Requisition ID: 39588
Organization
Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, 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 & Function
The Heritage Planning Group is part of the Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability (PDS) Department and its role is to develop and implement heritage policies as well as to provide heritage review of various permit applications. In its work, the Heritage Planning team is integrated cross-departmentally and involved in citywide planning activities.
This position responsible for application of the Vancouver Heritage Program, a values-based heritage conservation approach through policy development and implementation. Initial responsibility will be to help develop and manage the work plan for the Vancouver Heritage Register upgrades and to implement Heritage Program through coordinated activities with other City departments and public, especially on various community plans. The planning work will also include a reiterative process of conducting heritage reviews of various development proposals as well as report writing and presentations to senior staff, advisory bodies and City Council.
The successful candidate will be well versed in the City’s Heritage Program, Vancouver Heritage Register, current heritage policies, heritage conservation methodologies, community engagement processes and be familiar with concepts of intangible heritage and cultural landscapes. Diversity, inclusivity and Reconciliation are some of the key principles guiding the implementation of heritage planning in Vancouver. This position reports to the Assistant Director of Current Planning and supervised by the Senior Heritage Planner.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
- Project manage Vancouver Heritage Register upgrade, evaluation criteria, grading system, digitalization, addressing register gaps and coordinating all other related planning and public consultation activities, until its completion.
- Coordinate interdepartmental input from various departments and especially from Vancouver Plan project team, Arts Culture & Community Services, Social Planning, DTES team and City’s Indigenous Planning team.
- Engage with heritage/cultural asset mapping and associated heritage policy development, as part of the broader city-wide community planning.
- In collaboration with the integrated Vancouver Plan project team, work closely with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations to honour the presence and cultural heritage values of Indigenous historic places.
- Support background research regarding historical trends of exclusion and displacement of communities within the city and region to inform heritage policy development and implementation.
- Prepare reports and make presentations in public, to advisory panels and commissions, and to Council.
- The nature of this work is collaborative and multi-disciplinary, within a team environment, and can be controversial. It also may involve supervision of junior professional staff.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- University graduation from a recognized university, in Architecture, with specialized training in heritage conservation
- Degrees in Planning or Social Sciences, preferably with a post-graduate degree, and 2+ years of professional experience in the heritage conservation and/or cultural heritage management field may also be considered
- The position requires professional experience with proven ability in the areas of heritage conservation and heritage policy development. Familiarity with the City’s heritage policies and processes is considered an asset.
- The position requires versatility, sound judgement and accurate advice in the implementation of heritage conservation principles to a range of policies and projects and independent action within the parameters of work assignments, planning policies, by-laws and design guidelines.
- Membership or eligibility for membership in the Architectural Institute of British Columbia and/or the Planning Institute of British Columbia , and/or the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP) is desirable
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Demonstrated knowledge and ability in the areas of heritage conservation, architecture, urban design, community planning, and cultural heritage.
- Superior verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
- Experience in leading small teams with proven ability to self-manage project-related activities.
- Ability to work within a team environment and within defined time lines.
- Demonstrated ability and experience in negotiating and conflict resolution.
- Experience working with communities that have been systemically excluded - including Indigenous, racialized, disabled, deaf, low income, and LGBTQ2+.
- Familiarity with UNESCO’s Historic Urban Landscape planning methodology.
- Working knowledge of the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada.
- Understanding the principles of heritage evaluation, Statement of Significance, and conservation plan development.
Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite. At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.
The City’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination against COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the City deem it necessary to re-introduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties.
Business Unit/Department: Planning, Urban Design & Sustainability (1275)
Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time
Position Start Date: November, 2023
Position End Date: November, 2024
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-031: $51.78 to $61.23 per hour
Application Close: October 8, 2023
At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders 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.
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