PLANNER I – Community Planning

(Full-Time 14-Month Contract)

Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) is a self-governing First Nation that delivers a wide range of community services, including all of those typically delivered by municipalities. The Lands Department is responsible for the delivery of all planning, development, and engineering related services.

TFN is seeking a qualified individual to join our Lands Department in the full-time 14-month contract position of Planner 1 - Community Planning, with the possibility of being converted to a permanent position. Reporting to the Manager of Community Planning Services, The Planner I – Community Planning will be responsible for a wide range of long-term planning and member engagement initiatives under guidance of senior planning staff, including researching, analyzing, preparing, and updating TFN’s land use plans, policies, and regulations.

The Planner I – Community Planning will work closely with staff in the Lands Department, Municipal Infrastructure Department, Language & Culture Department, Policy & Intergovernmental Affairs and Government Services Departments. The successful incumbent will be expected to maintain effective working relationships with staff members, Chief and Council, community members and the public. 

Specific Responsibilities

• Undertake long-range planning processes and engage in future-oriented planning. Coordinate with consultants/contractors as needed, draft consultant service contracts, manage third party contracts, and facilitate Member engagement sessions to align with community/leadership objectives
• Prepare concise reports for Executive Council (EC) consideration, draft memos, and policy documents as needed. Conduct research, analysis, and inter-departmental liaison to achieve organizational goals
• Review, interpret, and analyze land use acts, policies, and regulations
• Coordinate meetings, conduct independent document reviews, identify issues, propose solutions for review by senior staff, and assist in project management, including budget preparation, scheduling, and payment processing
• Collect, analyze, and present statistical information related to planning and zoning research to committees, senior staff, and TFN membership. Prepare and deliver presentations as required.
• Assist in planning presentations to official bodies (e.g., Agricultural Advisory Committee), including scheduling committee meetings, ensuring quorum, creating meeting presentations and graphics, recording minutes, and following up on meeting outcomes
• Respond to planning information requests from TFN Members, leaseholders, and outside groups or agencies addressing concerns, locating information, and providing responses verbally or via email

• Manage internal communications with TFN staff, including providing project updates, preparing meeting minutes and reports, clarifying technical project requirements, and processing invoices and expenses
• Develop Request for Proposals (RFPs) for artwork to be developed by TFN Resident Artists, youth, and other members, and confirm cost and timelines prior to drafting and managing Artist Agreements
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities as necessary, prepare grant reports (interim and final), manage grant budgets, and provide overall financial management for all community planning initiatives, and coordinate related events and meetings
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• University degree in Planning (e.g., Urban and Regional) from an accredited planning program. A relevant program with pertinent working experience may be considered.
• A registered Professional Planner or eligibility for membership with the Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC)
• Two to three years’ experience in a similarly complex and diverse municipal environment

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Excellent technical writing and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to write clear, concise, logically connected reports and briefing notes
• Ability to research and develop policy documents and implementation strategies collaboratively with various stakeholder/community groups
• Working knowledge of the functions and interactions of the various levels of government including federal, provincial, Treaty First Nation and municipal
• Knowledge and experience working with First Nations communities and governments – familiarity with the activities and culture of TFN is considered an asset
• Working knowledge of municipal regulations and laws relating to planning applications and engineering specifications, including a clear understanding of their interrelationships
• Experience in the review and recommendations for approval of development applications
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software applications, as well as Internet research abilities
• Experience using ArcGIS or similar GIS system
• Experience using graphic design software
• Ability to respect confidentiality, and to communicate effectively and courteously with all levels of staff, external government agencies/authorities, the development community, TFN members and leaseholders
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Capacity to respond quickly to changing demands and priorities under tight deadlines
• Strong problem-solving skills, adept at brainstorming and creatively overcoming project barriers, such as devising strategies to revitalize stalled engagement programs in response to unforeseen challenges
• Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative decision-making processes with project team members, including selecting the most effective approaches for community engagement and resolving site or project-related issues
• Must complete a satisfactory Criminal Records Check
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and access to a reliable personal vehicle
• Experience with Tempest software is an asset

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily indoors in an office environment with the option to work remotely a few days a week. Off-site travel is occasionally required to conduct site visits for construction projects, attend meetings, committees, conferences, and training events

Wages:  Pay scale for this position is $45.30 to 47.83 per hour ($88,335 to $93,268 per annum) with excellent benefits including enrolment in the BC Municipal Pension Plan. Placement within the pay scale is based on a review of skills, experience & internal equity. 

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview. 

Pursuant to the Tsawwassen First Nation Government Employees Act, first priority in hiring among qualified applicants will be given to Tsawwassen Members, second priority to spouses (as defined in s. 3 (1) of the BC Family Law Act) of Tsawwassen Members, and third priority to members of other First Nations. If you fall within one of these categories and you wish to have this voluntary information considered as part of your application, please indicate the applicable category in your cover letter.