Senior Planner, Open Space Strategy

Reporting to the General Supervisor of Urban Growth and Open Space (Open Space), the Senior Planner is a key leadership role responsible for directing the planning, protection, and future assembly of the city-wide open space and ecological networks. This position leads complex open space projects and strategic plans, develops and interprets key policies, and provides professional direction and supervision to a team including Planners,Ecological Planners and environmental specialists. Through expert analysis and strategic decision-making, the Senior Planner plays a significant role in ensuring the quality and sustainability of the city's green infrastructure and environmental assets, collaborating closely with inter-Departmental teams, City Council, and various external stakeholders. What will you do?

• Lead the review, assessment, and administration of various land development applications, including the North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan
• Provide expert direction and coordinate the preparation of official recommendations on development applications for City Council, Committees, and various quasi-judicial boards
• Collaborate and negotiate with development industry representatives to ensure the achievement of sustainable open space networks and desired urban form
• Partner with internal business areas to align infrastructure and social projects with the City’s open space policy framework, evaluating competing needs for comprehensive business decisions
• Direct the assessment of the City’s existing wellness, celebration, and ecological networks in alignment with corporate priorities
• Lead strategic open space asset management, including the identification of future land acquisition needs and the creation of Natural Area Management Plans
• Manage and direct external consulting services, including the preparation of Requests for Proposal (RFPs), scope, budget, and schedule for complex projects
• Supervise and manage professional, technical, and support staff, covering recruitment, performance evaluation, workload determination, and mentorship
• Create and coordinate responses to inquiries and motions from City Council, Committees, and Councilors regarding open space policies, planning, and land requirements
• Lead and support engagement with the public, media, and key external partnerships (e.g., The River Valley Alliance) pertaining to the planning and implementation of the City’s open space network

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Environmental Studies or a related degree. Master’s degree in the above-noted disciplines is preferred
• Minimum 7 years of progressively relevant and responsible experience in open space planning, policy development, and public engagement
• Minimum of two years project management and supervisory experience
• Membership or eligibility for membership with the Canadian Institute of Planners

Assets:

• Environmental studies/programs such as ecology and/or natural sciences
• Knowledge and experience in community development, organizational/process change, environmental planning and urban design

Skills required for success:

• Well-developed problem-solving and analytical capabilities
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills involving multi-party interests
• Proven supervisory, team-building, and project management expertise
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies ( https://bit.ly/4brRrXm ).
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion ( https://bit.ly/3hd2d95 ).
• Applicants may be tested

Conditions of employment & work environment:

• Up to: 1 permanent full-time position
• Hours of work: 36.9 hours per week, Monday - Friday
• Salary : $105,668.31 - $132,083.940 (Annually)
• This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite
• This position is eligible for the EDO program (Earned Day Off)
• Valid Alberta Class 5 driver's license (or provincial equivalent)
• Applicants will be required to arrange their own transportation and where appropriate will be reimbursed in accordance with City of Edmonton policy. This may require the applicant to obtain business use auto insurance
• Management and Out-of-Scope positions at the City of Edmonton are being reviewed for possible inclusion in the Civic Service Union 52 bargaining unit. If this position is impacted, the incumbent will be notified accordingly

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact employment@edmonton.ca. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits . Talent sourced through this process may be considered for similar opportunities within the City of Edmonton. Talent Acquisition Consultant: AS/SB Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.