Planner I 

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Heritage and Urban Design, the Urban Designer is part of a team providing urban design and heritage planning services to the City. In the position of a Planner I – Urban Design, you will undertake built form modelling as input into various City initiated projects, proposed developments and other planning studies; and participate, develop, and provide support on public realm initiatives. You will assist with ongoing research and formulation of urban design principles, policies, guidelines and practices.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in ongoing citywide studies and provide expert urban design support to help inform the outcome of various planning policies and design guidelines, including urban design initiatives related to the public realm.
• Develop, recommend, and implement innovative urban design approaches through conceptual drawings and diagrams, built form modelling, and public realm and streetscape strategies.
• Undertake research on applicable urban design topics and trends, and maintain an awareness of developments, advancements and Best Practices in the architecture and urban design fields to retain technical competency.
• Undertake built form modelling as input to various planning studies.
• Support inter-departmental initiatives that require Urban Design expertise.
• Facilitate workshops and design charettes.
• Support in the preparation of written reports, guidelines, policies, and implementing strategies supplemented by drawings.
• Perform other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job, such as liaising with other departments, public agencies, the public and other stakeholders.
• Attend and participate in internal and external meetings to review development proposals and help identify preliminary urban design concerns per the City’s objectives and strategic priorities.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience

• Post-secondary education in architecture, urban design, planning (with an urban design focus), or a related discipline is mandatory.
• 1 to 2 years of continuous work experience in the field of architecture and/or urban design
• Municipal experience is an asset.
• Membership in OPPI, and/or other professional organizations in the field of urban design, and an RPP designation will be considered a strong asset.

Required Skills/Knowledge

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of architecture and built form.
• Provides expert urban design opinions that help shape municipal policies and guidelines.
• Strong working knowledge and proficiency in industry softwares including Microsoft Office Suite, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is a requirement.
• Proven organizational skills and the ability to work within tight deadlines and competing priorities.
• Knowledge of the planning process and related legislation.
• Highly developed technical, analytical, design, graphic, interpretation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with public and private agencies.
• Concise and clear, report writing and guideline writing skills.
• Creating visually appealing presentations and documents for varying audiences.
• Conducting research and analysis of urban design trends and best practices.
• Effective negotiation and conflict resolution skills to balance and prioritize political, community and other stakeholder interests in the development and design of projects.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with minimal supervision.

Other Requirements/ Assests

• Demonstrate the City’s corporate values of care, collaboration, courage and service.
• Possess a valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license.
• Access to a vehicle to conduct site visits.
• Proof of vehicle insurance.

Leadership Competencies