Space Planner, Campus Planning

**Space Planner, Campus Planning & Real Estate**:
As part of the Planning, Design and Construction (PDC) team, the Campus Planning & Real Estate unit provides infrastructure data, space management expertise, real estate knowledge and strategy, leasing, GIS mapping, building records, land use planning and campus master planning. The University of Saskatchewan (USask) space portfolio includes approximately 267 buildings with 737,000 gross square metres. The USask real estate portfolio includes approximately 22,000 acres of land, 150 leases, 10,000 acres of minerals, and important off-campus academic and research facilities. The core academic campus consists of approximately 200 acres located within a land base of 1,865 acres within the City of Saskatoon.

**NATURE OF WORK**: The Space Planner reports to the Manager, Campus Planning and Real Estate and is a member of the unit team. The position engages collaboratively with stakeholders including college administrators, department and unit heads, campus planners, facilities advisers and other team members with a mindset of space as a resource that can be measured in financial terms. The position coordinates and implements all types of tactical space requests through the space management framework and institutional processes, if required, so that allocation questions as well as change of use and redevelopment can be resolved at the appropriate level of decision-making. This position will access, update and validate all types of space planning data in contributing to space solutions for a multitude of projects. The high workload experienced by this position requires constant attention to detail, follow-up and concise communication skills.

**ACCOUNTABILITIES**:

- Assist with implementation of space strategies representing important institutional initiatives;
- Prepare space optimization analysis during the initial planning phases of new capital and strategic projects to identify space program options that aligns with USask priorities, space standards and the institutional space and capital frameworks;
- Provide space data and materials to inform the design development of major capital and renewal projects:

- Validate space programming requirements for projects as being consistent with institutional goals;
- Prepare analysis and recommendations that will align with the institutional space management framework, standards and principles;
- Conduct space optimization analysis directly or assist consultants to ensure space needs align with Council of Ontario University standards and other best practices;
- Monitor and track efficiency, effectiveness and equity of space utilization by all types of uses and users, including storage and outdoor spaces and takes direct action to address with stakeholders where inconsistencies are found;
- Track and coordinate implementation of space management tools and processes that assist in efficiently processing and resolving space requests at the appropriate level;
- Participate by preparing data and presentation materials for change management initiatives involving the strategic use of collaborative spaces of all types;
- Use analysis and models to demonstrate the physical and financial viability and sustainability of various space strategies;
- Keep current on best practices related to space allocation and management at universities and shares information;
- Coordinate with various team members and stakeholders across USask.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**Education**: A university degree or diploma in interior design, planning, business, or architecture. Completion of or working towards professional designation in interior design, real estate, facilities management, planning or equivalent may be considered an asset.

**Experience**: Three to five years of directly related experience within a post-secondary or large complex corporate or institutional setting. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Proficient computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office as well as familiarity with design software (AutoCAD). Understanding of space data management and room scheduling software systems.

Ability to prepare clearly written documents, presentations and reports and to compile and track space data in a complex academic and research environment. A developing understanding of compatible uses, programming options, common barriers and specialized requirements for research will be called upon to resolve complex requests. Ability to accept responsibility and react positively to constructive feedback. Proven ability to meet deadlines, identify priorities, develop recommendations and delegate routine tasks to administrative support will be required to be successful. This individual must be self-directed and able to work independently as well as in a team environment. Professional conduct and appearance, as well as punctuality, are considered essential.

**Department**: Campus Planning & Real Estate
**Status**: P