Parks Planning Student

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 5th consecutive year as one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2025, the City of Markham is ranked 2nd among municipalities in Canada and 12th overall for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 366,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.

Summer student applications are now being accepted for the Planning and Urban Design – Parks Planning Student position in the Development Services Commission. You are encouraged to apply online by
January 11, 2026.
Summary:
The City of Markham, Canada's high-tech capital, is experiencing significant growth. As a result, the Development Services Commission is looking for a post-secondary student who is a dedicated self-starter to work in a fast-paced environment by assisting Parks Planning with a variety of GIS initiatives including GIS data mapping, analysis, and related geo-referenced metrics for Parks Planning. The successful candidate must have a good understanding of the development process, planning policy, GIS & Geomatics. This position reports to the Project Manager of Parks Planning.

The summer student position will provide technical preparation, review and analysis of GIS maps and related presentation materials to assist with ongoing initiatives in the Parks Development and Urban Design Teams.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Prepare, plan, produce, maintain and update a variety of maps, drawings, plans, and other graphic representations that display layers and attribute data from databases, using cartographic techniques to accurately represent a baseline inventory of parks and related features.
• Provide in-depth technical assistance, research and evaluation of options for ongoing operations and maintenance of the data.
• Research emerging planning & development issues
• Prepare meeting agendas and minutes
• Prepare presentations using PowerPoint and other related software
• Contribute to a dynamic team environment

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a post-secondary program in Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, GIS, Geomatics, or related field
• Experience building and maintaining GIS databases, configuring and maintaining GIS web mapping sites and conducting advanced spatial analysis exercises
• Proficiency with the ESRI ArcGIS Pro.
• Strong understanding of current GIS web mapping technologies, spatial data capture and processing techniques, and spatial database architecture and data models.
• Proficiency with using Google Pro Earth and Adobe Creative or other equivalent design and drawing software
• Proficiency with Video Conferencing tools including Zoom, Microsoft Teams & similar applications
• Proficiency in Microsoft suite of products
• Good customer service skills.
• Some physical exertion is required to perform the job (site visits).
• Valid Ontario Class G Driver's License and vehicle required to perform site visits as needed as well as an acceptable driver's abstract upon first day of employment – required.
• 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 behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
• Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

Duration and Hours:

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

Location:

• City of Markham office at 101 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham, ON
• Will be required to undertake field visits for site verification periodically as required

CORE BEHAVIOURS

• 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.

Please respect our scent free area by not wearing scented products when visiting the office.