Research Planner (Research Analyst)

Summary

The Capital Regional District (CRD) is looking for an accomplished technical planner looking to make an impact on the future of one of Canada’s most dynamic regions.  Reporting to the Senior Manager of Regional Planning, this role will lead complex research, analysis, and mapping within the Regional Planning Division.  The role will provide support with demographic, economic, growth management and transportation information and analysis.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversees key divisional business data, which includes statistical and spatial databases related to transportation, land use, demographic, economic and social information.
• Identifies divisional data needs and sources; creates, maintains, provides quality assurance and distributes business data; and designs and develops databases and spreadsheets.
• Provides advice on data collection and statistical analysis methods and ensures correct use of data methodology.
• Obtains data from Statistics Canada and other sources and provides to municipal planning departments.
• Leads the transportation data program, including primary source collection.
• Leads contracts and procurement processes related to divisional business data, in alignment with corporate policies and procedures.
• Produces the annual municipal population and household/dwelling unit estimates.
• Develops and maintains a variety of program monitoring indicators.
• Undertakes data computation, analysis, and statistical sampling, and interprets findings.
• Uses GIS tools and applications to access, analyze and report on spatial data including the production of maps and thematic layers for use on CRD WebMap application.
• Performs GIS operations involving analyses, multiple data layers/multiple databases to generate data analyses, interpretations, maps, and reports.
• Writes, modifies, and trouble-shoots standard and custom GIS applications, data and output.
• Designs and updates factsheets, writes articles/reports and designs, and develops data visualization products to communicate complex technical information in reports for public/stakeholders.
• Represents Regional Planning on corporate GIS User committees, liaises with the IT division and prepares content for the divisional website.
• Responds to complex statistical inquiries from internal/external clients including CRD departments, municipalities, businesses, non-profits, academia, students, and the general public.
• Responds to general inquiries from the public and refers callers to appropriate CRD Departments or external agencies when necessary.
• Identifies and coordinates data partnerships and distribution with stakeholders including the identification new information products and services.
• Coordinates licensing agreements with data suppliers and users, and ensures they are followed and renewed.
• Maintains knowledge of current GIS software, applications, and trends.
• Maintains current knowledge of regional and local planning/development, economic, environmental, and social issues, trends, available data, data sources, and of data-related methodologies, definitions and concepts, limitations, and applications.
• Follows all policies, procedures, and standards of the CRD.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Additional Information

• None

Key Skills & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of and experience interpreting and analyzing Census data from Statistics Canada and other sources.
• Thorough knowledge of regional land use and transportation planning principles and information.
• Thorough knowledge of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods.
• Strong ability to oversee an integrated transportation data collection and reporting system, including the ability to create, maintain, provide quality assurance, and distribute data.
• Strong ability to perform statistical and spatial analysis related to transportation, land use, demographic, economic and social data.
• Strong ability to develop population projections.
• Strong presentation and training skills with demonstrated ability to communicate complex, technical information to non-technical and technical audiences.
• Strong ability to work in a collaborative, cross-functional team.
• Advanced MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook and SharePoint skills.
• Advanced database and data analytics skills, including database software (MS Access), SQL query and open-source data analysis programs.
• Advanced proficiency and experience using Adobe Professional software.
• Working familiarity with website maintenance and editing.
• Advanced understanding of GIS concepts and advanced skills in ArcGIS.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills across multiple platforms (e.g., report writing, PowerPoint presentations, briefing bullets, chairing and attending meetings).
• Excellent contract management skills ensuring successful working relationships and timely deliverables.

Qualifications

Certifications