Planning Assistant (full-time)

OPEN DATE:          May 11, 2026

CLOSING DATE:    4 pm Thursday, May 21, 2026

DEPARTMENT:      Planning Services

DIVISION:            Planning

SECTION:              N/A

REPORTS TO:        Director of Planning Services

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About The Organization:

Come live, work and play in paradise! Located along the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Powell River is a contemporary hub that balances abundant, natural beauty and a surplus of adventures with growing industry sectors in technology, retail, and tourism. Located just a 90-minute ferry away from Vancouver Island, within the traditional territory of the Tla'amin Nation, Powell River offers a mix of urban and rural living in a temperate climate. It’s known for an unparalleled outdoor lifestyle, a vibrant arts community, and four seasons of recreational adventures to explore. 

JOB SUMMARY:

The Planning Assistant provides customer-focused administrative and technical support to the Planning Services Division by coordinating and tracking development and land use applications from intake to decision. Responsibilities include reviewing incoming materials for completeness, setting up and maintaining accurate digital records, coordinating referrals and supporting planners with routine file reviews, permit drafting and related correspondence. The incumbent assists with notices and Council-related steps, follows up on outstanding items and maintains documentation to support timely file progression. The Planning Assistant supports a broad range of planning activities and related corporate work including litigation support, environmental investigations and research. Performs related duties.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

The City is committed to supporting early‑career professionals through training, mentoring and progressive skill development within the Planning Services Division.  As such, other combinations of education and demonstrated skills may be considered.

Education and Training:

Grade 12 Diploma. Completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree in planning, geography, urban studies, public administration, environmental studies, land use or a related field.

Experience: Six (6) months experience in development services in the local government sector including preparation of bylaws, legal agreements, requests for proposals, maintaining databases and digital records management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Foundational understanding of applicable legislation such as the Local Government Act, Community Charter and municipal bylaws, plans and policies related to land use. Demonstrated ability to multitask in a high‑volume environment with strong attention to detail and deadlines.  The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. Strong communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with the public, including managing challenging interactions. Knowledge of customer service principles in a public‑facing environment, including respectful communication, de‑escalation and responding to sensitive inquiries. Ability to coordinate input from internal departments and external agencies/organizations. Working knowledge of common administrative, document production and office technologies, including the ability to use databases and mapping/GIS resources to locate property information and support application review. Demonstrated skill in preparing and formatting routine documents with accuracy and attention to detail. Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple files simultaneously. Ability to exercise sound judgement, maintain professionalism and confidentiality and recognize when to refer complex technical or policy matters to planning staff or supervisors. Demonstrated adaptability and willingness to learn, including the capacity to quickly become proficient with City systems, templates and evolving processes, and to maintain up-to-date knowledge of planning-related requirements relevant to the position.

PAY RATE:

This is a union position with the current pay rate of $39.83 per hour as outlined in the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 798 Collective Agreement.

HOURS OF WORK:

8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, 7 hours per day, 35 hours per week

Full Job Description Here

How To Apply:

If you are interested in this position:

1. Complete the questions contained in the application below.  NOTE: CUPE members must use their correct seniority date.  After completing the questions, click "Next".
2. Attach a cover letter and a resume as separate PDF or Word documents.  This is a mandatory requirement of the application process. 
3. Attach copies of degrees, diplomas, and certifications if applicable in one single PDF or Word document.
4. IMPORTANT: Each applicant must use an email address unique to them.

 We thank all applicants for their interest, however, we may choose to only acknowledge those applicants selected for interview.

The City of Powell River is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants may be required to participate in formal testing and interviews and to provide documentation to demonstrate and support their qualifications.