Job Description

As a central hub in the Metro Vancouver area, the City of New Westminster delivers a broad spectrum of urban services to over 70,000 residents. It is a city rich in history with a viable and thriving economy, a population representative of the diversity of the region, and is staffed by talented and dedicated employees who work together to achieve its strategic vision.
Our Planning and Development department has an exciting opportunity for a Development Planner to guide applications through the development approvals process and to undertake multi-disciplinary work within a team environment. Under the direction of the Manager of Development Planning and the Supervisor, you will work to ensure development projects are consistent with the City’s objectives and bylaws, including those related to land use, community benefits, transportation management, housing and social strategies, economic development and environmental protection. You will be working towards improvements in the development approvals process through the review and refinement of procedures and policies; managing the review of rezoning and other development applications in a timely manner; leading the negotiation of community amenities arising from projects; liaising with applicants, other City staff, professionals and the public; preparing reports and bylaw amendments; and making presentations to community groups, City advisory committees and Council.

What we offer:
Work-life balance – hybrid remote work/in office schedule, vacation, and an optional compressed day off program
Health and wellness – comprehensive benefits, plus other wellness-focused programs and benefits such as public transit subsidy, access to secured bike parking and subsidized recreational facility programs. At City Hall, there is access to an employee fitness centre and full-service cafeteria
Retirement benefits – including municipal pension plan
Career development – ongoing learning and education development programs

*May need to work some evenings and weekends for consultation meetings etc.

Required languages: English

Education level: • You have a Post-graduate degree in urban planning or a related discipline, with sound work experience in development planning; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Required skills: • You are eligible for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners. • You have considerable knowledge of City by-laws, rules, and regulations relating to development planning. • You have considerable knowledge of best practices in community planning particularly at the local government level. • You have an understanding of the legal and other best practices and tools applicable to the development approvals process for mixed-use and medium to high-density developments including sustainable development principles, community engagement and project management. • You are proficient in creating and applying urban design principles and design guidelines in the evaluation of complex development projects. • You have sound experience in the development review process, particularly at the municipal level, from initial enquiry to Building Permit application. • You have experience with economic, environmental, cultural and social considerations in the evaluation of development projects. • You have experience with urban land economics, including the review of development pro formas and the use of financing growth tools such as amenity negotiations and density bonus policies. • You have a track record of being creative and exercising sound judgment in a fast paced work environment while managing multiple tasks and resolving conflicts. • You are able to work proficiently on your own or as part of an interdepartmental team in moving forward assignments and/or projects in a timely and efficient manner. • You can express ideas effectively both orally and in a written manner to a variety of audiences. • You have the natural ability to successfully engage other employees, professionals, Council, City committees and the public, and to convey clearly, the principles and requirements of sound planning and development. • You have the ability to work evenings and weekends as operationally required.

Closest intersection: Royal Avenue, 6th Street