Description
The Campus Planning within the Facilities Development is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Space and Utilization Planner.
Reporting to the Specialist, Facilities Planning within Campus Planning, the Space and Utilization Planner (the Planner) provides technical facilities planning expertise that supports the stewardship, optimization, renewal, and future development of the University's facilities and space portfolio. Working collaboratively with the Specialist, faculties, administrative units, and the multidisciplinary Facilities Development team, the Planner provides analytical, technical, and pre-project planning support for the development of planning solutions that respond to current and emerging facility and space needs while advancing institutional priorities, capital planning, and campus renewal. Through planning analysis, graphical communication, and the development of technical planning documentation, the Planner supports the Specialist in translating institutional priorities into practical facilities and space planning solutions.
The Planner supports multiple concurrent planning initiatives of varying scale and complexity by undertaking space and utilization analyses, accommodation and decant planning, functional programming, planning studies, and the preparation of technical planning documentation. Working under the direction of the Specialist and at times the Director, the Planner contributes to the development of functional and space programs, accommodation strategies, planning concepts, and other project- ready planning deliverables that establish a clear foundation for future capital projects or major renovations. The Planner gathers, analyzes, and interprets information that support planning recommendations and institutional decision-making while ensuring planning deliverables are accurate, well documented, aligned with university standards, effectively supports projects from concept through pre- project planning, design development and occupancy.
The Planner develops and maintains a comprehensive understanding of the University's facilities and space portfolio, including current allocations, utilization, facility characteristics, faculty and unit program requirements, and emerging planning priorities across all campuses and field stations. This includes developing a working knowledge of the functional, operational, technical, and regulatory requirements associated with the University's diverse portfolio of teaching, research, laboratory, clinical, administrative, student and support spaces to develop appropriate planning solutions and inform decision-making. Through ongoing spatial analysis, utilization studies, site investigations, site investigations, space audits, and stakeholder engagement, the Planner identifies trends, constraints, opportunities, and risks that support accommodation planning, decant planning, portfolio planning, capital planning, and future campus development.
Working closely with the Specialist, the Planner translates planning requirements into project-ready technical planning documentation by preparing space programs, test fits, blocking and stacking diagrams, adjacency studies, area summaries, planning analyses, briefing materials, and other pre-project planning deliverables that communicate planning intent and establish a clear foundation for future capital projects and major renovations.
The position is based in the Physical Plant on Main Campus and operates in a hybrid work environment. Regular travel between university campuses is required, along with occasional work outside regular business hours during periods of peak activity. A valid driver's licence is required, and access to a fleet vehicle is provided.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Space Portfolio Planning and Analysis
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Develops and maintains a comprehensive understanding of the University's facilities and space portfolio, including space allocations, functional use, utilization, facility characteristics, program requirements, constraints and emerging space needs.
- Develops, maintains, and validates facilities and space information, utilization data, and planning datasets required to support accommodation planning, decant planning, facilities planning, capital planning, and institutional decision-making.
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Completes utilization and portfolio analyses, space audits, site assessments, and planning investigations to evaluate the University's facilities and space portfolio and identify opportunities for optimization, renewal, and future planning.
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Interprets space allocation, utilization, occupancy, program, and other institutional data to identify trends, opportunities, constraints, and risks, translating findings into planning recommendations, graphical communication, and technical planning documentation.
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Develops and maintains institutional inventories of current and emerging facility and space needs, opportunities, constraints, and risks to support facility planning priorities, accommodation strategies, facilities planning, capital planning, facility renewal and future campus development.
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Develops graphical, analytical, and written planning materials including planning analyses, maps, diagrams, and technical planning documentation, that communicate planning concepts and analysis and support stakeholder engagement, planning discussions, business case development and governance processes.
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Maintains knowledge of emerging planning methodologies, technologies, enterprise space management systems, utilization practices, benchmarking metrics, leading facilities planning practices relevant within the post-secondary sector.
Strategic Facilities and Space Planning Support
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Supports the Specialist in the development of accommodation strategies, decant plans, facility plans, campus planning studies, and strategic facilities and space planning initiatives through research, planning investigations, technical analyses, and stakeholder engagement.
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Conducts site assessments, building investigations, space audits, utilization reviews, and stakeholder consultations to document existing conditions, operational requirements, functional relationships, technical considerations, and planning constraints, and opportunities that influence facility and space planning solutions.
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Evaluates current and future facility and space requirements by assessing utilization, occupancy, adjacencies, operational workflows, University design standards, accessibility, infrastructure limitations, and high-level technical and regulatory requirements associated with the University's diverse portfolio of facilities and spaces.
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Develops accommodation plans, decant plans, planning scenarios, and space planning options under the guidance of the Specialist to evaluate opportunities for improved utilization, consolidation, co-location, renewal, repurposing, redevelopment, and future growth.
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Prepares facilities planning studies, planning analyses, planning concepts, and presentation materials that communicate planning intent, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and support governance and institutional decision-making.
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Develops and maintains planning drawings, floor plans, test fits, blocking and stacking diagrams, adjacency studies, and other graphical planning materials required to evaluate planning options and communicate planning intent.
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Develops accommodation and decant sequencing plans that evaluate project phasing, temporary relocations, swing space requirements, operational continuity, and occupancy transitions to support renovations and capital projects.
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Verifies existing building conditions, room inventories, furniture layouts, infrastructure constraints, and occupancy characteristics through site investigations to ensure planning information accurately reflects existing conditions.
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Supports the development of high-level project scopes, planning assumptions, area requirements, and order-of-magnitude project estimates to inform accommodation planning, business cases, capital planning, and project prioritization
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Coordinates planning activities by participating in meetings with faculties, administrative units, Campus Architecture, Campus Engineering, Facilities Management, the Project Management Office, and external consultants to gather planning requirements, validate planning assumptions, document planning outcomes, communicate approved planning intent, and support the implementation of approved planning recommendations.
Functional Programming and Pre-Project Planning
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Supports development of functional and space programs by collecting and documenting operational requirements, user needs, functional relationships, technical requirements, project objectives and space occupancy requirements for renovations, capital projects, and facility renewal initiatives.
- Prepares functional and space programs, accommodation plans, test fits, blocking and stacking plans, adjacency studies, room area summaries, room data sheets, and other pre-project planning deliverables required to define project scope and support project initiation.
- Completes spatial analyses, planning studies, and existing condition assessments to establish project scope, functional requirements, planning assumptions and facility requirements for future capital projects and major renovations.
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Develops accommodation and decant sequencing plans by evaluating project phasing, temporary relocations, swing space requirements, operational continuity, and occupancy transitions to support renovations, capital projects, and phased implementation.
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Works collaboratively with Campus Architecture, Campus Engineering, Facilities Management, the Project Management Office, user groups, and external consultants to coordinate planning activities, communicate planning intent, and ensure planning information is accurate, complete, and effectively integrated through project development.
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Reviews design submissions, consultant deliverables, and space planning documents to confirm alignment with approved functional programs, planning objective, operational requirements, and University planning standards, identifying variances and supporting resolution of planning issues.
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Maintains planning documentation throughout project development by incorporating approved changes, coordinating planning information, and ensuing planning documentation remains accurate, current, and available to project teams.
- Assists with preparation of briefing notes, governance documentation, business cases, planning reports, presentation materials and other supporting documentation required to advance planning initiative and proposed capital projects through institutional decision-making processes.
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Supports the development and ongoing refinement of the University's capital plan by preparing project scope documentation, programming information, planning assumptions, sequencing strategies, and supporting documentation for proposed capital initiatives.
Planning Support and Administration
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Responds to routine planning and space inquiries from faculties and administrative units.
- Establishes productive working relationships across the University and within Facilities Development.
- Supports continuous improvement of planning methodologies, business processes, utilization practices, enterprise space management, and spatial data governance.
- Maintains a strong understanding of the University's organizational structure, academic and research activities, facilities portfolio, and institutional priorities.
- Maintains current knowledge of planning practices, software, analytical tools, and post-secondary planning trends through ongoing professional development.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Qualifications / Requirements:
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A Post-Secondary diploma or degree in Planning, Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering and / or Professional Facilities Management or another related discipline, combined with three to five years of related work experience is required. An equivalent combination of education and work experience will be considered.
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Experience working with AutoCAD, graphics programs (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.) and Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Office products is required.
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Demonstrated experience in facilities planning, space planning, functional programming, accommodation planning, pre-project planning, or related planning activities is required.
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Experience working with enterprise space management systems such as Archibus, GIS, IWMS, or similar spatial databases is considered an asset.
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Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, necessary to support data analysis of large data sets. Knowledge of advanced data analysis tools will be considered an asset.
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Knowledge of facility planning, and design principles and practices is required as well as the ability to read and create basic architectural drawings using AutoCAD is a necessity.
- Working knowledge of planning processes, building systems, infrastructure considerations, and high-level building code and regulatory requirements applicable to facilities planning is desirable
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Experience compiling analysis of spatial data into concise charts, graphs, diagrams, maps, and tables is required.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare concise reports, briefing notes, business case information, presentations, and other technical planning documentation.
- Of need is the ability to bring creative solutions to often complex situations and to effectively communicate such solutions to diverse stakeholders and decision makers.
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Experience working within a complex, public sector organization (e.g. education, healthcare, and government) preferably a post-secondary institution setting, is desirable.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills, professionalism, as well as sound judgment and tact, are required.
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Ability to work collaboratively with team members within Campus Planning, Campus Architecture, and Project Management Office and other units
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An absolute attention to detail, a methodological approach to the collection and maintenance of spatial data, and a drive for precision and accuracy are all key to the success of this role.
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A valid Class 5 driver¿s license (cannot be a graduated license) with proven good driving record (abstract required).
Application Deadline: September 23, 2026.
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist / Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
