Business Leadership – Excluded Position
Salary Range: $83,597 – $92,885 annually
Full-time
Location:  Gabriola Island
Competition # 26293
Closing Date: June 12, 2015 @ 4:00pm

If you are an experienced senior land use planner with strong management and leadership skills, in-depth understanding of BC’s planning and regulatory landscape and local government, then we have an offer for you.

As the Regional Planning Manager, you can enjoy an island lifestyle on the second most populated of BC’s Gulf Islands, known for its natural beauty, and its engaged and creative community. Located between Mainland BC and Vancouver Island, Gabriola Island is a quick ferry ride from Nanaimo, BC. Gabriola offers the best of an island pace of life, excellent community amenities plus easy access to nearby cultural, business and entertainment centres that are among the best in Canada.

Your office is located within the Islands Trust Area – 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.

The Regional Planning Manager is responsible for land use planning on Denman, Gabriola, Hornby, Gambier, Lasqueti, Ballenas-Winchelsea and Thetis islands. Reporting to the Director of Local Planning Services, you will be responsible for ensuring team effectiveness. In addition to providing senior land use planning advice and occasionally managing complex planning projects, you will manage work programs, budget and employee performance. As the senior planning professional in the work unit, you will advise elected officials about emerging policy and regulatory issues and assist in the development of strategic directions.

As the Regional Planning Manager you would support land use planning in the Northern Island Local Trust Area. Reporting to the Director of Local Planning Services, you will be responsible for a team of planners, ensuring land use planning is carried out in accordance with the Islands Trust mandate of preserving and protecting the unique amenities and environment of island communities. In addition to providing senior land use planning advice and occasionally managing complex planning projects, you will also manage work programs, budget and employee performance. As the senior planning professional in the work unit, you will advise elected officials about emerging policy and regulatory issues and assist in developing strategic responses.

About you:

You are an 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 environments;
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 graduate degree in planning or another relevant field such as geography or environmental science, and
At least five years’ experience in the planning field, with demonstrable responsible planning experience with local government, and
Demonstrated supervisory and or management experience;
Or, an equivalent combination of education and experience;
Experience with or understanding of SharePoint environment would be an asset;
Membership or eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners.

Skills and Abilities needed to be successful in this position:

Ability to work independently under pressure with minimal supervision
A strong advocate for community planning and for the policies of the Islands Trust
Demonstrated sensitivity to political issues and impacts
Ability to establish and maintain constructive working relationships with a wide range of public officials and managers, private executives and general public
Demonstrated oral and written communication skills
A working knowledge and understanding of the various provincial government Acts and regulations that related to local government land use planning
A thorough understanding of Legislative conventions related to local governments
An understanding of Common Law principles related to local governments

Prior to submitting an application/resume and cover letter, please visit our website www.islandstrust.bc.ca to become familiar with the Islands Trust and to view a complete list of duties and qualifications.  Only those applicants shortlisted will be contacted.  Applicants are required to submit a cover letter demonstrating how your Education and Experience meet the needs of the position.  A written test may be administered.

Occasional Travel and overtime are requirements of the job, along with occasional evenings/weekends.

Transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the Islands Trust, which include a fully qualified valid Class 5 BC drivers’ license.  Flexible work options may be available.

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.

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 #26293 and submit it to: