Career Center

About the Opportunity

Our thriving Victoria branch is looking to add a talented and enthusiastic Planner to join our existing team of professional planners, engineers, and other professionals working with local communities on Vancouver Island.  

Our planning practice excels at providing professional planning services to clients who are dealing with the interconnections between governance, policy, finance, community design, land use, mobility, and infrastructure. More and more of our clients are looking for innovative ideas and customized solutions based on an integrated perspective of these fields.

This position presents a significant opportunity for someone with a keen interest in transportation planning to directly contribute to improving Vancouver Island communities through the growth of Urban Systems’ local transportation planning practice, drawing on local resources and with potential to serve across Urban Systems’ branches.

Do you see yourself excited to contribute to…

• Providing planning support on a broad range of transportation planning projects including but not limited to multi-modal and active transportation, school travel planning, corridor planning, parking management, parking feasibility and transit planning
• Technical writing and communications, including the preparation of planning documents for delivery to clients and for engagement purposes
• Conducting research, analysis, and report writing
• Spreadsheet development, statistical analysis, and technical study
• Understanding of spatial data
• Understanding of legislation, regulations, and policies
• Assisting in the preparation of planning documents, technical studies and preparing presentations for clients and public meetings
• Preparing presentations for client and public meetings
• Collaborating with the existing team to develop public engagement materials such as open house panels, newsletters, brochures and community surveys
• Preparing for and attending public and stakeholder engagement events
• Attending meetings and liaising with clients

About Us

Urban Systems is an employee-owned interdisciplinary community consulting firm with deep Canadian roots.

Since 1975, we have grown to more than 600 people with 18 offices across Canada. Every day, our purpose-driven team works closely with our clients and their communities to deliver impactful work. We are proud to work with diverse clients, including Indigenous communities, all levels of government, commercial and residential land developers, and the natural resource sector.

We care for our communities and for our people. It’s our differences that make us exciting, and our shared belief in Urban Systems that binds us together. As a small transportation planning team focused on a mix of local, regional, provincial, and Indigenous clients, we strive to deliver excellent multi-modal solutions for the communities we serve. Our team works closely with our community planners, transportation and civil engineers, landscape architects communications professionals, and cartographic and visual specialists to provide a multi-disciplinary and holistic approach to transportation planning and implementation.

Our Commitment to You

Are you just getting started in your career? You're in the right place! Join our purpose-driven team today to build your career and be part of our mission to build vibrant communities across Canada. Here’s what you can expect as a part of the Urban Systems team:

• Competitive Compensation and Benefits. Your skills and contributions are valued. You’ll receive competitive compensation, extended health, dental and vision care coverage, and more. This position will have a salary range of $68,000 - $73,000 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The range is negotiable based on your skillset and experience.
• Learn and Grow. Grow your career with Urban Systems! You are encouraged to take initiative and shape your career through coaching, in-house learning, technical courses, and more.
• Paid Time Off. We encourage all team members to take time off to recharge and spend time with loved ones. This position starts with 3 weeks of paid vacation, in addition to statutory days off throughout the year.
• Flexible Hours & Work Environment. We offer flexibility in your work schedule and work environment to help you do your best work and meet your commitments.
• Work with Inter-Disciplinary Teams. You will be part of diverse, interdisciplinary teams to deliver important work for our clients and their communities.
• You're in Good Company. Build relationships with an accountable, fun, and engaged team.
• Preparing for the Future. To help you achieve your long-term retirement goals, we offer a Long-Term Matching Program that matches your contributions to an RRSP or TSFA. We also offer generous top-up for parental leave.
• Create Lasting Community Impact. 98% of Urban Systems employees believe that the work we do is important. Join a team of like-minded leaders and work together to bring impactful community projects to life.

How to Apply

If this describes your background, skills, and attributes, please visit our website for more information and submit your resume and cover letter. If it doesn’t describe you exactly, but you feel you are well suited to this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.

Urban Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create an inclusive culture for all employees. Our clients come from all walks of life, and so do our team members. We believe that diversity and unity amongst our teams lead to building vibrant communities.

Deadline for applications:  Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 9:00 am PDT

About You

Our preferred candidate will have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in planning or a related field. A demonstrated interest in the transportation field and/or supplemental study or training specific to transportation is required. Past relevant experience providing transportation planning services for municipalities, regional districts, transportation service providers, and/or Indigenous communities is an asset.

The following attributes would be key to success in this role:

• You are early in your career and committed to ongoing personal and professional development and are passionate about the field of transportation
• A service-oriented mindset with a passion for serving urban, rural, and Indigenous communities on Vancouver Island and throughout Western Canada
• A self-starter who is opportunity-seeking and looking to expand their knowledge and skills
• An ability to thrive in a self-directed work environment, take initiative, and work independently
• A belief in the value of teamwork and demonstrated ability to collaborate, learn, and think creatively when working with a range of perspectives
• A willingness and desire to work in a variety of practice areas for a variety of clients
• Excellent communication skills with demonstrated proficiency in writing, verbal, and visual communication
• Problem-solving skills that involve technical and non-technical matters
• Strong organizational capabilities, demonstrating time management skills and the ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects with variable teams and competing deadlines
• Ability to research and translate complicated concepts into materials and deliverables for various audiences
• An ability to connect with colleagues and industry partners demonstrating curiosity for process, opportunities, and personal development

About Urba Systems

About Us Recognized as one of Canada’s top employers, Urban Systems is an employee-owned inter-disciplinary consulting firm based in Western Canada. In business since 1975, we have over four decades of experience working with a variety of clients including all levels of government, Indigenous communities, commercial and residential land developers, and the natural resource sector. Our team of 450 people, across multiple branches, is committed to helping build vibrant communities of all sizes. Our Commitment to You At Urban Systems, we make significant investments in our people, which is why we take great care to hire those who we believe will thrive in Urban Systems over the long term. We’ve become recognized as a workplace of choice by nurturing a unique corporate culture that sets us apart and provides: •Challenging and interesting project opportunities; •A fun workplace, where hard work accomplishes great things; •The opportunity to work with industry leading professionals in a collaborative environment; •Ongoing career development and learning; and •Meaningful rewards and recognition.

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