Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) is one of the largest school divisions in Alberta, serving the education needs of approximately 17,750 students in 43 schools. Every day, the staff and students of EIPS are encouraged to pursue opportunities to grow and discover their passions in life. We pride ourselves on providing staff and students with the tools to achieve success by offering dynamic programming, current resources, and practical professional learning opportunities.

EIPS is recruiting a Senior Planner with Facility Services.

Elk Island Public Schools Central Services building is located in Sherwood Park, at 683 Wye Road. Providing services for the Division, Central Services is comprised of eight departments, in addition to the Board of Trustees. The departments include Education Executive, Communication Services, Facility Services, Student Transportation, Human Resources, Financial Services, Supports for Students and Information Technologies.

Commencing May 11, 2026
40 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 8 hours per day)
Open to internal and external applicants
Click on “Sign in With Employee Email” to be considered an Internal Applicant
EIPS offers a comprehensive benefit package

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Planner is responsible for providing advice and recommendations on matters of land use planning regarding existing and potential school sites of Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) and surrounding areas. The position provides planning services and expertise in the areas of land use planning, school site planning, capital planning, facilities planning, boundary reviews, student accommodation and community engagement which includes serving as a representative of the Facilities department in stakeholder consultation processes. In addition, the Senior Planner researches, maintains and interprets relevant data for use in Division strategic planning processes, projects, and long-range planning of EIPS facilities. The Senior Planner analyzes and interprets demographic data and makes recommendations and establishes division’s position on development proposals from surrounding municipalities. This position also supports government and community partnerships and contracts which may require confirming the use of facilities, reporting data, and coordinating Joint Land Use Agreements. The position supports a collaborative, respectful, and efficient work environment that contributes to the department’s overall success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Land Development Coordination
Review municipal land development proposals and analyze implications for Division school site requirements.
Prepare planning analysis and recommendations regarding land use compatibility, accessibility, and site suitability.
Liaise with municipal planners, developers, and government representatives to gather information related to school site planning.
Support the development of the Division’s position on development proposals and municipal planning initiatives.
Coordinate site planning requirements including zoning, subdivision review, and site preparation considerations for future capital projects.
Participate in municipal planning meetings and technical working groups representing the Facilities department.
Maintain data and provide technical analysis related to residential development trends and land use policies.

Capital Planning and Demographic Analysis

Conduct demographic research, housing trend analysis, and enrolment projections to inform facility planning.
Prepare supporting analysis for the Division’s Three-Year Capital Plan, Ten-Year Facilities Plan, and Modular Classroom Plan.
Develop student enrolment projections and facility utilization analysis.
Monitor school capacity and space utilization trends across the Division.
Prepare demographic and planning reports to support capital project prioritization.
Provide technical support for capital implementation projects, including site planning and integrated school/park site considerations.

Community Engagement & Consultation Support

Coordinate and facilitate public consultation activities related to school planning projects.
Design surveys, questionnaires, and engagement tools for public participation processes with departmental collaboration.
Collect, analyze, and summarize feedback from consultation activities.
Prepare consultation summaries and planning reports for Facilities Management.
Respond to inquiries from the public, staff, and community stakeholders regarding school sites and planning initiatives.

Boundary Planning and Student Accommodation Analysis

Maintain demographic databases and facility planning data.
Develop boundary and accommodation scenarios to support planning decisions.
Conduct research and analysis to support boundary reviews and new school openings.
Prepare reports and technical analysis for boundary recommendations and possible program placement.
Maintain records of school boundary changes and designations.

Collaborative Agreement Support

Support the development and implementation of joint use and collaborative agreements with municipalities.
Monitor agreement implementation and gather relevant information for reporting.
Coordinate communication with municipal partners regarding facility planning initiatives.
Ensure agreements align with provincial legislation and policy requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Degree related to planning in areas such as Urban Planning, Geography or Environmental Design.

Experience:

Minimum Required: Three to five years of related experience in a school division or municipality.

Preferred: Planning experience in a school division.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Minimum Required:

Knowledge of statutory planning, land use bylaw and the Municipal Government Act (MGA), Education Act, Real Properties Governance Act and related policies.
Knowledge of research and statistical analysis methods; planning theory, principles, systems and processes.
Ability to read and interpret municipal planning documents, site plans, architectural, engineering and survey plans/drawings.
Strong critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and attention to detail.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills including presentation skills for a broad range of audiences.
Ability to maintain effective relationships with stakeholders and support engagement meetings and negotiations.
Strong organization, prioritization, and time management skills.
Ability to successfully work in a team environment as well as independently with minimal supervision.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, web-based applications, and emerging technology.

Preferred:

Knowledge of the educational system, including Alberta Education’s school capital manual.
Experience developing and negotiating collaborative agreements.
Knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Auto-Cad software and/or Adobe Creative suite.

Qualifications, Certifications and Designations:

Minimum Required:

Membership or eligibility for membership in Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI) and the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP).
Valid Alberta Driver’s License in good standing as per the requirements of the Elk Island Public Schools Vehicle and Equipment Operating Manual and access to a reliable vehicle.

Preferred:

Project Management principles and practices.
Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation from Alberta professional Planners Institute (APPI) or equivalent.
International Association for Public Participation certification.
Knowledge of records management principles including the Access to Information Act (ATIA) and Protection of Privacy Act (POPA).

For further information, contact Brent Dragon by email at Brent.Dragon@eips.ca.

Only online applications will be accepted.

Elk Island Public Schools appreciates and considers all applications; however, we only contact candidates who are selected for interviews.

If you require assistance with the application system, please call Apply to Education at 1-877-900-5627 or email info@applytoeducation.com.

Elk Island Public Schools

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