Planning Assistant III (Rain City Strategy and Green Infrastructure Implementation) - Jobs in Vancouver, BC

Job Description

Requisition ID: 29216CompanyLocated on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, decolonization, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.Main Purpose and FunctionThe City of Vancouver has adopted the Rain City Strategy, an ambitious and multiple award-winning long-term plan to capture and treat 90% of Vancouver’s average annual rainfall through the implementation of green infrastructure on public and private property throughout the City. The City is seeking to fill two Planning Assistant III positions to work as part of interdisciplinary teams aiming to develop policies, programs, design prototypes, pilot projects, community partnerships and implementation plans related to green infrastructure.Both positions will support the City’s efforts to be a leader in climate mitigation and adaptation and holistic, integrated approaches to water management and green infrastructure. The work will help shape a more livable, equitable and resilient city that helps protect water quality, revive its urban watersheds and ecosystems while supporting green jobs and urban development. We are looking for highly motivated, creative and innovative team players to join us in our effort to manage rainwater as a valuable resource for our community and local ecosystems.Position focus: Green Infrastructure Implementation in Streets and Public SpacesWorking as part of the Engineering Department’s inter-disciplinary Green Infrastructure Implementation Branch, the Planning Assistant III supports policy, research, analysis, communications materials development, education and capacity building, partnerships and community engagement related to green rainwater infrastructure programs and projects within streets and public spaces.Position focus: Green Infrastructure Implementation in Buildings and SitesWorking as part of the Sustainability group in the Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability department, the Planning Assistant III works with various departments within the City as well as external groups such as non-profit organizations, private sector stakeholders and other levels of government to advance policies, regulations, programs and practices related to green infrastructure through urban development using tools such as blue/green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and infiltration systems (such as rain gardens, bioretention, infiltration trenches and mini-drywells)Specific Duties/ResponsibilitiesResearch, data and project/program implementation support:Conducting best practice research, case studies, barriers identification, co-benefits, and contextual analysis on multi-scale green rainwater infrastructure programsAssisting supervisors in the design, planning, and execution of projects and initiatives, including development of tender documents and coordination with consultants;Prepare and conduct technical research, surveys, analysis on topics of moderate complexity, including undertaking relevant field observations and notes and verifying accuracy of the content and field investigations;Manage data for the initiative, including collection, tracking, and reporting;Communication graphics:Develop materials for meetings and events including agendas, presentations, posters and graphics and be proficient in Powerpoint and Adobe Suite [Photoshop | InDesign | Illustrator]Support the development and implementation of communications materials to support education, training and capacity-building initiativesMaintain initiative web pages and contact lists.Engagement:Organize meetings and events, support public engagement and stakeholder processes, participate in and minute public events and staff meetings; andEngage with stakeholders at public events and during consultation processes.Support post-event input processing and analysis to inform decision-making and initiative developmentLiaising with external partners and/or stakeholders to gather input on projects and/or build collaboration;Respond to public enquiriesStrong written and verbal communication skills:Assist in the preparation of technical reports and council reports;Prepare content (text and graphics) for presentations, websites and other communications materials;Respond to public inquiries; andPerform other duties and responsibilities, as assigned.Carrying out other project-specific tasks on an as-needed basis.Minimum Position RequirementsEducation and Experience:Post-secondary education in planning, urban studies, landscape architecture, sustainability, engineering technology, environmental sciences or related field and experience, preferably in a municipal setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of integrated rainwater management and green infrastructure policy, planning, design, and/or operations would be a considerable asset;Experience working collaboratively and effectively on inter-disciplinary teams, with staff across City departments, with contractors, consultants, outside agencies, industry stakeholders and the public;Excellent research and analytical skills and ability to perform moderately difficult statistical survey and analysis work and experience conducting research, collecting and analyzing data, performing field studies and providing technical, communications and/or logistical support for design, planning, research and/or policy development projects;Strong knowledge or skills in using computer software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and software for graphic design and mapping including the Adobe suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) and experience with mapping and/or graphics design including a sound knowledge of layout work, report design and reproduction, and of graphical representation of statistical data;Excellent event planning and organizational skills related to public engagement activities and experience developing communication materials for workshops, meetings or presentations and supporting stakeholder engagement strategies;Strong organizational and time management skills including the ability to (1) manage multiple projects, tasks and competing priorities at the same time (2) set and meet deadlines, and (3) adapt to emerging or changing priorities;Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills;Ability to self-motivate and work independently on a range of tasks including high-level research, administrative tasks, and writing; andAbility to provide support and advice while functioning effectively in a team environment.Additional skills or attributes that would be considered an asset for this position are:Experience working in green infrastructure and/or climate change adaptation;Experience working with diverse stakeholders and interest groups;Experience working on projects with a municipal partner or within a municipal or other government setting;Demonstrated personal commitment to sustainability; andWritten and/or verbal language skills beyond English an asset.Business Unit/Department: Engineering Services (1300) and Planning, Urban Design & SustainabilityAffiliation: CUPE 15 Non PksEmployment Type: Regular Full TimePositions: 2Position Start Date: July, 2021Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-021: $32.25 to $37.97 per hourApplication Close: June 18, 2021At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, LGBT2Q+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process.Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.To be considered for this exciting and impactful career opportunity with a generous benefits package, please apply on our careers site.Apply hereOrganization: Vancouver (City)Region: Lower MainlandProfessional Categories: Planning & Development, Environmental ServicesPosted: June 10, 2021, 2:25 pmExpires: June 18, 2021, 4:30 pmEmployment Type: Full TimeEmployment Length: PermanentEducation Requirement: College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma from a program of 1 year to 2 yearsJob Experience: Experience an assetRate: $32.25 to $37.97 Hour