Researcher (Planning Associate)

Job summary

The researcher will generate timely planning analysis and collaborate with planners to support municipal projects and policy development. They are also responsible for creating content for city platforms and assisting with community engagement initiatives.

Job details

Req ID: 28639Vacancy Type: Temporary Contract Duration: Up to 18 monthsNumber of Positions: 1 Closing Date: 10/13/2026Job Summary This is your opportunity to join a dynamic and exciting team that supports the development and implementation of municipal priorities such housing, economic development and complete communities. Collectively, our staff plays an important role in influencing the City’s cultural vibrancy, economic prosperity, social well-being, environmental resiliency, built form, and overall financial sustainability of the City. If you enjoy working collaboratively to create innovative city building strategies, we would love to meet you! This position is a hybrid work arrangement (work in the office and some work from home). Our offices are located at Mississauga City Hall, 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga. Duties and Responsibilities The Successful candidate will: Generate timely and accurate research and analysis on planning and related projects to inform staff recommendations Collaborate effectively with Planners and consultants to assist with the delivery of project work or provide research or administrative support at the Ontario Land Tribunal Respond to project as well as ad-hoc inquiries from internal stakeholders and the public Prepare compelling and easy to understand briefing notes, staff reports as well as presentations (live and virtual) effectively incorporating graphic and statistical information Create, post and update content (e.g. website copy, media items, feature articles, newsletter copy, social media posts etc.) on the City's internal and external platforms (website, intranet site, SharePoint, event calendars etc.) to support project websites Support the process of creation, revision and delivery of policies that implement the City’s vision and priorities Research and keep abreast of new planning legislation and planning trends on various information and media platforms Monitor demographic, housing, real estate indicators and other city planning trends and maintain related datasets Assist with the design and delivery of community engagement initiatives including website format and content and face-to-face meetings, logistic and production support for stakeholders and public engagement including conducting surveys and preparing meeting notes/summaries and presentations Skills and Qualifications Post-secondary degree in urban or regional planning, or related degree or relevant combination of experience and degree is an asset Demonstrated understanding of the planning framework and municipal working processes Minimum of 2 years of experience in a research and analytical role Demonstrated experience producing succinct research reports, discussion papers and conducting detailed research, benchmarking and trend analysis Effective research, writing, oral communications and planning skills required Demonstrated experience analyzing statistical, demographic and housing data analysis Ability to collect and maintain sensitive information with confidentiality Ability to be prioritize, multitask and produce accurate work to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment Ability to display tact and diplomacy when working with dignitaries, Senior Leaders, Mayor and Council Working knowledge of MS Office, Excel, SharePoint, presentation software, Adobe Acrobat and basic desk top design publishing experience is required Membership or eligibility for membership with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and/or Canadian Institute of Planners is considered an asset NOTE: Must be able to perform on-site checks and attend virtual and in-person meetings, events and activities outside of regular business hours Hourly Rate/Salary: $ 70,807.00 - $ 94,410.00Hours of Work: 35Work Location: Civic Centre Hybrid Workplace Organization Unit: P&B/Official Plan&Planning Data InitiatiDepartment/Division/Section: P&B/Planning & Building Dept , P&B/City Planning Strategies , Official Plan&Planning Data InitiatiNon-Union/Union: Non Union The City of Mississauga may use artificial intelligence (AI) technology in sourcing and/or screening candidates for some positions; however, it is not used in selecting final candidates. We thank all who apply, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. You can also check your application status in your candidate profile online.All personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act.Equity, Diversity and InclusionThe City of Mississauga is committed to creating a respectful and supportive workplace that fosters a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion which broadly reflects the communities and residents we serve. Throughout the employee life cycle, the City is working to include an EDI lens to attract, retain and support the growth of diverse talent.Learn more about the City’s commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion .AccommodationsThe City of Mississauga is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to removing barriers in our selection process for people with visible and invisible disabilities. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, the City of Mississauga will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.If selected to participate in the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please complete the following Accommodation Request Form and have it emailed to recruitment.accommodation@mississauga.ca citing the Job ID and Job Title. This will inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation.

What you’ll do

The researcher will generate timely planning analysis and collaborate with planners to support municipal projects and policy development. They are also responsible for creating content for city platforms and assisting with community engagement initiatives.

Requirements

Candidates must have a post-secondary degree in urban or regional planning and at least two years of experience in a research and analytical role. Proficiency in MS Office, statistical analysis, and strong communication skills are required to effectively support city planning strategies.

Listed skills

• Policy development · Preferred
• Data analysis · Preferred
• SharePoint · Preferred
• Planning · Preferred
• MS-Office · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Project management · Preferred
• Public engagement · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Research
• Data analysis
• Planning
• Statistical analysis
• Report writing
• Project management
• Communication
• Public engagement
• MS Office
• SharePoint
• Adobe Acrobat
• Desktop publishing
• Policy development
• Benchmarking
• Trend analysis
• Administrative Support
• Tactfulness
• Research Reports
• Ability To Meet Deadlines
• Diplomacy
• Newsletters
• Resilience
• Microsoft Excel
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Analysis
• Confidentiality
• Economics
• Economic Development
• Innovation
• Intranet
• Multitasking
• Presentations
• Presentation Software
• Real Estate
• Regional Planning
• Microsoft SharePoint
• Trend Analysis
• Verbal Communication Skills
• Writing
• Surveys
• Prioritization

Job areas

• Government & Public Sector
• Science & Research
• Administrative
• Data & Analytics
• Consulting
• Planning and Research Associate
• Research Associate (General)
• Survey and Market Research Interviewers
• Social Science Research Assistants