Job Description

There has never been a more exciting time to be a housing planner for the City of New Westminster. Urban planning and housing policy decisions are at the confluence of complex issues that will shape the community for generations to come. The need for creative and innovative housing solutions has never been greater. New Westminster is facing multiple complex and inter-related crises, including homelessness, housing affordability, mental health, substance use and more recently, food insecurity. Equitable access to housing and community amenities for all is vital. New affordable housing must also evolve to support the development of a resilient and adaptive community. In addition, New Westminster City Council proclaimed A Year of Truth and we are learning how to respect and honour the generations who came before us, including those who have lived and cared for these lands from time immemorial. This is a challenging list for sure, but we absolutely believe that there are creative solutions and that we have the responsibility and ability to create a better community for the future. Council is also committed to tackling these issues head on with unprecedented growth in staffing the Planning Department.
You will be joining a team of committed and passionate professionals who care deeply about the community they serve who thrive on variety and enjoy the challenge that comes with emergent and sometimes chaotic work. As the City’s Affordable Housing Project Manager, you will project manage affordable and social housing projects. Your responsibilities will include:
• Supporting and advocating for development applications as they are fast tracked through the City’s approvals processes, including:
o managing the review process
o advising senior management and Council on an appropriate role for the City on relative to other government and non-profit partners
o report writing
o making presentations senior management, the public, to community groups, external bodies and Council.
• Working with the housing team to secure new housing projects throughout the City.
• Establishing collaborative working relationships with other City departments, and external stakeholders such as community organizations, property owners, non-profit and co-op housing groups, senior government agencies and the development industry.
• Ensuring all projects and processes are consistent with Council’s strategic priorities and the City’s overall objectives, including those related to housing, community planning, economic development, climate action, equity, and reconciliation.
• Providing leadership and encouraging creativity in advancing practices and projects within a team environment.

If this opportunity appeals to you and you possess many of the attributes and skills outlined, we would love to hear from you!

To support a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community; women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized individuals, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to diversity of our workforce, are encouraged to express their interest.
New Westminster is on the unceded and unsurrendered land of the Halq’eméylem-speaking peoples.
It is acknowledged by the City that colonialism has made invisible their histories and connections to the land.
We are learning and building relationships with the people whose lands we are on.
We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
This position is only open to those legally entitled to work in Canada.

Required languages: English

Education level: A Master’s Degree in urban planning or a related discipline, with five years of related work experience in affordable housing or development, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Required skills: Ability to lead project teams, including work planning, budgeting, and assigning work. • Experience in the timely processing and oversight of complex development projects at all stages. • Strong knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques, methods, procedures, and legislation applicable to municipal planning. • Ability to express ideas effectively verbally, visually, and in writing to various audiences. • Strong understanding of best practices and tools applicable to advancing affordable housing projects in a complex urban area, including conversations for growth, climate action, and equity. • Interdisciplinary knowledge of fields related to planning, such as housing, urban design, social science, law, economics, and municipal finance. • Demonstrated ability to design and facilitate engaging community consultation events and activities and effectively represent the organization. • Excellent interpersonal, communication, facilitation, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills. • Political acumen as demonstrated by participating in Council or committee meetings. • Strong organizational skills, proven ability to problem solve, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver results. • Cultural awareness of Indigenous and diverse communities. • Experience in the development and implementation of land use or related policy is an asset. New Westminster is at the “sweet spot” when it comes to employer size – you will have a team to support you along with the diversity and variety of work to be challenged and growing every day. We offer a fun and rewarding culture where staff take their work seriously but not themselves.

Closest intersection: Royal Ave & 6th Street