Land Use Planner

About UPLAND

Since its inception in 2014, UPLAND has become recognized as a leader in developing locally-owned and innovative planning and design strategies that are as unique as the many Atlantic Canadian communities with which we are fortunate to work. We firmly believe that effective solutions stem from local experience and leadership. We are collaborators at our core. Our objective for all our projects is to create an open and effective participatory process that is appropriate to the context of each community. Learn more at www.uplandstudio.ca

Our planners are frequently engaged in housing studies, physical site plans, governance studies, development approvals, and the creation and review of planning documents (Community Plans, Municipal Planning Strategies, Land Use Bylaws, etc.). Our work touches on a wide range of topics, such as housing, agricultural protection, environmental protection, infrastructure sustainability, renewable energy, subdivision, urban design, coastal development, and more.

UPLAND offers 50/50 benefits, a comprehensive EAP program, and fun team events. We offer customized work schedules; split time between home and office; and full or part-time positions. UPLAND HQ is located in the core of the Halifax region, a welcoming, dynamic and growing mid-size city with an excellent quality of life.

Position

We are inviting applicants to join our team as a Land Use Planner with an immediate start date and a salary range of $60,000 to $68,000, depending on experience.

The Land Use Planner will be a core member of the land use planning team. This individual will, with the support of the Senior Planner, lead the day-to-day aspects of municipal planning projects throughout Atlantic Canada. Opportunities to participate in projects in other service areas (active transportation, urban design, development approvals, etc.) may be available depending on workloads and the individual’s interests and skills.

• Specific responsibilities will include:
• Communicate with clients and team members to coordinate project work;
• Review and summarize existing planning and policy documents;
• Collate, analyze, and present statistical data (e.g. StatsCan, CMHC);
• Review best practices and research reports and provide well-researched policy recommendations;
• With the support of UPLAND’s Engagement Manager, design and implement effective and inclusive engagement processes;
• Provide engagement support for other projects underway at UPLAND;
• Write Municipal Planning Strategies, Land Use Bylaws, Subdivision Bylaws, housing studies, and other planning documents;
• Write professional reports that clearly and articulately explain complex ideas using plain language; and
• Assist in writing proposals in response to RFPs.

Knowledge, Ability and Skills

Key Qualifications:

• Four or more years professional planning experience;
• Empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to equity;
• Experience writing planning documents (Municipal Plans, Land Use Bylaws, etc.), preferably in Atlantic Canada;
• A bachelor’s degree (minimum) in planning, community design, architecture, environmental sciences, land development, or related disciplines. Additional years of planning experience may be considered in lieu of formal education;
• Excellent writing skills and attention to detail;
• Familiarity with Atlantic Canada and rural communities;
• Data analysis and data presentation skills;
• Aptitude for public speaking and small-group facilitation (e.g. hosting a workshop table discussion);
• A functional understanding of GIS;
• Driver’s license (or ability to obtain); and
• Ability to legally work in Canada.

Nice to haves:

• Project management experience;
• A passion for relevant policy issues (e.g. housing, coastal protection);
• Municipal Development Officer experience;
• Limited Working Proficiency (or better) in French;
• Experience collaborating with First Nations; and
• MCIP designation.

Other Details:

We’re not just filling a position; we’re adding to our team. If you’re interested but don’t have all the qualifications, send us your application anyway – along with a compelling cover letter – and let us decide. You just may be the team member we’re looking for.

UPLAND is committed to creating and celebrating a diverse work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, genetics, or marital status. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment. To request reasonable accommodation in relation to this job posting, please contact Beth at 902-423-0649 or beth@uplandstudio.ca

In order to be considered for this position, please submit a CV and cover letter to jobs@uplandstudio.ca 

Deadline: February 15, 2023