Planner

Search conducted by Placemaking 4G at p4g.ca on behalf of zzap.
## About zzap
Established in 2018, zzap operates as a strategic design partner, embedding within the workflows of property owners, developers, institutions, and public-sector clients from the earliest stages of site conceptualization. Our work focuses on unlocking site potential while advancing design quality across Atlantic Canada.

zzap’s founders believe that the integration of architecture and planning, grounded in place and supported by meaningful engagement, results in projects that are embraced by the communities they serve. This approach has contributed to a strong and growing reputation across Atlantic Canada in community planning, land development, heritage, and building design. zzap works across a broad range of project typologies and sectors, including institutional, government, non-profit, commercial, industrial, hospitality, mixed-use, residential, and heritage. Our work spans multiple scales, from strategic planning and policy frameworks to individual buildings and sites, and reflects a commitment to thoughtful, context-driven design responses rooted in place, policy, and long-term viability.

By integrating urban planners and architects within a single practice, zzap simplifies the complex nature of land development, particularly in environments where regulatory frameworks, site constraints, and competing interests intersect. This integrated approach allows us to support clients through complexity, from early feasibility and entitlement through to detailed design and delivery.

zzap’s work is shaped by community needs and real-world conditions. Whether advancing community planning initiatives, stewarding heritage assets, or delivering new infrastructure and buildings, we bring a consistent focus on design quality, collaboration, and responsible growth.

zzap Values
- Start-to-Finish Care and Respect
- Just Be Honest (Honesty and Trust)
- Bring ’Em to the Table (Collaboration)
- Roll With It (Adaptability)
- Check Our Egos at the Door (Humility)

This Moment, This Position

At zzap, planning is about understanding how places work, how they could work better, and how thoughtful development can respond to the people, policies, communities, and environments around it.

As zzap continues to grow, we are looking for a Planner who can bring strong planning knowledge, curiosity, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach to a diverse range of projects across Atlantic Canada.

Working alongside zzap’s planners, architects, clients, consultants, municipalities, and community partners, you will contribute to projects from early feasibility and planning analysis through applications, engagement, approvals, and implementation.

This role is well suited to someone who enjoys moving between research and analysis, writing and communication, coordination, and relationship-building. You will have opportunities to dig into complex planning questions, prepare clear and thoughtful recommendations, work directly with clients and communities, and help keep projects moving from idea to reality.

You will also play an important coordination role within project teams, working closely with Project Leads to understand priorities, anticipate challenges, communicate progress, and ensure the different pieces of a project come together.
If you are energized by the complexity of how communities grow and change, and want to contribute to planning work that is grounded in place, we would love to consider this opportunity.

## How You Would Contribute
Planning & Analysis
- Prepare and coordinate planning reports, feasibility studies, zoning and regulatory reviews, and planning applications in support of development proposals.
- Research and interpret municipal planning strategies, land-use by-laws, development regulations, policies, legislation, and other planning frameworks.
- Analyze planning opportunities and constraints and translate complex information into clear, practical recommendations.
- Contribute to the preparation of municipal planning documents, including zoning regulations, comprehensive plans, and development policies.
- Stay current with emerging planning trends, legislation, policy changes, and best practices.

Project Coordination
- Support planning projects from early feasibility and concept development through approvals and implementation.
- Lead projects with multidisciplinary team members to understand project scope, priorities, timelines, and deliverables.
- Coordinate project information, documentation, meetings, submissions, and contributions from internal team members and external consultants.
- Monitor project timelines, budgets, quality, and deliverables and proactively identify potential challenges or changes in scope.
- Help keep projects organized, aligned, and moving forward through regular and proactive communication.

Community & Public Engagement
- Lead or support public and community engagement processes, including workshops, open houses, presentations, meetings, and other engagement activities.
- Listen carefully to different perspectives and help translate community input into meaningful planning considerations.
- Communicate planning concepts, policies, and processes in clear and accessible language.
- Support engagement approaches that encourage thoughtful participation and transparent decision-making.

Client & Partner Relationships
- Build positive and trusted relationships with clients throughout the project lifecycle.
- Participate in client meetings and provide regular updates on project progress, milestones, emerging considerations, and deliverables.
- Work with municipal staff, regulatory agencies, community organizations, consultants, and other project partners to support approvals and project outcomes.
- Represent zzap in meetings, presentations, and public forums with professionalism, curiosity, and confidence.
- Recognize when an issue requires additional input or escalation and work closely with the Project Lead to determine the best path forward.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Work alongside planners, architects, designers, consultants, and other specialists to develop integrated approaches to planning and development.
- Help connect planning considerations with architecture, site design, development feasibility, and implementation.
- Share knowledge, ideas, and perspectives across the studio.
- Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, and solutions-focused working environment.

## Statement of Intention
We encourage submissions from Black, racialized, Indigenous Peoples, People with Disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, women in non-traditional fields, and newcomers to Canada. We invite you to share this information in your cover letter or resume, and we invite you to express your pronouns.

Moreover, we collaborate closely with the P4G search team, who are dedicated to creating a safe space for you to openly discuss your experiences, preferences, and any accommodations that may support you.
## What Would Help You Succeed
Education: A degree in Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Community Planning, Geography, Environmental Planning, or a related field.
Professional Designation: Licensed Professional Planner (LPP) or Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation, or eligibility to obtain one.

Experience: Ideally 4+ years of professional planning experience involving land-use planning, development approvals, policy, community planning, or related project work. Experience working in a consulting environment or on multidisciplinary development projects would be an asset.
Planning Expertise & Industry Knowledge
- Strong understanding of planning principles, theories, practices, and processes.
- Experience interpreting municipal planning strategies, land-use by-laws, zoning regulations, development agreements, and related policy.
- Experience preparing planning reports, applications, feasibility analyses, policy documents, or similar professional materials.
- Ability to analyze complex planning questions, identify relevant considerations, and exercise sound professional judgment.
- Familiarity with planning and development processes in Nova Scotia and/or Atlantic Canada would be an asset.
- Knowledge of public and community engagement practices and an ability to work thoughtfully with different perspectives.

Technical & Communication Skills
- Strong research, analytical, and professional writing skills.
- Ability to communicate complex planning concepts clearly to clients, community members, regulatory partners, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
- Comfort working with planning documents, mapping, data, and other information used to support planning analysis and decision-making.
- Experience with GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, or other planning and visualization tools would be an asset.

Core Competencies & Attributes
- Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
- A collaborative and curious approach, along with the confidence to contribute ideas and ask thoughtful questions.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with clients, colleagues, community members, and project partners.
- Exceptional attention to detail paired with an ability to understand the broader context of a project.
- A proactive communication style and willingness to raise questions, challenges, or changing circumstances early.
- Adaptability and comfort working through projects where priorities, information, or conditions may evolve.
- A valid driver’s license and access to transportation for site visits, engagement activities, and meetings would be an asset.

The Package

Salary: $80,000 - $85,000 Position Type: Permanent, full-time Location: 1 Canal St, Dartmouth Nova Scotia Schedule: Monday to Friday, 37.5 paid hours per week Travel: Some site and client visits throughout Atlantic Canada Benefits & Perks:
- 3 weeks' vacation
- 7 Wellness Days
- December Holiday Shutdown
- Summer Hours
- Flexible work arrangements
- Professional development support
- Wellness Spending Account
- Comprehensive Group Benefits
- Parental Leave EI Top-Up Program

Our Process & Application Details

What to Expect Hiring processes often reflect systems that don’t work for everyone. At Placemaking 4G, we believe recruitment should be relational and affirming. We’re working with the organization to ensure candidates are respected, informed, and supported throughout.
- We closely review all applications and read each cover letter (we promise).
- If you are selected as a top candidate, expect an invitation to chat with a Lead Placemaker from P4G. This is someone who treats the recruitment process non-traditionally. We want to get to know what inspires you.
- Selected candidates will proceed to a virtual interview with the Lead P4G Placemaker and 2-3 organizational representatives.
- Finalists may participate in a second-round interview or skills activity (virtual or in-person).
- P4G will check employment references and assist in presenting an offer to the successful candidate.
Application Details
Please include a cover letter that speaks to your experience and offers a glimpse of your personality.

Don’t be generic. Be yourself. Have questions about the role?
Reach out to the Lead Placemaker at P4G to learn more.
Amr ElKhashab
[email protected]