Project Planner

About Us
Aplin Martin is a full-service Civil Engineering, Architecture, Planning, Environmental and Survey company, celebrating over 57 years of success in making sustainable communities a reality across Canada. Over the five decades, the Aplin Martin family has grown into a multi-disciplinary firm of around 300 talented and dedicated professionals delivering innovative and practical design solutions, approval strategies, and project management services to our clients in BC, AB, and ON. We are dedicated to nurturing our employees’ growth and development, and providing a supportive environment with a strong emphasis on mentorship and professional development that ensures a rewarding career within our organization.

The Opportunity
The Project Planner is a mid-level role on our development planning team, working on behalf of landowners, developers, and builders to move projects through municipal approvals. It is distinct from our community planning group, which advises municipalities and public bodies. The Project Planner takes ownership of the day-to-day execution of active files and carries them through to delivery, with strategy and priorities set by senior planners and project managers.

Typical Functions

• Interact and coordinate with outside agencies, select industry partners and subconsultants.
• Coordinate and attend site visits, when required.
• Review Bylaw and Policies documents and research project background information.
• Develop planning studies and reports in support of development applications and plans.
• Attend evening and/or weekend meetings for Committee/Council meetings, public meetings, and Client meetings, when required.
• Prepare, coordinate, and attend open houses.
• Prepare technical information for meetings.
• Answer clients on day-to-day technical enquiries.
• Drive the schedule on assigned files, tracking deadlines, statutory clocks, and referral periods
• Undertake technical, proposal, and memorandum writing, including planning rationales in support of development applications.
• Assess site plans and development proposals against applicable bylaws, zoning, and codes, and run density, setback, and site-yield calculations.
• Collect a variety of statistical data and prepare reports and maps.
• May perform basic subdivision and conceptual layout design as well as graphic illustration.
• Prepare, coordinate, and submit development application packages on behalf of clients, and manage resubmissions and responses to municipal staff comments.
• Coordination with outside agencies as required on a project basis.
• Act as the day-to-day point of contact with municipal staff on application completeness, circulation, and timelines.
• Support proposals and business development: draft sections, assemble packages, produce pursuit graphics, and keep marketing materials current.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning.
• Knowledge of a relevant specialization such as transportation, land use, or affordable housing is desired.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection.
• Knowledge of effective writing techniques.
• Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the Adobe Creative Suite, with strong command of InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop;
• Working knowledge of the BC development approvals framework, including the Local Government Act and municipal zoning, OCP, and Development Permit regimes.
• Familiarity with development applications from the applicant and consulting side.

• Strong oral communication and interpersonal skills, including the confidence to speak in client, municipal, and public meetings.
• Critical thinking and creative problem-solving to gather relevant information and resolve loosely defined problems.
• Ability to apply bylaws, zoning, and codes to real site conditions.
• Ability to create graphic designs and render site plans via sketches and computer graphics, using the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and within a team, with the judgment to know when to escalate.
• Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind.
• Takes ownership of files and delivers, with a reputation for finishing what lands on the desk.
• Self-starting and entrepreneurial: sees what needs doing and moves without being told.

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, architecture, public policy, or a related field; master's an asset.
• 3 to 5 years of planning experience on the applicant, developer, or private consulting side, with a demonstrated record of moving development applications through municipal approvals.
• A demonstrated record of project ownership and delivery.
• Eligibility /Enrollment for MCIP accreditation.
• British Columbia development application experience strongly preferred.
• Valid BC driver's license.

Compensation
The salary range for this position is $75,000 to $90,000 per year, commensurate with experience, skillsets, and qualifications.

Benefits & Rewards

• Comprehensive health benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, an employee assistance program, life insurance, AD&D and LTD
• Education assistance program
• Monthly health & fitness allowance
• Group RRSP program & employer matching
• Flexible working arrangements
• Equal opportunities for career growth and advancement within the organization
• Fun social, team building events and professional development activities
• A culture that supports learning, collaboration, and work-life balance

Aplin Martin is committed to fostering a supportive, diverse, and inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities. If you have any questions about accessibility or require any assistance during the hiring process, please reach out at [email protected].

Aplin Martin is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.