Urban Planner

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

Facilities Services
- Planning and Development oversees all aspects of campus planning including the development of feasibility studies, business cases and capital projects delivery for a wide variety of buildings and campus infrastructure. Current projects in planning include SFU innovation precinct, gondola terminal including campus rezoning, new medical school, hydrogen hub, and renovations for various faculties across three campuses. Examples of projects currently in construction includes a new student residence, childcare, art museum, first peoples gathering place, Lorne Davies recreational centre seismic upgrades and a variety of other capital and maintenance projects.

Total value of projects currently under construction exceeds $300million. Projects in planning exceed $1billion. Our goals closely align with SFU's  Strategic Sustainability and Climate Action Plan which guides Planning and Development to take bold steps to prioritize climate justice, resilience and action at our university and in our communities as well as advancing research goals. As a group of professional architects, engineers, planners and GIS specialists, the team culture is consultative and collaborative offering a diverse range of planning and constructability expertise.

The Urban Planner, Campus Planning, plays a key role in advancing SFU's Academic Plan by leading and implementing major campus planning initiatives across all campuses. This role leads urban planning studies and recommends land use strategies for market housing, student residences, academic and commercial buildings, and multimodal transportation systems. This position also develops sustainable land use policies and urban design guidelines that enhance campus accessibility, safety, aesthetics, and functionality.

This role leads consultations and collaborates with municipalities on land development matters. Additionally, this position plays a strategic role in positioning the Innovation Precinct as a cornerstone of institutional growth and partnership development and oversees the work of consultants and contractors to ensure project objectives and milestones are met.

Full Job Description

A Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning and registration with the Canadian Institute of Planners, and a minimum of five years of experience in the urban planning field certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and related professional designation (i.e., MCIP). Experience in rezoning, parking demand analysis, urban design, and the planning and implementation of development projects of varying sizes and complexities, including managing development projects through the city's approval process, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to coach, motivate and mentor others and to be able to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to find the most effective outcomes.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to communicate effectively with multiple audiences.
• Experience or working knowledge of quality improvement methodologies and change management.
• Proven success in the planning and completing feasibility studies for complex projects addressing user needs and data management by implementing project management principles, methodologies, tools and practices.

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer temporary employees who belong in the Administrative & Professional Staff Association (APSA):

• An additional 7% pay in lieu of benefits and 8% vacation pay
• Employer paid extended health & dental plans
• Professional development funds (minimum contract period of 1 year)
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions

The assignment end date is 2 years from start date.

Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact