Senior Planner

  JOB POSTING

 

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) is a fast-growing vibrant organization committed to the development and progress of its Band Members and Community.  As such, the TteS invites applications from qualified, highly motivated and dynamic individuals to fill the following position.

 

POSITION TITLE:         Senior Planner                      

DEPARTMENT:            Planning and Engineering    

SUPERVISOR:              Planning and Engineering Manager 

TERMS:                       Full-Time, Permanent

REFERENCE #:             2025-107

 

Are you ready to be a change maker in one of Canada's most dynamic landscapes? Join our team at the forefront of innovation and community development as a Planner with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc. Nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of the British Columbia interior, Kamloops offers the perfect balance of urban amenities and outdoor adventure. We're seeking a forward-thinking and technically skilled planning professional to drive impactful projects that shape the future of our community. If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a collaborative environment, apply now to be part of our visionary team.

 

Organization Vision and Goals

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is a progressive and prosperous First Nation, and a developing community that is advancing capital infrastructure ($100 million +), social, economic, and environmental projects of all scopes and sizes.

 

Implement Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, and the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in your day-to-day work. Strengthen, develop, and reciprocate relationships that recognize and uphold Indigenous rights.

 

Take part in bold change. Combine your professional planning skills with a cross cultural understanding and implement TteS sustainability goals to move the community towards a low-carbon future.

 

Living in Kamloops

Kamloops is known as Canada's Tournament Capital. Nestled in the scenic Thompson River Valley, Kamloops is a vibrant city with a population of 100,000 people that offers a unique blend of urban and outdoor living.

Experience dry summers and mild winters in one of Canada’s sunniest cities. Kamloops is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including mountains, lakes, and rivers, making it an ideal place for hiking, biking, fishing, world-class skiing, and golf courses. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, the local arts and culture scene, or a leisurely stroll along the river, Kamloops has something for everyone.

With a low cost of living, a growing economy, and excellent healthcare and education systems, Kamloops is the perfect place to raise a family or start a business. Kamloops central location within the province allows for short trips to Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, or to the Shuswap and Okanagan Lake districts.

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Welcomes You

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc offers a competitive compensation package which includes career and professional development; comprehensive benefits and vacation; and a pension plan.              

 

Purpose of Position:

 

The Senior Planner position supports a wide range of planning functions aligned with the strategic priorities of TteS. It plays a key role in land use planning, policy review and development, research, technical analysis, and public engagement. The role also contributes to land development, land management, facility planning, GIS support, and other related initiatives.

 

This position plays a key role in guiding a diverse portfolio of development projects through TteS planning and development processes.

 

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

 

Land Use Planning (35%)

• Lead the development and implementation of land use plans, master plans, housing strategies, and facility plans.
• Conduct and oversee planning research, spatial and data analysis, and technical reporting to support informed decision-making.
• Develop, update, and implement land use policies, development procedures, and bylaws in alignment with TteS regulations and community values.
• Manage planning projects, including setting milestones, overseeing consultants and cross-functional teams, and reporting on progress, scope, budget, and timelines.
• Facilitate community engagement and public consultations through inclusive, culturally respectful processes, events, and correspondence.
• Prepare and present planning reports, briefing notes, and policy recommendations to Chief and Council, and internal committees.
• Support GIS mapping and spatial analysis to inform planning efforts.
• Monitor the implementation of planning strategies and report on key priorities.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities for planning initiatives.
• Integrate current trends and best practices in Indigenous and municipal planning, including insights from local jurisdictions (e.g., City of Kamloops).
• Recommend planning approaches that promote sustainability, infrastructure resilience, and economic growth.
• Collaborate across departments to support integrated community planning and development.
• Produce land use projections and policies aligned with long-term goals.

• Plan and design public spaces, integrating engineering, parks, and planning requirements.

• Assess project feasibility, considering technology, market demand, and resource needs.
• Use urban land economics and budgeting principles in project planning.
• Coordinate with departments to implement area and community plans and manage high-profile, long-term planning initiatives.
• Act as a liaison with local businesses and support economic development planning.
• Prepare confidential evaluations and policy recommendations for leadership as required.

Support TteS Planning Initiatives:

• Housing strategies, community infrastructure, parks and recreation planning.

• Services plans across housing, community services, education, language & culture, and economic development areas.

• TteS Comprehensive Community Plan - Land use maps, and implementation reporting.
• Community Energy Plan and related progress tracking.
• Master Plans and design guidelines for areas including:
  • Chief Louis Centre
  • Mt. Paul Industrial Park
  • Sun Rivers
  • 7Mile development

Support Agreements with Other Governments:

• City of Kamloops Fire Protection, Transit, and Sanitary Sewer Agreements

Development Services (25%)

• Review land use, subdivision, rezoning, and development applications for compliance with TteS regulations, legislation, and best practices.
• Provide technical guidance on permitting processes and respond to land use inquiries.

• Guide technical analysis and provide supervision to permitting staff.

• Draft and update relevant policies, bylaws, and departmental procedures.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for the TteS Development Approval Board.
• Recommend best practices in site planning, urban design, and sustainable development.
• Maintain professional relationships with external partners, including the City of Kamloops, TNRD, and other First Nations.
• Present complex planning matters through clear reports and presentations.
• Participate in internal and external meetings as needed.

Project Management (25%)

• Ensure projects align with TteS standards and are executed professionally.
• Manage capital and community planning projects, including new construction, alterations, renovations, or heritage restoration of buildings, and urban design projects.
• Support TteS departments in defining project goals and available resources.
• Develop terms of reference, budgets, and schedules for planning projects.
• Assist with grant funding applications for capital and planning projects.
• Track project budgets and monitor performance.
• Lead consultant selection and oversee consultant work.
• Engage with community members, stakeholders, and internal teams throughout project lifecycles.
• Organize and facilitate public meetings and workshops.
• Prepare monthly reports and updates for technical committees and leadership.
• Support Chief and Council with strategic planning and annual budgeting.

Contribute to the Ongoing Improvement of TteS Administrative Systems (10%)

• Draft bylaws and regulations to support policy implementation.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of TteS Asset Management Program.
• Use GIS tools to support planning tasks.
• Follow all TteS policies and standards.
• Incorporate principles of reconciliation and UNDRIP into all planning activities.
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters.

Other Duties (5%)

 

Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support the role.

 

Professional Certification, Education and Experience:

 

• A bachelor’s degree in Community Planning, with preference given to candidates holding a master’s degree.
• Membership or eligibility for membership in the Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC) or the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) is required.
• A minimum of 7-10 years professional experience in the planning field, in either municipal government or a private consulting capacity, preferably supplemented by supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of post-secondary education and experience.
• Knowledge of government funding mechanisms and municipal development approval processes.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) designation or equivalent certification is an asset.
• Must possess a Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence with reliable transportation.
• Working understanding of municipal and/or First Nations development processes, including land use planning, land management, policy frameworks and regulatory systems.
• Experience in Indigenous Community Planning is considered an asset. 
• Proven ability to lead public engagement processes and manage external consultants effectively.

 

 

Financial Responsibility:

 

Responsible for developing, managing, and monitoring project budgets, ensuring alignment with department capital budgets and approved funding sources.

 

This position has a $5,000 signing authority.

 

Supervision or Training Duties:

 

Provides direction to consultants and contractors. Provides team leadership: Fosters a positive work environment, promotes teamwork, and maintains high standards of workmanship. Provides on-the-job mentorship to project team members where necessary.

 

 

Skills and Abilities:

 

• Ability to align planning initiatives with long-term community goals and organizational strategic priorities.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret regulations, bylaws, policies, etc.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, facilitation, and presentations to Council and the public.
• Skilled in managing complex planning projects, timelines, and consultant teams from initiation through to implementation.
• Thorough knowledge of municipal land use planning principles, policies, and legislation. Ability to analyse complex planning and development proposals and provide clear recommendations.
• Highly organized and demonstrated strength as a facilitator and consensus-builder.
• Ability to effectively lead a team and work collaboratively and maintain effective working relationships with senior management, consultants, stakeholders, news media and all levels of internal and external staff.
• Strong ethics and knowledge of confidentiality.
• Experience working with First Nations communities, organizations and programs.
• Ability to work in cross-cultural settings and interest in learning about TteS language, culture and history.
• It is expected that all TteS employees be willing to continuously upgrade their skills and knowledge, and to further their formal training.

 

 

Special Requirements:

 

Must have excellent work attendance and ability to work overtime to provide necessary program support outside of regular work hours.

Have and maintain a Class 5 BC drivers’ license as a condition of employment and have access to a reliable insured vehicle.

Travel is required.

 

Benefits:

• Extended health, dental, and vision
• 7.6% Registered Pension Plan (RPP) matching and Life insurance

 

HOURS OF WORK:          Normal Day shifts – 7 hours. Non-normal shifts may be required.

PAY GRADE:                      Starting at $43.04-$47.54 per hour depending on education & experience

 

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights code, it is TteS Policy to practice preferential hiring for Aboriginal peoples. Candidates who wish to qualify for preferential consideration must self-identify.

 

Deadline for the Job posting is August 28, 2025 by 2:00pm

 

Submit Job Application Form, cover letter, resume, and references

online: https://tkemlups.ca/employment/

or at our Human Resources office #320 Chief Alex Thomas Way.

Office Hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm &

closed for lunch from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

 

We require each applicant to fill out

an online application form which can be found at:  https://tkemlups.ca/employment/

 

Any late submissions or submissions without the job application form will not be considered.

Apply Now