Planning Technician (Temporary)

Planning Technician

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.
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
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
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
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
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

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
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

Participate in the Town's health and safety program, following all safety legislation, policies, and procedures
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
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
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 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

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
This posting will remain open until July 19, 2026.
To help us learn more about you, in your cover letter please clearly detail the following:

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

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.