Planner II in Courtenay

We are accepting applications from CVRD CUPE Local 556 employees only for a six-month full-time term (or until the return of the incumbent) Planner II – Long Range position, to join our Planning and Development Services team. This position reports to and works with the Manager of Long Range Planning & Sustainability to develop policy and implement CVRD board priorities and strategic initiatives; such as climate change adaptation and mitigation and the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS).

This position will work alongside the manager to assist with long range planning initiatives for the CVRD and undertake a wide variety of regional planning work including:

• Assisting with complex planning projects and studies from initiation to completion including project management, grant writing, overseeing consultants, designing and delivering community engagement processes, conducting research, and preparing and presenting reports to diverse audiences.

The primary responsibilities of this role include:

• Coordinating and assisting with policy and bylaw amendment projects that are both sensitive and complex in nature;
• Developing strategic planning policy and project management of major projects or amendments to the RGS, Official Community Plan and Local Area Plans and other long-range planning related strategic initiatives;
• Researching, coordinating and implementing sustainability and climate change projects and initiatives;
• Conducting in-depth technical studies and research on various complex matters, both in a regional and rural context;
• Facilitating productive relationships with both internal and external partners working toward decision making on planning and implementation impacts of key projects and Official Community Plan and Local Area Plans and RGS policies;
• Planning and facilitating public consultation and engagement processes related to long range planning projects and policy initiatives;
• Collaborating with various partners and rights holders at the local and provincial levels to source funding grants and partnerships to support the CVRD's policy initiatives and long range planning projects;
• Coordinating and facilitating engagement and consultation opportunities with municipal and provincial staff on key projects and policy initiatives.

Our ideal candidate is:

• A relationship builder able to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts including board members, provincial and federal agencies, elected officials, First Nations, community groups and other stakeholders;
• Comfortable conducting public meetings and presenting technical information related to a broad array of planning topics;
• Educated with an undergraduate degree of four years or equivalent in land use planning, environmental studies or other related discipline and over four and up to five years of directly related experience in long range planning;
• Eligible for membership with the Planning Institute of BC;
• Current with provincial legislation relating to the work, including the Local Government Act, Land Title Act, Agricultural Land Commission Act and Strata Property Act Mines Act;
• Current in the principles, practices and objectives related to long range planning, sustainability and climate change;
• A strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to diffuse conflict when required;
• A creative, thoughtful, and collaborative problem solver;
• Self-motivated and able to organize and balance multiple priorities;
• Resourceful with strong research and writing skills;
• Comfortable providing advice and technical guidance to other staff;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with strong skills in Adobe Acrobat, Explorer, and SharePoint.

A valid BC Class 5 driver's license is required for this role. This is a CUPE Local 556 position with a current wage rate of $49.47 per hour. The closing date for this position is October 19, 2026 at 3:00 pm. Applications for available positions with the CVRD must be received prior to the indicated closing date and time. We appreciate all applications; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The CVRD respectfully acknowledges the land on which it operates is on the unceded traditional territory of the K'ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land. The CVRD is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive work environment. We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.