Planning Technician

Planning Technician

Why work for the Town of Canmore?
For starters, you can take great pride in our collaborative organization, its positive work culture and our amazing group of talented people who genuinely care about our community and accomplish outstanding work each and every day for its citizens. As a municipal government organization, the Town of Canmore exists to serve the community and visitors to Canmore. The organization is committed to supporting a triple bottom line sustainable future for all by promoting wellness and active living, being leaders in environmental stewardship, and ensuring the effective and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

Position Overview:
The Planning Technician supports the Town's commitment to responsible growth and effective land use management by reviewing, processing, and facilitating a wide range of planning applications and municipal processes. This role ensures compliance with planning legislation, bylaws, and policies while serving as a key resource for the public, internal departments, and external agencies seeking planning guidance and information. By carefully evaluating and deciding on development proposals, conducting site investigations and enforcement, processing planning service requests, and maintaining systems and databases , the Planning Technician helps maintain the integrity of the planning system and protects community interests. Through collaborative work with colleagues across departments and transparent communication with interest holders, this position contributes directly to the Town's ability to serve its community with respect, clarity, and sound planning practices

Core Accountabilities:
Review and Process Planning Applications

• Receive, log, and review small to medium planning applications and service requests (e.g., Development Permits, Building Permits, Confirmation of Zoning, Certificates of Conformance, File Search Request, Civic Address proposals, and Stamps of Compliance) for completeness and compliance with municipal bylaws and planning legislation
• Identify missing information or deficiencies and communicate requirements to applicants in a clear, respectful manner
• Conduct thorough technical reviews of construction drawings to ensure compliance with applicable municipal and provincial standards
• Prepare detailed review reports documenting findings, recommendations, and conditions for planning decisions
• Track application progress and coordinate timelines to meet statutory and internal deadlines

Evaluate Development Proposals and Site Conditions

• Analyze site plans, architectural drawings, and engineering documents for land use compatibility and planning policy alignment
• Conduct site investigations and document conditions to inform planning assessments and recommendations
• Assess proposals against zoning regulations, design guidelines, and development standards
• Identify potential impacts on community interests and recommend mitigation measures where appropriate

Provide Planning Guidance and Support

• Respond to public inquiries regarding planning requirements, processes, and municipal policies in a helpful and transparent manner
• Serve as a resource to internal departments and external agencies seeking planning information and clarification
• Prepare informational materials and documentation to support the planning process and public engagement
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments to address interdepartmental planning matters and coordinate municipal processes

Maintain Records and Documentation

• Create and maintain accurate, organized records of all planning applications and service requests, reviews, and decisions using municipal systems such as CityView and SharePoint
• Prepare correspondence, reports, and analyses to ensure professional presentation and accuracy
• Develop spreadsheets and databases to track planning metrics, timelines, and compliance indicators
• Ensure all documentation is complete, clearly written, and readily accessible for internal and external review

Support Planning Processes and Compliance

• Assist in coordinating public consultation processes, committee meetings, and planning hearings as required
• Monitor changes to planning legislation, bylaws, and policies to ensure Town practices remain current and compliant
• Contribute to the preparation of planning reports, studies, and initiatives that support responsible growth and effective land use management
• Prepare reports and present planning matters before the Subdivision Development Appeal Board and/or the Canmore Planning Commission
• Ensure compliance with and enforcement of provisions of the Land Use Bylaw, Municipal Government Act, and Town Bylaws and policies as they apply to the full range of municipal planning services

Health and Safety

• Fulfill worker responsibilities under the Town of Canmore Health & Safety Directive
• Participate in the Town's health and safety program, following all safety legislation, policies, and procedures
• Perform work safely and protect the health and safety of self and others
• Refrain from causing or participating in harassment or violence
• Report incidents, injuries, and unsafe or harmful worksites, acts, or conditions

Key Competencies

• Exemplifies a strong commitment to continuous learning and professional growth by actively seeking opportunities to build knowledge, skills, and competencies. Reflects on both successes and setbacks to inform future actions, demonstrating adaptability and resilience. Fosters a learning environment where both self and others are open and empowered to grow through experience, feedback, and reflection
• Demonstrates integrity through consistent, competent performance, ethical decision-making, and clear, values-based communication that reflects what is best about the organization
• Applies self-awareness and emotional regulation to remain effective and composed in a variety of situations, recognizing and responding appropriately to the emotions of self and others, fostering positive relationships and a respectful, supportive environment
• Ensuring that work accomplished is accurate in all relevant aspects
• Effectively adapts to tight timelines, heavy workloads, and sudden or changes in daily priorities in order to accomplish key objectives
• Exercises discernment by choosing actions that are aligned with organizational purpose and values, considering impacts across the whole system, and making courageous, well-reasoned decisions in the absence of clear precedent or detailed guidance

Education, Experience & Certifications
Required

• Recognized post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree in Planning Technician, Urban Planning, Land use planning, or similar field (e.g., GIS and Urban Planning, Land & Water Resources, Architectural Technology)
• One (1) year of work experience developing, reviewing, and interpreting construction drawings for compliance with applicable municipal and provincial requirements
• Demonstrated ability to review and interpret planning documents, including site plans, architectural drawings, and engineering specifications
• Knowledge of land use planning principles, zoning regulations, and municipal planning processes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex planning concepts clearly to diverse audiences, including the general public and interest holders
• Proficiency with municipal database and document management systems, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn such systems
• Competency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel, for preparing reports, correspondence, and tracking systems
• Ability to conduct thorough document reviews, identify discrepancies, and prepare detailed technical reports
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple applications and deadlines simultaneously
• Demonstrated strength in analytical and mathematical tasks

Preferred/Asset

• Eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners/Alberta Professional Planning Institute, or Canadian Association of Certified Planning Technicians
• Experience with CityView or similar municipal planning software systems, and reviewing plans in BlueBeam
• Experience with InDesign
• Experience with AutoCAD
• Familiarity with Alberta planning legislation, including the Municipal Government Act and regional planning frameworks
• Experience conducting site inspections and documenting site conditions
• Previous experience supporting planning committees, boards, or public consultation processes
• Knowledge of municipal bylaw development and enforcement practices
• Experience working in a municipal government or public sector environment

Salary & Benefits:

• Pay Range- $47.02 to $52.66 per hour to start. Compensation will be calculated based on the successful candidate’s related work experience and education
• This is a full-time temporary position for 1 year.
• Temporary Benefits: Health Care Spending Account & Sick days
• Personal development & learning opportunities  
• Positive work culture  
• Work-Life Balance  

Closing Date for Applications:
This posting will remain open until July 19, 2026.

How to Apply:
To apply, please combine your cover letter and resume into a single document (PDF or Word) and click on the "APPLY NOW" link below.  To help us learn more about you, in your cover letter please clearly detail the following:

1. Why do you want to be a Planning Technician for the Town of Canmore [DEPARTEMENT] Team?
2. What skills, experience, and (most importantly) attitude will you bring to enhance the team and enrich our community?

Prior to beginning work, the successful candidate will be required to submit all required certifications and documentation, including driver`s abstract and records checks.  The Town of Canmore wishes to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

The Town of Canmore is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, family status, ancestry, place of origin, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

We believe diversity strengthens our organization, and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence,  View email address on civicjobs.ca