Community Planner

Overview

Dillon’s Community Plans & Approvals discipline is looking for a Community Planner to join our multidisciplinary team. You will have the opportunity to work on new and exciting projects while providing clients with a fully integrated and superior customer experience.

This position will be based out of the Calgary office.

About Dillon

Dillon Consulting Limited (Dillon) is a proudly Canadian, 100% employee-owned professional consulting firm specializing in planning, engineering, environmental science, and management. With over 25 offices and more than 1100 employees across Canada, we offer a wide range of services related to building and improving facilities and infrastructure, protecting the environment, and developing communities.

At Dillon, we strive to remain at the forefront of technology and innovation and thrive on interdisciplinary collaboration, empowering our people to challenge conventional thinking and build careers focused on creating a lasting impact in our communities. We are committed to ongoing professional development and celebrate the unique perspectives that each team member brings to the table.

Employee ownership is available to all Dillon team members, and over 60% of our employees own shares in Dillon. Through employee ownership, we return the financial benefit created by our project work to the very people who created that value. Because we are an employee-owned firm, your voice will be an essential part of our shared success.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate community strategy projects (e.g., Comprehensive Community Plans, Land Use Plans, Strategic Plans, Health Plans, etc.)
• Delegate project-related tasks to team members with an appropriate level of direction, guidance, review and feedback
• Prepare, contribute to, and review planning documents and reports including community engagement summaries, background reports, analytical and rationale reports (e.g., opportunities and constraints summaries), and draft and final plans
• Support the development and implementation of community engagement strategies
• Support the development of engagement and meeting materials, including summaries and memos, presentations, surveys, information panels, activities, and informational content for project websites
• Lead and support meetings and facilitate engagement sessions with clients, community leaders, and members across the province
• Synthesize and analyze background document research, planning inputs, and engagement outcomes, including identifying key themes and planning considerations
• Support policy development for land use plans and other community plans and projects, as needed, based on inputs from research and engagement
• Communicate with clients, community leaders and members, staff and others regularly clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing
• Contribute to ongoing business development activities including leading and supporting the preparation of proposals and work plans, and meeting with potential clients to discuss opportunities.

Learning and Development

• Commit to self-development, ongoing learning, and professional development.
• Drive continuous learning and mentor junior staff in data science and digital project delivery methodologies, developing the next generation of tech-forward leaders.
• Contribute to Dillon’s corporate profile through active participation in professional associations and committees.

Qualifications

• A degree in planning, geography, environmental science or a related field
• Full membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Planning Institute of Alberta.
• Knowledge of relevant planning and legislative frameworks (Indigenous, municipal, provincial, federal) and planning principles and techniques
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills - must be proficient in report and plan writing and able to prepare high-quality deliverables
• Ability to work in a fast-paced consulting environment with multiple project demands and timelines

Experience

• 5 years of related work experience, preferably in the consulting industry
• Professional experience working in land use planning, community planning (e.g., Comprehensive Community Plans, Strategic Plans, etc.), policy development, community consultation and engagement and associated strategies
• Experience preparing and delivering consultation programs for a range of clients, including developing communication materials
• Demonstrated success working in a team setting and meeting quality, schedule, and budgetary expectations
• Experience facilitating meetings and workshops and demonstrated experience providing mentorship to and managing more junior staff
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and understanding of culturally appropriate approaches to planning and engagement is an asset

In addition to a competitive base salary, Dillon offers:

• Flexible work hours and hybrid work arrangement options to help balance the competing demands of work and personal life
• Employee share purchase plan
  • Dillon is 100% employee-owned, and share ownership is open to all employees. Our annual share dividends have historically outperformed the market average.
• Dillon’s Overtime Directive
  • This Management Directive establishes a firm-wide 40-hour weekly overtime threshold, after which premium pay applies, ensuring consistent and fair compensation across all Canadian offices.
• Competitive benefits package, including:
  • Comprehensive health benefits
  • Generous retirement savings plan with employer matching up to 5.5%
  • Student loan repayment assistance
  • Wellness allowance and enhanced mental health benefits
  • Ample paid vacation
  • Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
  • Goodlife Fitness Corporate Membership rates

Early Career Development (ECD) program

At Dillon, we build careers. Designed for technical professionals with less than three years of consulting experience, the ECD program accelerates the transition into entrepreneurial consultants through monthly ‘Level Up’ sessions that build both technical and consulting capabilities. Own your success; we provide the blueprint.

Health & Safety at Dillon

Prospective employees are expected to fully align with Dillon's core commitment to Health & Safety. This includes active, ongoing engagement with our Health & Safety processes and platform, and the active, ongoing identification and reporting of health and safety hazards.

Employment Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at Dillon

Dillon is committed to employment equity and an inclusive, diverse workplace where opportunities are based on skills and abilities. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please let us know.

Technology enablement and the use of AI at Dillon

Please be advised that Dillon uses AI-assisted tools to support aspects of our recruitment process to increase efficiency and fairness. While AI supports the process, all hiring decisions are made by our human recruiting team. By applying, you acknowledge and consent to this use.