This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

**Location -**This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The Infrastructure Planning Officer role is a high-level strategic and technical advisory position within the Faculty of Engineering, managing its vast 69,000-square-meter footprint. The officer will act as a vital link between academic needs and university space policies, demanding autonomy and diplomatic skill to lead optimization initiatives, negotiate space assignments with senior leadership, and balance growth with institutional reduction goals. Key responsibilities include providing space planning expertise, project coordination for inter-departmental collaboration (especially in lab and administrative settings), serving as the primary contact for infrastructure requests, and coordinating with internal faculty teams and University Services to implement compliant space solutions. The role is central to the Faculty's momentum, focusing on developing long-term strategies to leverage physical assets for innovation, research, and teaching excellence.

The Faculty of Engineering is one of North America’s top engineering schools, known for innovation, collaboration, and impact. It fosters an exceptional student experience through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence. With strong community engagement, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to societal well-being, the faculty prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving, global engineering landscape.

Mentorship and Guidance:

• Provides coaching to the Planning Technician, Engineering co-op student, and departmental staff, ensuring quality and accuracy in renovation scopes, lab assignment recommendations, and data collection.
• Chairs and leads the staff-level Infrastructure Working Team (IWT) to focus on process development and solving space assignment requests.
• Acts as a resource member of the Faculty Infrastructure Planning Committee (IPC), providing space optimization data and recommending space assignments for approval.

Space Recommendations & Optimization:

• As assigned by the Manager, leads an internal team assigned to support the development of a space assignment recommendation based on a request for space for teaching, research, or service requirement; will manage 10-20 requests actively at any given time.
• Independently negotiates with faculty members regarding space assignments, relocations, and complex "domino planning" to resolve competing interests.
• In consultation with the University Services, Operations and Finance (USOF), coordinate any space assignments (including office and lab relocations), as well as the development of functional space programs and concept plans.

Data-Driven Decisions:

• Ensures lab assignments and occupancy decisions are data-driven and aligned with the Faculty’s strategic research priorities.
• Directs complex space audits and post-occupancy evaluations, utilizing data analytics (e.g., Tableau) to provide recommendations for footprint reduction and space efficiency.

Stakeholder & Project Integration:

• Provide comprehensive support and guidance to researchers within the FoE - from initial installation and grant-related infrastructure assistance to decommissioning. This includes coordinating with the Research Administrative Services Office and USOF to establish and support infrastructure-related grant applications.
• Collaborate with the USOF Project Management Office and Facilities Service Partner to technically scope and execute work, ensuring renovation projects meet the stringent requirements of experimental research. This requires employing advanced problem-solving skills to address unique space challenges in high-intensity lab environments and ensuring minimal disruption.

Technical Systems & Resource Management:

• Acts as the system owner of portfolio’s project management software system and FoE space dashboard, ensuring data integrity and effective reporting.

• Manages the procurement of Planning Officers and other purchasing, including overseeing the preparation of technical requirements for vendors, liaising with vendors and Procurement & Contract Management, utilizing systems like SupplyNet and P-card for purchases and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related Engineering/Technical discipline.

• Preferred: Master’s Degree in a related field (Architecture, Engineering, or MBA) to support long-term strategic planning and succession.

• Required Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of progressive experience in space planning and project coordination, specifically within a complex, research-intensive post-secondary environment. Must have demonstrated experience in functional supervision and/or project leadership, with the ability to mentor technical staff and students and work independently with senior academic stakeholders.

• Strategic Negotiation & Diplomacy: Expert ability to mediate high-conflict scenarios and resolve competing interests for limited resources among senior academic stakeholders.

• Technical & Architectural Literacy: Advanced proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings and preparing blocking or concept plans to ensure research needs are met during design and construction.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Skilled in leveraging data analytics (e.g., Tableau) to drive evidence-based space optimization and support institutional footprint reduction mandates.

• Systems & Procurement Expertise: Deep knowledge of project management software (e.g., monday.com) and procurement systems to manage vendor relations and complex administrative workflows.

• Safety & Risk Acumen: Familiarity with safety and risk management protocols specifically tailored to high-intensity experimental research facilities and infrastructure operations.

• Exceptional Communication & Advocacy: Ability to translate complex technical requirements into clear, persuasive proposals for senior leadership while maintaining strong collaborative relationships.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

The Faculty of Engineering is committed to building a culture of trust, effectiveness and innovation. In your cover letter, please outline how you would contribute to this culture.

This position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $68,117 to $113,524.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule F of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.