Smart Growth Advisory Services and Vancouver City Planning Commission
Background
Smart Growth Advisory Services (SGAS) is a project of Smart Growth BC, a provincial non-profit working to create more livable communities (www.sgas.bc.ca). SGAS is working with the Vancouver City Planning Commission to conduct a pilot project in two Vancouver neighbourhoods to evaluate a new approach to mapping amenities: Grandview Park and Douglas Park. Where city-led mapping usually focuses on traditional amenities such as libraries or day care, and is often driven by development issues and negotiation on trade-offs, this mapping project seeks to identify a wide range of features that make a neighbourhood special to its residents. The mapping will combine online interaction with participation in a community workshop in each neighbourhood.
The YouMap Vancouver project seeks to demonstrate the importance of having an inventory of the full range of what people value about their neighbourhoods, both tangible and intangible, and of what they wish was there – including special places, viewpoints, community gardens, trees, historic locations, cafes and shops, trails, and more. With this knowledge, residents, city staff and elected officials will have a better appreciation of the deeper values within a community, and more common ground for a dialogue about the kinds of change that can bring renewal to a neighbourhood, along with greater vitality and prosperity.
More information about the project is at the Vancouver City Planning Commission website http://www.planningcommission.ca/amenity-mapping.
Job Description
The successful candidate will coordinate neighbourhood communication and outreach in the two neighbourhoods with the objective of securing wide participation in the project activities. The work will include the following:
- Compile contact lists of neighbourhood organizations and city-wide/regional organizations with an interest in the project that may have local chapters or champions.
- Make personal contact with organization representatives to build awareness of the project.
- Attend local events.
- Make personal connections with retail and other businesses regarding participation in the event and possible sponsorship.
- Develop a volunteer engagement strategy and recruit and guide volunteers.
- Assist in co-ordinating the community workshops.
- Arrange sponsorships for food and other services with local businesses and organizations.
- Other work as needed to secure community engagement and participation in the project
Reporting
The intern will report to the Project Manager at Smart Growth Advisory Services.
Project Timeline
The community outreach will take place during August and early September. The workshops are scheduled for September 26-7 and October 3-4.
Remuneration and Expectations
Honorarium of $2,000 plus approved expenses.
Flexible work schedule of between 10-15 hours per week
Qualifications
- Education and experience in urban planning
- Ability to be self-directed and work collaboratively with colleagues, partners and community members in a complex environment
- Strong written, verbal and face-to-face communication skills
- Ability to meet deadlines and manage concurrent tasks
- Excellent organizational and cross-cultural skills
- Strong computer/IT skills
- A personal fit with smart growth values is an asset
If this unique intern opportunity appeals to you, please submit a resume with covering letter describing your qualifications, experience and interest by
2pm, Tuesday July 29th, 2008, by email or mail to:
Re: SGAS Intern Position
Smart Growth B.C.
314-402 West Pender Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6B 1T6
Email: erin@sgas.bc.ca
We thank all applicants for your interest working with Smart Growth B.C.; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
For more information on Smart Growth B.C., please check out our website at www.smartgrowth.bc.ca. For more information Smart Growth Advisory Services, please check out our website at www.sgas.bc.ca.
No phone calls please.