Land Use Planner

Reports To: Lands & Resources Director (or delegate)

Job Purpose:

The Land Use Planner is responsible for supporting long-term land management, community development, environmental stewardship, and culturally grounded planning for Cold Lake First Nations (CLFN) reserve lands. The incumbent facilitates engagement with community members, Elders, leadership, and external partners to design and implement development plans that uphold CLFN’s values, sovereignty, and future vision.

Primary responsibilities include the preparation of land use plans, zoning frameworks, policy documents, feasibility studies, GIS analysis, and development recommendations to support the current and future needs of the Nation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and update community development plans, land use and environmental management plans, area development/redevelopment plans, zoning tools, and reserve-specific planning frameworks.
• Research land tenure, demographics, environmental constraints, and infrastructure capacity.
• Prepare reports, policy briefs, and recommendations for Chief & Council and senior administration.

• Lead community consultations, workshops, open houses, and surveys.
• Incorporate Dene values, traditional land-use knowledge, and cultural priorities into all planning processes.
• Communicate planning concepts in accessible, community-friendly language.

• Work with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), provincial agencies, municipalities, and other partners.
• Support land designations, additions-to-reserve (ATR), development agreements, and regulatory compliance.

• Assess development applications, site plans, engineering proposals, and environmental assessments.
• Provide planning and land-use advisory services to leadership and departments.
• Monitor capital and infrastructure projects for consistency with approved plans.

• Integrate sustainability, cultural protection, and environmental responsibility into all planning recommendations.
• Collaborate with other LRD staff for impact assessments and cultural protection efforts.

• Use GIS (ArcGIS) to produce maps, conduct spatial analysis, and maintain accurate land records.
• Manage digital planning datasets and mapping files.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Land Use Planning, Geography, or Environmental Planning.
• Eligibility for or membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and/or RPP designation.
• 3–5+ years of planning experience, specifically involving First Nations communities or Indigenous land management systems.

• Advanced proficiency with GIS (ArcGIS) for mapping and spatial analysis.
• Practical knowledge of reserve land management, including CLSR, land designations, and ATR processes.
• Strong technical writing skills for the production of reports, policies, and community briefs.

• Ability to integrate Dene values and traditional knowledge into modern planning frameworks.
• Experience leading consultations and communicating technical concepts to diverse audiences, including Elders and leadership.
• Ability to interpret complex technical reports and design long-term frameworks that align with community visions.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and stakeholders effectively.
• High level of integrity, transparency, and respect for confidentiality in a governance environment.

Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:

• Office environment. Monday to Thursday 8:30am – 4:30pm, Friday 8:30am – 2:00pm.
• Working hours can vary and may require a flexible schedule depending on type of assignment or work plan task.
• Evening and weekend work may be required to attend meetings, events, and community engagement sessions.
• Conducts site visits and land assessments on reserve lands and surrounding territory, occasionally in varying weather or on uneven terrain.
• Travel: Reliable transportation is essential for regional travel.