• Support through Transitions. You will be supported through life’s moments and transitions, big or small, including top-up for parental leave for both biological and adoptive parents.
• Create Lasting Community Impact. 98% of Urban Systems employees believe that the work we do is important. Join a team of like-minded leaders and work together to bring impactful community projects to life!

How to Apply

If this describes your background, skills and attributes, please visit our website for more information and submit your resume and cover letter. If it doesn’t describe you exactly, but you feel you are well suited to this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.

Deadline for applications: Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 9:00 am PDT