Analyst, Planning & Land Economics

Who we are
At Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. (Watson), we provide data‑driven insights to help municipalities and school boards make informed decisions. We focus on financial and economic analysis to develop solutions in municipal finance, education and land economics, including demographic forecasting, development charge studies, economic assessments, long‑term financial planning, school board accommodation planning, and ward boundary studies.

For the past four decades, we have led the industry by evolving our offerings to meet the needs of our public sector clients. Across Canada, Watson has worked closely with over 344 municipalities, utilities and school boards to grow and sustain better economies and communities. We collaborate with clients to identify and solve complex challenges, make informed strategic choices and better understand the long‑term outcomes.

Our work protects the economic assets and interests of every client we serve.

Our cross‑functional team of municipal economists, urban planners, and accountants is responsive, collaborative, and innovative, dedicated to producing the highest quality results.

Who we need
Our Planning & Land Economics team helps municipalities and government agencies understand how communities grow and how to plan for that growth. Through demographic forecasting, housing and real estate market analysis, employment land strategies, economic impact assessments, and growth management studies, the team delivers the analysis and insights needed to support evidence‑based planning and long‑term decision‑making.

Reporting to the Manager, we are hiring an Analyst to join our Planning & Land Economics team. As our new Analyst, you will contribute to a wide range of consulting projects that help municipalities and government organizations make informed planning and investment decisions. You will apply quantitative analysis, statistical modelling and research to support population, housing, employment, land use and economic studies, working on multiple projects at once while collaborating with Consultants and Project Managers to deliver meaningful insights for clients.

This is an existing full‑time position operating within a hybrid work environment.

As our new Analyst, Planning & Land Economics, you will:

Analyze complex data.  You will gather, interpret and analyse demographic, economic, housing, employment and land use data to support a wide range of client projects. Using quantitative analysis, statistical modelling and forecasting techniques, you will transform complex information into meaningful insights that support evidence‑based decision‑making.

Build models and deliver insights.  You will develop and maintain analytical models, conduct research and prepare reports, presentations and technical documentation. Working closely with Consultants and Project Managers, you will communicate findings clearly and contribute to recommendations that help clients address growth, infrastructure and planning challenges.

Collaborate across diverse projects.  You will work on multiple assignments simultaneously, partnering with colleagues across the Planning & Land Economics team to deliver high‑quality consulting services. As you build your expertise, you will gain exposure to GIS, emerging analytical tools and a broad range of projects supporting municipalities, school boards, government agencies and private sector clients.

You have:

The analytical foundation.  You have developed strong quantitative and analytical skills through a Bachelor's or Master's degree in economics, geography, mathematics, statistics, econometrics, urban planning or a related discipline, or through a combination of education and practical experience. You are comfortable working with data, identifying patterns, building models and using evidence to solve complex problems.

The technical skills.  You have advanced Excel skills and experience using spreadsheets to analyse, model and interpret data. Exposure to GIS, Python, SQL or other analytical tools is an asset, but you are eager to learn new technologies and continuously expand your technical capabilities.

The communication skills.  You can translate…