ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER 1

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Are you passionate about protecting the environment while supporting responsible community growth? The City of Maple Ridge has an exciting opportunity for an Environmental Planner 1 to join our Planning Department. 

In this role, you will apply your technical and regulatory expertise to review development applications from an environmental perspective, conduct site inspections, and ensure compliance with relevant environmental bylaws and legislation. You’ll play a key role in shaping the City’s environmental objectives and policies—helping balance development needs with the protection and enhancement of our natural environment.

This position offers a mix of fieldwork, policy development, and collaboration across departments, external agencies, and the community.

In This Role You Will:
Review and evaluate development and permit applications (e.g., trees, soils, erosion control, hillsides, habitat, and watercourse management) to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Prepare planning and policy reports for senior staff and Council, including recommendations related to environmental objectives, policies, and bylaws.

Conduct site inspections for both municipal and private construction projects to verify adherence to approved environmental requirements.

Investigate environmental complaints, enforce applicable bylaws, and monitor compliance with permits and regulations.

Provide professional environmental advice and input at intergovernmental forums, workshops, and community initiatives.

Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external clients.

Liaise with developers, consultants, community groups, and government agencies to provide guidance on environmental standards, regulations, and best practices.

Stay informed about emerging environmental management issues and regional trends.

May provide guidance or support to technical staff on project work.

We are looking for a detail-oriented yet pragmatic team player, and a resourceful professional who combines technical knowledge with sound judgment and strong communication skills.

DESIRABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
University graduation in an appropriate discipline plus a post graduate degree in Community or Regional Planning or other related areas supplemented by some professional planning experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of the practices, principles, techniques and methods applicable to environmental management.

Considerable knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies, bylaw objectives and legislation governing the work.

Sound knowledge of analytical and research techniques and methodology and of the current trends and developments in environmental protection.

Ability to assess the environmental impact of development upon the Municipality, including conformance with applicable environmental legislation and regulations and draft amendments to the bylaws suitable to the needs of the community as established by Council.

Ability to perform detailed analytical and research tasks and develop strategies, programs and policy options.

Ability to express ideas effectively, orally and in written or graphic form. 

Ability to transmit clearly the principles and requirements of sound environmental protection practices.

Ability to present reports to senior staff and Council, if requested to do so.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, professionals, internal and external customers and authorities.

Ability to supervise staff assigned to work on various projects.

Ability to perform tasks with minimal supervision.

Skill in dealing with politically sensitive topics in a tactful manner.

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATIONS

Class 5 Driver’s License for the Province of British Columbia.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This is a temporary full-time position for approximately 12 months which may extended or concluded due to unforeseen circumstances.

EQUITY STATEMENT

At the City of Maple Ridge, we are dedicated to cultivating an inclusive culture that actively values and embraces diversity. We strive to attract and retain a talented, diverse workforce that is broadly reflective of the community we proudly serve. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process by contacting recruitment@mapleridge.ca.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU:

The City of Maple Ridge is a great place to work with competitive compensation packages that include the Municipal Pension Plan, a strong employee wellness program and the opportunity for professional career growth and professional development. If you want to help shape a growing community in a municipality that strives for service excellence, then this is the position for you.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those under consideration will be contacted.