Graduate Planner, Land Development

Are you graduating in Spring 2027 and ready to take the first step in your professional journey? Join us for our in-person Hiring Day event at our Toronto office (October 27th). This is a unique opportunity to connect with GHD professionals, learn more about our work and culture, and explore exciting career opportunities.

If you’re interested in participating in our Hiring Day and being considered for a Graduate Planner, Land Development role, we encourage you to review the job description below and apply if it aligns with your career goals.

As part of the selection process, you’ll be invited to complete a HireVue video interview and answer a few pre-screening questions. Candidates who successfully progress through the initial screening stage will be contacted by our recruitment team and invited to move forward in the Hiring Day process.

Help us build the future and we’ll help you build a rewarding and purposeful career. 

Our global network is made up of architects, designers, planners, engineers, and environmental scientists all working towards the same goal.

Join a team that brings inspirational architecture, landscapes, townscapes and places to our world, and we’ll provide you unlimited space to grow.

Who are we looking for?   

GHD has a fantastic opportunity for an upcoming or recent graduate to join our Land Development team based in Whitby, ON as a Graduate Planner, Land Development! This position will give you the exposure to land development assessments, proposals, designs and applications, to obtain land use approvals and registrations and to develop planning documents for development clients. 

Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in office, three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.
 

Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see you involved in: 

• Prepare a variety of planning applications including draft plan of subdivision, zoning by-law amendment, official plan amendment, site plan approval and minor variance applications.
• Assist with the processing of land use planning applications in accordance with applicable provincial legislation and municipal regulations and policies
• Assist in coordinating a multi-disciplinary team of consultants to meet project timelines
• Write and prepare a range of planning documents including official pan amendments and zoning by-law amendments and correspondence to municipal staff and agencies
• Assist Senior Planners in the preparation of Planning Justification Reports 
• Attend Committee of Adjustment hearings, council public meetings and community consultation meetings in the evening hours with the Senior Planner as required 
• Assist in preparing visual materials including exhibits and photographs for public meeting presentations and reports.
• Organize and maintain department records, files and the Planning Library.
• Providing research and support to senior staff, including research related to planning applications and research for due diligence studies
   

What you will bring to the team:

• Post-secondary degree in Urban and Regional Planning or similar degree program / related field
• 0-2 years of post-graduation experience related to the role
• Interest in or working knowledge of the land use planning, design and approval process
• Prior experience in land development planning, preferably in a consulting environment is an asset
• Eligibility for membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) 
• Working knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of urban planning, applicable legislation and regulatory requirements in Ontario and evolving trends in growth management, urban design and built form 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a team player attitude
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills 
• Valid G-class driver’s licence and road-worthy vehicle 

The salary for this position based in Whitby,ON is $65,000.  The posted salary represents the expected hiring range for GHD locations in its major city centres. Ranges may vary for positions in other locations. At GHD, base salary is determined by your skills, experience, qualifications and work location. We are committed to offering competitive compensation and adhere to all relevant pay transparency legislation.  

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in recruiting is just getting started and may be used during the process to improve efficiency and fairness. Your application may be reviewed by both AI and our hiring team. While AI supports some steps through the process, all final hiring decisions are made by humans

This position is for an existing vacancy

As a diverse and inclusive organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. Upon request, GHD will provide reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process.