The City of Vancouver is striving to become the greenest city in the world, and a city powered entirely by renewable energy before 2050. We are proud to be one of Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and one of Canada's Greenest Employers.  With employees that have helped Vancouver consistently rank as one of the world's most livable cities, the City values a diverse workforce which represents the vibrant community we so proudly serve.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

We are currently looking for a Planner to join the City of Vancouver Green Infrastructure branch. This position will be responsible for developing policy proposals and practice recommendations related to the implementation of green rainwater infrastructure, as part of the Rain City Strategy Streets & Public Spaces Action Plan.  In addition, the position will provide ecology, soils and horticulture expertise to an interdisciplinary design team within the GI Implementation Branch, which includes developing prototypes, design standards, pilot projects, monitoring plans, as well as operations and maintenance protocols and guidelines for green infrastructure practices in the City. 

This position directly reports to the Green Infrastructure Implementation Branch Senior Project Managers and receives general direction/guidance for various assigned tasks. The GI Planner works with other Engineering staff within the Branch and staff in other Engineering Services branches.

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

• Provides leadership, forward thinking and environmental science/ecology planning, policy, design and implementation expertise to a team of highly motivated, inter-disciplinary professionals. 
• Researches and analyzes best practices related to integrated rainwater management and the fields of ecology, biology, soil and plant science, habitat, biodiversity and ecosystem service concepts.
• Explores and recommends opportunities, policies, designs or practices to enhance (1) water quality, (2) resilience and (3) healthy natural systems in the urban realm through rainwater management.
• Prepare reports and technical memos and presentation materials to support policy development and design standards.
• Develops specifications for soils to be used in green infrastructure practices that optimize treatment of urban rainwater runoff while supporting healthy vegetation.
• Develops green infrastructure plant lists and planting plans based on sound research and field findings of successful green infrastructure landscapes.
• Coordinates and monitors green infrastructure landscape installation, establishment, long term maintenance and level of service evaluations of bio-retention assets.
• Evaluates and refines green infrastructure designs to enhance function, improve aesthetics, and reduce maintenance.
• Performs field observations and studies, collecting data and engaging with the public and other stakeholders.
• Supports in coordinating and communicating with internal and external stakeholders which may include home builders’ associations, professional associations, trade associations, and urban development institute. 
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned 

Minimum Position Requirements

Education and Experience:

• A degree in planning or a related field such as Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Soil Science, Agrology, Landscape Architecture, or Horticulture
• Eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners, British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects, College of Applied Biology, British Columbia Institute of Agrologists or other relevant professional association
• A minimum one year of related professional experience with three to five years related professional experience as an asset

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge of integrated rainwater management and green infrastructure planning, design and operations, soil science, ecology, horticultural science, and urban landscape design principles.
• Demonstrated ability as a project or program manager with strong organizational and time management skills including the ability to deal effectively with multiple tasks of moderate complexity and setting and meeting competing deadlines
• Solid experience analyzing, prioritizing and implementing projects over a multi-year time horizon, developing budgets for projects and analyzing the financial, environmental and other implications of policy proposals
• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills. 
• Proven ability to build consensus on challenging issues and develop partnerships
• Required software skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite of products
• Desirable software skills: AutoCAD or other drafting tools, adobe creative suite, Bluebeam
• Class 5 driver’s license
• Proven ability to work independently and to provide professional interdisciplinary advice and technical guidance while functioning effectively in a team environment
• Familiarity with the City of Vancouver's Rain City Action Plan

Business Unit/Department: Engineering Services  

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks   

Employment Type: Regular Full Time  

Position State Date: September 2020

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-029: $44.83 to $53.01 per hour 

Please apply directly to https://jobs.vancouver.ca/job/Vancouver-Planner-I-Green-Infrastructure-Ecology%2C-Soils%2C-Horticulature-Specialist-Brit/671564700/

Application Close: September 6, 2020
At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous applicants, all genders, nationalities and persons with disabilities. The City of Vancouver is always interested in adding high performing team members to its staff.  If you would like to be considered for this exciting and impactful career opportunity, please apply on our careers site.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.