Urban Planner

Urban Strategies Inc. is seeking an Urban Planner for their Toronto office. The role involves collaborating on various urban planning projects, analyzing policy documents, and supporting project management and client communication. Candidates will work within a hybrid environment, contributing to both small and complex projects while ensuring quality control and effective resource management. The position also includes mentoring new planners and supporting marketing efforts.
Position Title: Urban Planner

TORONTO

Urban Strategies Inc.® is an urban design, planning and engagement consultancy with studios in Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario, and Vancouver, B.C. We lead complex projects in cities all over the world and have an active practice across Canada and in the US, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. We are problem solvers who can help achieve successful outcomes for the full range of urban opportunities. Urban Strategies is a group of 70+ Planners, Urban Designers and specialized staff. The firm is led by our 16 Partners and 6 Principals and supported by a complement of skilled professionals. We have diverse backgrounds, including architecture, landscape architecture, planning, public administration, engagement, geospatial analysis, graphic design and the visual arts. We combine our diverse perspectives to plan and design welcoming, thriving places – and have fun in the process.

Position Summary

Urban Strategies is looking to hire an Urban Planner based in our Toronto office. Urban Planners are responsible for collaborating on a wide range of assignments on projects large and small in a variety of settings. Urban Strategies currently operates within a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Project Leadership, an Urban Planner will:

• Work with multidisciplinary teams to advance complex projects;

• Support the analysis and summarization of policy documents, zoning-by-laws and background studies;

• Develop innovative policies, practices and outcomes;

• Support the preparation of reports, presentations, panels and other materials for communication with clients and project stakeholders;

• Work independently and exercise judgement on specific tasks to support the overall project team;

• Communicate clearly, professionally, and persuasively, both orally and in writing;

• Adapt and respond to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment;

• Quality control and troubleshooting of project work.

Project Management

• Under the guidance of Project Leadership advance small projects; support the advancement of complex projects as part of a multidisciplinary team;

• Support and, when required, lead meeting facilitation with clients and at community consultation events.

• Oversee and support the presentation of concepts at client and public meetings;

• Contribute to the preparation and management of client contracts and budgets; follow up with clients as requested with regards to invoicing and collections, and highlighting with Project Leadership when there are concerns.

• Manage the scheduling and logistics for meetings and consultation events;

• Support optimal resource allocation and utilization for project teams;

• Report back to Project Leadership any key issues or concerns regarding project processes, budgets and client or subconsultant relations;

• Ensure that business development is updated as to the project status and that project marketing materials are up to date.

Leadership & Mentoring

• Support the onboarding of (buddy with) new planners in collaboration with project teams.

Marketing and Business Development

• Support the preparation of responses to RFP's; strongly consider how to structure the components of an RFP and team members.

• Under the guidance of the Partners and Principals, participate in and support marketing and business development discussions and initiatives working closely with the Business Development team (e.g. award submissions, client or industry presentations, website materials).

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in planning or a related field.

• Demonstrated strong knowledge of and experience in applying planning policy and regulations in Ontario, including the Provincial Policy, and official plans and zoning by-laws.

• Able to connect, engage and influence.

• Organized and detail oriented.

• Travel may be required for this position.

Desirable:

• Master’s degree in planning or a related field.

• Membership in OPPI and CIP.

• Basic skills in Adobe InDesign and Adobe Creative Suite software (i.e. Photoshop, Illustrator).

• Proven knowledge and/or experience working with GIS, data mapping, management and analysis.

• Fluency in French or Mandarin.

Application Instructions

Within your attached cover letter, please include why you are interested in working for Urban Strategies. Tell us about the path you have taken in becoming and growing as an Urban Planner.

Please also attach a separate writing sample for which you are the sole author of.

Urban Strategies is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that success happens when new ideas can flourish in an environment that values diversity, a place where people from various backgrounds and experiences can work productively together to produce great results. Our studios are designed for maximum interaction, across all disciplines and levels of seniority. We cultivate an integrated, collegial workplace both in person and working remotely, with numerous staff committees, social events, and professional development programs. These opportunities to celebrate, learn and have fun together are essential to our philosophy as an organization. We strive to build up each other and the profession. We make space for everyone at the firm to grow, lead, teach and have an impact. We share what we learn and expand opportunities for people to participate in planning, design and engagement.

Please visit our website to learn more about our firm.

Note: This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required, and the employee may be required to perform other duties (that they are skilled to perform) as requested.

Please note, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please connect with us if you require accommodation in the interview process.