Project Facilitator II - City of Vancouver, Vancouver

AI Summary

This Project Facilitator II role with the City of Vancouver in Vancouver involves managing highly complex development permit applications. Key duties include coordinating interdepartmental staff teams, leading public engagement, and resolving project issues among multiple parties. Applicants should possess a graduate degree in Planning, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field, coupled with considerable experience in planning and development, and proven project management ability.

About the Opportunity at the City of Vancouver

The City of Vancouver, consistently recognized as one of the world's most liveable cities and a top employer in British Columbia, is seeking a dedicated Project Facilitator II. This pivotal role within the Project Facilitation Branch contributes to the city's commitment to exceptional public service, sustainability, and an outstanding quality of life for all residents. Working in Vancouver, this position offers the chance to engage in meaningful work within the broader public service, ensuring equitable access to services and supporting citizens with integrity. The Project Facilitator II will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of urban development, particularly concerning large-scale projects and affordable housing initiatives. This role demands a high level of expertise in managing intricate processes and fostering collaborative relationships across various stakeholders, including the public and Indigenous communities.

Core Duties and Project Management Expertise

The Project Facilitator II is responsible for the comprehensive management and coordination of highly complex and often controversial development permit applications. This encompasses the entire lifecycle, from pre-application stages through staff review, decision-making by the Development Permit Board or Director of Planning, and ultimately to issuance, including Building Permit and Occupancy Permit considerations. A key aspect of this role involves coordinating the evaluation of development permit applications by diverse interdepartmental staff teams, ensuring adherence to applicable City policies, by-laws, and requirements. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong ability to identify and resolve conflicts and competing interests between review staff, applicants, and the community, facilitating negotiations for permit approval conditions. Direct engagement with applicant teams and the public is crucial, requiring strong interpersonal, public engagement, and communication skills. This includes coordinating public engagement activities, responding to enquiries, and organizing public meetings to explain proposals to the community in Vancouver. Establishing and overseeing project schedules for processing, approval, and issuance is also a critical responsibility, showcasing robust project management experience.

Required Skills and Professional Experience

Candidates for the Project Facilitator II position must possess a graduate degree in Planning, Engineering, Architecture, or a closely related field, complemented by considerable related experience in planning and development. Previous experience in a similar role with significant project management responsibilities is essential. A thorough knowledge of the development permit approval process, including the roles and responsibilities involved in project review and approval, is paramount. Expertise in the Zoning and Development By-law and other relevant by-laws, alongside considerable knowledge of governmental structures and systems, is also required. Demonstrated teamwork, facilitation, and communication skills are vital, as is considerable ability in collaborative decision-making. The role demands strong report writing skills and the ability to communicate complex issues effectively, providing clear recommendations to resolve potential challenges. The successful applicant will have the ability to successfully lead, motivate, and influence staff teams, coordinating meetings and ensuring commitments to schedules and target completion dates. Furthermore, the ability to work independently, coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, and lead public consultation processes, facilitating problem-solving among diverse and competing interests, is crucial for success in this Vancouver-based public service role.