Salary: $58,915.64 – $67,319.53 annually
Full Time, BCGEU position
Location: Salt Spring Island, BC
Competition #26166
Closing Date: May 27, 2015

The Islands Trust area is a special place – a scenic archipelago of 13 major islands and more than 450 smaller islands. Our islands are characterized by vital communities, a rich cultural history and habitat for an exceptional variety of species, some found nowhere else in Canada. Outstanding scenery and recreational resources include panoramic viewpoints, sheltered bays with warm sand and pebble beaches and protected marine waterways and anchorages that contribute to the Trust Area’s beauty and appeal.

There is a local trust committee for each island or group of islands designated as a local trust area under the Island Trust Act.

Comprised of locally elected trustees and one Executive Committee member, a local trust committee is responsible for land-use planning and regulation for its area of jurisdiction. As such, its responsibilities include preparation and adoption of an Official Community Plan (OCP), comprehensive land use bylaws, and authorization of certain Local Government Act permits.

About the Job:

This is an intermediate planning position, working out of the Salt Spring Office that provides planning services to the Salt Spring Island Local Trust area (Salt Spring Island plus adjacent smaller islands). Currently the Salt Spring Office has two junior Planners (Planner 1’s), a vacant intermediate Planner position (Planner 2), and a senior Planner (Island Planner). This team is complimented by three administrative staff, one bylaw enforcement officer, and a Regional Planning Manager.

The Planner 2 is responsible for addressing a number of planning related duties including, public enquiries, site visits, policy development, research, processing moderately difficult development applications including development permits, development variance permits, Official Community Plan amendments, and amendments to an LTC Land Use Bylaw.

About You:

You are energetic, creative, motivated and a well-organized individual with excellent interpersonal skills and a strong customer service ethic;
You enjoy a collaborative, busy work environment;
You enjoy working in smaller communities and rural environment;
You have strong communication skills;
You have the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with elected officials, colleagues, landowners and the general public.

Your Education and Experience:

A university degree in planning or another relevant field such as geography or environmental science;
At least three years’ experience in the planning field (preference will be given to candidates who have working experience in small local governments in British Columbia, and experience working on community planning projects); or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
Knowledge of relevant sections of applicable legislation and policies including Part 26 of the Local Government Act, the Islands Trust Act and Islands Trust Policy Statement, Community Charter, Interpretation Act, Agricultural Land Commission Act, and the Land Title Act and related regulations and a thorough knowledge of planning and common law principles;
Strong understanding of sustainable community planning issues and approaches, particularly those that would relate to the preservation and protection of the natural environment and unique amenities of an island community;
Experience assisting in the development of official community plans, land use bylaws, and development permit area guidelines would be an asset; and
Membership or eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners.

Skills and Abilities needed to be successful in this position:

Exceptional team-oriented interpersonal skills;
Ability to work well under pressure with a strong customer service orientation;
To be a strong advocate for community planning and for the policies of the Islands Trust;
Ability to effectively deal with political issues and their impacts, and ability to establish and maintain constructive working relationships with a wide variety of public/private officials;
Demonstrated oral and written communication skills;
Ability to work independently and proactively in a supervised team environment.

Submitting Your Application:

Prior to submitting a resume and cover letter, please visit our website www.islandstrust.bc.ca to become familiar with the Islands Trust. Applications may be considered for other current or future vacancies, including permanent, and/or temporary positions in this office. An eligibility list may be established. Applicants are required to submit a resume and a cover letter demonstrating how they meet the selection criteria. Only those applicants shortlisted will be contacted.

We offer employees tremendous opportunities to apply and enhance their skills in a positive work environment. If you are seeking a challenging and rewarding career opportunity, please submit your application by quoting Competition Number #26166 and submit it to: