Planning Student or Recent Graduate

We are looking to add 4 enthusiastic Planning Students from a Professional Standard Board-accredited planning program or planning-related undergraduate program for a 4- or 8-month work term starting in May 2026!

At Urban Systems we understand your need to have meaningful experiences during your work terms. We strive to provide opportunities for you to apply your skills to exciting challenging and rewarding projects gaining exposure to diverse aspects of planningboth in the office and in the field. Our goal for you is to come away with new points of view an enhanced skillset a feeling of success and long-lasting connections that will serve you well in your future as a professional.

Our commitment to creating an impact runs deep. We care about each other about the work we do and about the clients and communities we work with. Our people and teams embrace a growth mindset to build a culture where everyone can grow and develop over time. This is a place where you can build meaningful relationships and explore your potential. Join us for a work term where you will hone your knowledge and increase your understanding of industry best practices in a practical and supportive setting.

About the Opportunity

Working alongside seasoned planners and recent graduates alike you may be engaged in projects related to land use planning housing transportation planning public engagement municipal/development finance infrastructure planning governance urban design and development approvals. You will have the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients and communities such as municipal government provincial government Indigenous communities and land development clients.

Do you see yourself excited to contribute to

• Providing planning support on a broad range of community planning projects (including but not limited to land use planning parks and recreation economic development tourism transportation and community governance)
• Conducting research preparing background reports and supporting projects for local government land development and First Nations clients (e.g. land use reports conceptual plans studies bylaws etc.).
• Assisting in the preparation of proposals reports and presentations for clients and public meetings.
• Collaborating with the existing team to develop public engagement materials such as open house panels newsletters brochures and community surveys.
• Attending and supporting site visits public meetings engagements workshops and open houses as required.

As a student you will have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects although depending on the location the projects practice areas and clients may differ. The following projects and skills are not an exhaustive list and may fluctuate based on capacity and interest.

Fort St. John BC

In our Fort St. John branch you can expect to be involved primarily in community planning projects such as:

• Land use planning policy writing bylaw development governance and service delivery model research and analysis development approvals support Indigenous planning public engagement and communications grant research and writing economic development and local government finance.

This will allow you to develop your skills and understanding related to:

• Client relationships planning legislation plain language writing qualitative and/or quantitative data research and analysis public engagements reports presentations surveys and proposals.

Vancouver BC

In our Vancouver branch you can expect to be involved in community planning projects such as:

• Land use planning and policy housing and growth strategies bylaws community engagement Indigenous planning economic development tourism market reviews transportation planning industrial lands strategies local government finance and community governance.

This will allow you to develop your skills and understanding related to:

• Client relationships planning legislation policy writing qualitative and quantitative data analysis public engagement background research presentations surveys final strategies and reports developing recommendations proposals and coordination.

Surrey BC

In our Surrey branch you can expect to be involved in community planningprojects such as:

• Land use planning and policy bylaw development community engagement Indigenous planning development process support local government finance and community governance - with a focus on local governments and Indigenous communities in the Fraser Valley.

This will allow you to develop your skills and understanding related to:

• Client relationships planning legislation technical writing policy and bylaw development financial analysis public engagement and the preparation of reports presentations and proposals.

Winnipeg MB

In our Winnipeg branch you can expect to be involved in community planning projects such as:

• Land use planning municipal growth strategies development (official community) plans and zoning bylaws community engagement Indigenous planning parks and recreation economic development local government finance and community governance.

This will allow you to develop your skills and understanding related to:

• Client relationships planning legislation policy writing and analysis qualitative and/or quantitative data research public engagement analyzing socioeconomic statistics background reports presentations creating surveys and other research instruments reports and proposal writing.

About You

This position is ideal for students currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a planning program accredited by the Canadian Institute of Planners. We are always open to considering strong candidates from other backgrounds. Consideration will be given to other related programs such as urban studies urban development regional planning urban design community planning economics finance geography and environmental studies. Related experience is beneficial but not required.

The core skills that will help you succeed here include:

• Motivated You are excited to broaden your expertise and understanding by gaining experience in the following areas: land use planning transportation planning housing public engagement municipal/development finance infrastructure planning governance urban design and development approvals.
• Curious You are eager to learn ask questions and listen deeply. You know that being present and listening to people to understand their needs and experiences is integral to being in service of others.
• Detail-Oriented You pay high attention to detail and quality control and verify the accuracy of your production work at all stages of a project.
• Relationships Focused You aim to build relationships develop a sense of community and work with diverse groups to tackle complex challenges faced by communities.
• CommunicationYou are a skilled communicator both verbal and written. You can take the complicated and make it easy to understand using research and data to deepen understanding and tell a compelling story.
• ResearchYou are comfortable conducting research including collecting and analyzing qualitative and/or quantitative data.
• Problem-Solving You enjoy applying theory and conducting research to provide workable solutions related to the implementation of your work.

About Us

At Urban Systems vibrant communities are everythingincluding our own work community. Since 1975 we have grown to more than 700 people with 18 offices across Canada. Every day our purpose-driven team works closely with our clients and their communities to deliver impactful work. We are proud to work with diverse clients including Indigenous communities all levels of government commercial and residential land developers and the natural resource sector.

Our Commitment to You

At Urban Systems we make significant investments in our people which is why we take great care to hire those who we believe will thrive in Urban Systems over the long term. Weve become recognized as a workplace of choice by nurturing a unique corporate culture that sets us apart and provides:

• Meaningful rewards and recognition. The positions will have an hourly range of $24.00 $27.00 an hour the amount offered will be based on the location experience and qualifications of the successful candidates. The range is negotiable based on your skillset and experience.

• Relocation Assistance We recognize that moving to a new location for a short period of time can be difficult. To offset the cost of moving expenses if applicable we will provide relocation assistance to support your temporary transition to join our team.

• Engaging Work Environment Be part of a fun engaging workplace where hard work accomplishes great things.

• Work with Motivated Teams The opportunity to work with industry-leading professionals in a collaborative environment to help you gain the most out of your term.

• Learn and Grow You can look forward to ongoing career development and learning through challenging and interesting project opportunities.

• Perks and Benefits Urban Systems provides a variety of benefits for students such as a monthly transit subsidy paid sick leave and wellbeing support.

How to Apply

If this describes your background skills and attributes please visit our website for more information on the different kinds of student opportunities available and submit your resume and cover letter. If it doesnt describe you exactly but you feel you are well suited to this opportunity we encourage you to apply.

Urban Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create an inclusive culture for all employees. Our clients come from all walks of life and so do you. We believe that diversity and unity amongst our teams leads to building vibrant communities.

Deadline for applications: Monday January 19 2026 at 9:00 am PST (11:00 am CST)