Siting and Permitting Planner

Corporate profile

Maskwa Environmental Consulting Ltd. (Maskwa) is a professional consulting firm based in Calgary, Alberta. We are searching for an individual with an aptitude for planning and navigating regulatory challenges to join our team as a Siting and Permitting Planner. We specialize in planning, permitting, strategy development and implementation, and environmental services. We provide senior level expertise to help our clients navigate through the complex maze of environmental regulations and regulatory compliance required for projects across the energy sector.

Our clients are diverse and represent several market segments:
electrical transmission/distribution, power generation (e.g., solar, wind, gas), pipelines, municipal, and oil and gas. We pride ourselves on our vibrant corporate culture and progressive work environment that offers flexible working arrangements, opportunities for training, and benefit programs.

Reporting to the Manager, Planning and Permitting, the ideal candidate will use their background in land use and/or infrastructure planning and permitting to support clients and multi-disciplinary teams in developing applications for power sector projects. In this role, the Siting and Permitting Planner will help clients move complex infrastructure and land use projects through planning, permitting, and regulatory approval. The role involves coordinating technical input from experts including engineers, biologists, agrologists, lawyers, and regulators;

engaging with special interest groups, agencies, municipalities and the general public; evaluating project constraints; and supporting clear, defensible applications. The role requires strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills, along with the ability to understand multiple points of view and represent clients’ project objectives. The ideal candidate will have a great attitude, a willingness to grow as a professional, and the ability to jump right in and contribute to our continued growth.

• A post-secondary degree in Geography, Planning, Environmental Science, Forestry, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience planning, siting, and permitting power sector facilities (e.g., transmission, renewables, oil and gas).
• Experience in land use coordination, routing linear developments, siting power generation facilities, or working through land use or right-of-way issues with public and regulatory stakeholders.
• Experience working with utility, telecommunications, data centre, or industrial facility projects.
• Experience coordinating permit applications and regulator approvals.
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills.
• A general knowledge of design/construction.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a team-oriented approach suited to working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Familiarity with GIS software and spatial analysis.
• A Class 5 driver’s licence.
• An unwavering commitment to safety and familiarity with safety requirements in the field and in the office.
• Open-minded approach to participating in different types of projects, tasks, and responsibilities associated with a small and growing business.
• Sense of initiative and attention to detail.

The preferred candidate will have the following attributes to support our team and our clients:

• Professional designation such as Registered Professional Planner.
• Experience with environmental assessment processes.
• Knowledge of municipal zoning and development approval processes.
• Experience presenting to government agencies or community stakeholders.

• Support all aspects of facility planning service offerings, both internally and externally for clients across project development stages.
• Undertake site assessment, feasibility analysis, route development and facility layout for large scale infrastructure projects.
• Support the preparation and submission of regulatory applications (e.g., AUC, AER, EPA).
• Collaborate with technical and professional staff across the company and externally in completing tasks.
• Complete all required corporate operation and administrative activities (time entry, expense submissions, invoicing, reporting, etc.) as required and in a timely manner.
• Support Maskwa employees in day-to-day business operations where required.

Maskwa strives to create a fair, diverse, inclusive workplace where all voices are heard with respect and treated equally, where we are accountable to each other. Everyone should feel comfortable to be their true authentic selves.

Maskwa offers a competitive salary and benefits package. We welcome candidates with a range of experience and backgrounds. Salary will reflect years of applicable experience.

This is a full-time position preferably based out of our Calgary office located at 140 10 Ave SE. Travel throughout Alberta may be required. Remote work may be considered for certain candidates.