Planning Assistant - Project and Environmental Review

Detailed Job Description

JOIN US IN ENABLING TRADE THROUGH CANADA'S LARGEST PORT.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is an arm’s-length federal agency responsible for the shared stewardship of the lands and waters that make up the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port. Our mandate, as outlined in the Canada Marine Act, is to enable Canada’s trade objectives on behalf of all Canadians, ensuring the safe movement of goods through the Port of Vancouver while protecting the environment and considering local communities.

As an organization with a significant impact on communities and businesses across Canada, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. We strive to create a workplace that mirrors the richness of our community, empowering all employees to achieve their full potential.

The Planning Assistant - PER is responsible for supporting the administration of VFPA’s Project and Environmental Review process; coordinating minor project permit application reviews; assisting the Project and Environmental Review department with research and technical analysis in support of project permit reviews and other development-related policy issues; and supporting the monitoring of project permit activity and associated reporting.

What You Do

• Supports administration of the Project and Environmental Review process.
• Maintains ePER to track project permit status and related tools which support monitoring of the Project and Environmental Review process, including the preparation of technical reports summarizing project permit activity against defined metrics.
• Coordinates internal review of minor project permit applications; assesses the merits of applications with respect to defined planning criteria, appropriate development standards and best practices; liaises with applicants and their consultants; recommends project approval for consideration by the Supervisor, Planning – Project and Environmental Review; monitors compliance with permit conditions.
• Undertakes research and technical analysis to support project permit reviews; continuous improvement of the Project and Environmental Review process; and other development-related policy issues.
• Provides administrative support to monitor status and progress of continuous improvement initiatives for the Project and Environmental Review process.
• Supports the project and environmental review department in preparing for and implementing external consultation activities associated with project and environmental reviews.
• Prepares and implements notifications to external agencies and the public, as required, associated with minor project permit reviews.
• Assists with the maintenance of VFPA’s web pages associated with the Project and Environmental Review process.
• Addresses general public inquiries related to the project and environmental review process.
• Participate in health and safety initiatives and comply with established policy, procedures and guidelines to protect yourself and your work colleagues. Report concerns, hazards, risks and incidents to management for follow-up.
  
  
  

What You Bring

• Completion of a two-year full-time diploma in planning or another related discipline, and a minimum of 1.5 years related experience in either an urban or port planning and development capacity or direct experience with development or environmental review processes.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, in particular PowerPoint and Excel.
• Self-motivated individuals with excellent interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy and the ability to liaise effectively and positively with both staff and outside contacts.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be a team player with a customer service focus. Good organizational skills and flexibility to perform multiple tasks is required.
  
  
  

What We Offer

• Market-competitive base salaries and variable incentive plan
• Generous and inclusive benefits offering including retirement benefits plan
• Flexible remote work program
• Earned time off program
• Paid vacation and personal care leave
• Learning, development, and advancement opportunities
• Onsite gym with towel service in a national landmark in the heart of Vancouver’s waterfront
• Friendly, unique, and respectful workplace
  
  
  

Location: Vancouver, Canada

Job type: Bargaining Unit, Full-Time, Permanent, Hybrid

Working environment: Normal working office conditions.

This is Canadian-based employment, and it is expected that all employees maintain legal entitlement to work in Canada. Applicants selected to move forward in the hiring process may be subject to background checks, including but not limited to criminal record, credit, and/or reference checks.

At the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, we are dedicated to employment equity and a workplace reflective of the diversity of our port community. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and members of visible minorities. Reasonable accommodation can be provided in the selection process and while working with the port authority. If you require support applying to our openings, please contact us at [email protected].

We recognize and acknowledge that we are located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. To learn more about our indigenous relations and commitment to reconciliation, please visit our website.