We are accepting applications for a permanent full-time Planner I - Development to join our Planning and Development Services team. The Planner I evaluates land use development proposals, drafts amendments to the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS), Official Community Plans (OCPs), Local Area Plans (LAPs) and zoning bylaws, leads public and stakeholder consultations, researches and prepares reports on various planning issues and provides information to the public, committees and staff. This position is customer facing and provides professional advice to CVRD Planning and Development Services Representatives in the provision of planning services to the general public.
Reporting to the Manager of Planning Services, the primary responsibilities of this role include:
• Evaluating land use development proposals for compliance with RGS, OCPs, LAPs, zoning bylaws and land use planning principles;
• Assessing need for amendment to RGS, OCP, LAP and zoning bylaws in order to approve current development proposals and plans;
• Arranging and conducting statutory public hearings, meetings, workshops and open houses to discuss RGS, OCP, LAP and zoning amendments and other land use and planning matters;
• Liaising with agencies, community groups and stakeholders in zoning reviews to identify and consider their positions/needs;
• Preparing reports and recommendations regarding development, rezoning and OCP applications and land use and planning issues for review by management;
• Preparing amendments to OCPs, LAPs and zoning bylaws;
• Undertaking site visits to meet with owners and/or agents to walk the site, taking note of physical characters, taking photos, and evaluating the appropriateness of the development proposal for the particular site;
• Conducting research on current and emerging planning matters;
• Providing land use information to the public, community groups and other stakeholders;
• Responding to enquiries regarding planning issues.
Our ideal candidate is:
• A strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills;
• Current in local government land use, zoning and subdivision control bylaws, the processes relating to development permits, development variance permits, subdivision, rezoning OCP and LAP amendments, and land use planning principles;
• Current in provincial legislation relating to the work, including the Local Government Act, Land Title Act, Agricultural Land Commission Act and Strata Property Act Mines Act;
• Educated in community or regional planning at the post-secondary level with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and eligible for membership with the Canadian Institute of Planners or Planning Institute of BC;
• Experienced in land use planning and zoning with over six months up to one year of directly related experience;
• Comfortable conducting public meetings and presenting technical information;
• 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 and SharePoint.
A valid BC Class 5 driver’s license is required for this role. Successful candidates will be required to consent to a Canadian Criminal Record Check (including vulnerable sector search if applicable).
While this position is primarily in-office, there may be flexibility to work from home one day per week or one day every two weeks upon approval of an alternate work agreement following successful completion of the six-month probationary period.
This is a CUPE Local 556 position with a current wage rate of $44.82 per hour.
To review the complete job description and to apply go to www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/jobs.
The closing date for this position is April 27, 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. If your application is shortlisted, you will be contacted in a timely manner to arrange an interview. Virtual or in-person interviews are available.
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.