Summer Student Planner – Policy and Research

Summer Student Planner – Policy and Research

Join to apply for the Summer Student Planner – Policy and Research role at City of Markham
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City of Markham is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Best Employers for the 5th consecutive year by Forbes and Statista Inc., and is ranked 2nd among municipalities in Canada for government services. We are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives and fiscal accountability. Over 366,000 residents call Markham home, benefiting from our culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy, and commitment to quality of life.

Summer student applications are now being accepted for the position of Student Planner in the Development Services Commission. Please submit your resume and cover letter online by January 11, 2026
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CA $20.18/hour – CA $20.18/hour

The City of Markham is experiencing significant growth, and the Development Services Commission is seeking a university/graduate student who is a dedicated self‑starter to work in a fast‑paced environment. The student will assist with policy research and analysis, official plan review, secondary plans, affordable housing, and community engagement initiatives. A good understanding of land use policy planning and familiarity with housing, policy development, and growth management topics is required.

• Provide technical assistance, research, and evaluation of land use policy matters such as the City’s Official Plan Review (Growth Management, Major Transit Station Areas, Settlement Area Boundary Expansion, etc.), Secondary Plans, and Affordable & Rental Housing.
• Undertake and assist with research and implementation of new projects.
• Participate in and support public consultation and community/stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Assist in the preparation of communication materials including planning reports, discussion papers, briefing materials, presentations, and community engagement material.
• Research emerging planning and development issues.
• Assist project managers on key issues that arise during projects.
• Prepare meeting agendas and minutes.
• Liaise with residents, internal departments, other government agencies, and special interest groups on planning matters.

• Currently enrolled in a university program in Urban Planning or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in researching complex issues.
• Knowledge of relevant land use planning legislation, regulations and processes.
• Strong report writing and communication skills.
• Good analytical and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite.
• Proficiency with video conferencing software including Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
• Ability to contribute positively to a respectful professional environment.

• Beginning of May to end of August 2026
• Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, 35 hours per week (excluding holidays).

On‑site at the City of Markham office located at 101 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham, ON.

• Service Excellence:
  Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
• Change & Innovation:
  Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building:
  Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
• Communication:
  Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
• Accountable & Results Oriented:
  Demonstrates ethical behavior and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
• Management & Leadership:
  Demonstrates self‑management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier‑free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier‑free hiring process.

We also ask that visitors to the office respect our scent‑free area by not wearing scented products when visiting.