Requisition ID: 30153
Company
Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, decolonization, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.
Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.
Main Purpose and Function
The City of Vancouver has a new position for a Policy Analyst in the Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability department. Working within the Sustainability Group, this full-time position will support the advancement of green rainwater infrastructure on buildings and sites across the city, as part of the Rain City Strategy.
The Rain City Strategy calls for a shift in how we manage rainwater in order to reduce combine sewer overflows, improve water quality, increase resilience, and enhance livability. This ambitious approach treats rainwater as a valuable resource and mimics the natural hydrologic cycle by capturing and treating rainwater where it lands using green rainwater infrastructure (GRI). GRI also offers a multitude of co-benefits such as habitat enhancement, carbon sequestration, heat island mitigation, and health benefits.
Key Contacts and Reporting Relationships
The position will report to the Senior Sustainability Specialist (Green Infrastructure) in the Sustainability Group and will work collaboratively with various departments within the City as well as external groups such as non-profit organizations, private sector stakeholders, and other levels of government.
Specific Duties/Responsibilities
The Policy Analyst will be responsible for performing research, project management and policy development work related to green rainwater infrastructure. The work will help advance implementation of the Rain City Strategy within the private realm and may include related work under the City’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. Specific tasks will include:
- Reviewing technical data, case studies, and academic and best practices research to inform and support policy development
- Undertaking research activities, including barriers identification, co-benefits, and contextual analysis, on green rainwater infrastructure programs and specific tools such as blue/green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and infiltration systems
- Report writing including assistance in the writing and preparation of Council Reports
- Graphic design and analysis using desktop publishing software (Adobe Creative Suite)
- Organizing and preparing supporting material for senior management and other city staff
- Supporting, planning, and implementing public engagement and internal/ external stakeholder processes
- Organizing and preparing communications materials for processes and events related to Rain City Strategy implementation in the private realm
- Preparing meeting agendas, PowerPoint presentations, note-taking, minutes, and related tasks
- Developing, coordinating, administering, and summarizing surveys
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and liaising with external partners/stakeholders to gather input on projects and/or build collaboration
- Responding to enquiries from other departments, the public, and external stakeholders
- Carrying out other project-specific tasks for the Sustainability Group on an as-needed basis
Minimum Position Requirements
Education and Experience:
University Graduation, preferably at the graduate level, in urban planning or a related field such as environmental science, sustainability, engineering or geography, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Considerable knowledge of current best practices, issues, and challenges in the field of environmental sustainability is required, as is a demonstrated interest in rainwater management
- Good knowledge of green rainwater infrastructure (GRI) tools, co-benefits and implementation challenges, and the role of rainwater management within a broader sustainability context
- Demonstrated research and analysis skills, and knowledge of research methodologies to develop policies, are required
- Strong project management skills and experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication/ presentation skills, including the ability to translate complex concepts into easily readable formats
- Demonstrated graphics and computer skills in Microsoft Office, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Creative Suite (illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), or other similar graphic software
- Demonstrated ability to plan and implement stakeholder engagement processes
- Strong inter-personal skills and ability to maintain positive relationships with staff, stakeholders and partners
- Able to meet deadlines while working with minimal supervision
Additional skills or attributes that would be considered an asset for this position are:
- Strong knowledge of the City’s Rain City Strategy and other sustainability plans at the City including the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, would be a strong asset
- Experience working on projects involving sustainability, green rainwater infrastructure or climate change adaptation;
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders and interest groups
- Experience working on projects within a municipality and with multiple city departments, a municipal partner, or within another government setting
- Sound knowledge of layout work, report design, and graphical representation of data
- Demonstrated personal commitment to sustainability
- Written and/or verbal language skills beyond English is considered an asset
Business Unit/Department: Planning, Urban Design & Sustainability (1275)
Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks
Employment Type: Regular Full Time
Position Start Date: February, 2022
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-029: $47.57 to $56.25 per hour
Application Close: January 21, 2022
At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, LGBT2Q+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
To be considered for this exciting and impactful career opportunity with a generous benefits package, please apply on our careers site.
