Planning Assistant Ii (Public Art)

Requisition ID: 38895

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, decolonization, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

The Planning Assistant II works as part of the Public Art team, within the division of Cultural Services in the Arts, Culture and Community Services department. The main purpose of the position is to support all aspects of a comprehensive field survey and condition assessment snapshot of the City’s public art collection comprised of approximately 250 permanent artworks. The work involves a variety of moderately complex administrative and technical tasks such as preparing reports, spreadsheets, and graphs; conducting field surveys; compiling and analyzing data and inputting into the associated database (the Public Art Registry); and performing basic condition assessments of public artworks and surrounding sites.

Specific Duties And Responsibilities

• Maintains spreadsheets and prepares collected material for computer processing
• Conducts field investigations to survey, assess and record the condition of public artworks throughout the collection
• Comparing age of artwork and condition
• Identifying works for possible deaccession
• Responds to inquiries from the public and liaises with a variety of internal and external partners as needed
• Comparing different artwork formats/materials and maintenance needs
• Analytic work including:
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned
• Recording incidence of theft and vandalism throughout the collection
• Completes records of condition status, compiles data and provides visual documentation of the status through photographs, field notes and/or sketches
• In addition to photographic documentation, takes high quality photographs as requested for use in the City’s Public Art Registry
• Prepares information and graphic materials and produces reports as needed
• Creates artwork categories and associated maps according to geographic proximity or other attributes as determined and prioritized by the Planner I
• Identifying gaps in maintenance in relation to geographic location in the city
• Collects, codes and analyzes data and inputs into the system including uploading images as needed
• Carries out research on conservation/maintenance practices and potential cost estimates as requested

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Completion of Grade 12, supplemented by experience/training in public art, visual arts, photography, conservation or other related fields, plus some experience in related work, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Proficiency and experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and Photoshop is required.
• Some knowledge of the impacts of vandalism, graffiti and wear and tear on public art or structures in the public realm.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Keen interest in contemporary art and public art.
• Ability to understand the purpose and intent of the survey and to organize assessment data within the context of maintenance and conservation needs. Previous experience conducting field condition assessments is an asset.
• Research and analysis skills and ability to work both independently and within work teams.
• Ability to produce high quality photographic artwork images for use in the Public Art Registry.
• Ability to juggle priorities and meet prescribed deadlines.
• Knowledge of public art policy in the municipal context, the City’s public art registry and types/nature of artwork in the City’s collection is an asset
• Ability to conduct field surveys and to document and provide visual record of condition assessments.
• Good knowledge of drafting, layout work and the graphical presentation of statistical data and planning projects.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other employees, officials and the public, and to complete assignments using sound professional techniques and judgment.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite. At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

The City’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination against COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the City deem it necessary to re-introduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties.

Business Unit/Department: Arts, Culture and Community Services (1200)

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type: Auxiliary/Casual

Position Start Date: July 2023

Position End Date: November 2023

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-017: $29.13 to $34.23 per hour

Application Close: July 2, 2023

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, 2SLGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.