Manager of Planning Services - Exempt Position

OPEN DATE:         Wednesday, January 28, 2026

CLOSING DATE:   Open until filled

DEPARTMENT:     Planning Services

REPORTS TO:       Director of Planning Services

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City of Powell River

Come live, work and play in paradise! Located along the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Powell River is a contemporary hub that balances abundant, natural beauty and a surplus of adventures with growing industry sectors in technology, retail, and tourism. Located just a 90-minute ferry away from Vancouver Island, within the traditional territory of Tla'amin Nation, Powell River offers a mix of urban and rural living in a temperate climate. It’s known for an unparalleled outdoor lifestyle, a vibrant arts community, and four seasons of recreational adventures to explore.

Manager of Planning Services

(Salary Range $140,600 - $161,400 per year)

Serving as a key member of the management team, the Manager of Planning Services is responsible for leading a broad range of planning and community enhancement initiatives that include the coordination and delivery of a comprehensive update to the City’s official community plan. Other responsibilities include the review and management of development applications related to the official community plan and zoning bylaw. The Manager provides expert guidance and technical advice to Council, senior staff, external stakeholders and the public on matters related to planning, land use, and related bylaws.

The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s degree in a planning discipline or related field and have ten years of progressively responsible experience in a local government setting. Five years in a management or supervisory role is essential as is membership, or eligibility for membership, in the Planning Institute of British Columbia.  Diplomatic and adaptable, you are able to successfully navigate the political landscape while making complex, potentially controversial decisions and resolving problems with far-reaching implications. You have exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to manage a significant workload and effectively meet deadlines.

The successful applicant must be willing to relocate to Powell River; relocation assistance is available.

Manager of Planning Services Job Description

This position will remain open until filled.

How To Apply:

If you are interested in this position:

1. Complete the questions contained in the application below.  After completing the questions, click "Next".
2. Attach a cover letter and a resume as separate PDF or Word documents.  This is a mandatory requirement of the application process. 
3. Attach copies of degrees, diplomas, and certifications if applicable in one single PDF or Word document.
4. IMPORTANT: Each applicant must use an email address unique to them.

 We thank all applicants for their interest, however, we may choose to only acknowledge those applicants selected for interview.

The City of Powell River is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants may be required to participate in formal testing and interviews and to provide documentation to demonstrate and support their qualifications.