Heritage Specialist
Top Benefits
About the role
CITIZENS FIRST THROUGH SERVICE EXCELLENCE
We have an exciting Permanent Full-Time, Unionized opportunity in the Development and Parks Planning Department for an experienced and motivated individual.
Heritage Specialist
J0525-0594
Vaughan is a city on the move. With a downtown core rising from the ground – the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, a state-of-the-art hospital opening its doors in 2021 – the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, and a bustling subway, exciting projects are transforming the community. Be a part of something amazing and build your career at the City of Vaughan.
The City of Vaughan is an equal opportunity employer serving one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Canada, we are an organization committed to diversity and inclusivity, providing a thriving work environment, excellent benefits, learning and growth opportunities and a place where collaboration and teamwork are fostered. As one of the Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2021, we continuously employ workplace best-practices – and they’re getting noticed! Excellence demands brilliant personalities, visionary thinking and a passion for public service. Vaughan is your place to grow.
Position Overview
The Heritage Specialist is a member of the Cultural Heritage and Urban Design Division within the Development Planning Department. This position is responsible for actively and progressively responding to matters of cultural heritage services, the administration and upholding of cultural heritage policies, preparation of cultural heritage reports and forms, and the promotion of public interest in the City’s heritage. The Heritage Specialist assists Development Planning staff with cultural heritage input for development applications, heritage permit and clearance process, studies, reports, and legal agreements that bind heritage property owners and/or Council to ensure the conservation of heritage resources, including Designation By-laws, Heritage Easement Agreements, Conservation Plans, Heritage Impact Assessments and Letters of Credit. This position will assist the Development Planning department with technical, cultural, historical and architectural expertise on heritage matters and will support the Senior Heritage Planner to prepare cases and represent the City at Public Meetings, Hearings, Committees, and Local Planning Appeals Tribunal hearing on heritage matters.
Qualifications and Experience
• University Degree in Planning, Architectural History, Architecture, Urban Design, or suitable equivalent with background in cultural resource management, museology, community development, architecture, urbanism, heritage conservation, history or other relevant archaeology, anthropology, or heritage-related studies. Professional membership or requirement to apply for professional membership in CAHP within a year, under Archaeology, Building Specialist, Heritage Planner, or Public Sector Specialist.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience delivering heritage conservation projects, historic research projects and/or heritage policy initiatives, and/or Ontario-based residential architectural project development/management and permit application process including OBC research and materials specifications and costing. Comfort and ability to serve as a lead resource for the City of Vaughan in specific areas, with experience coordinating Municipal, Regional or Provincial Cultural Heritage programs is required. Experience working with First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and/or other Indigenous communities, preferably in an engagement role.
• Experience in public/stakeholder/rights-holder consultation.
• Strong working knowledge of the Ontario Heritage Act, the UNESCO Heritage Guidelines, the Planning Act, the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, and proven ability to interpret and apply legislation and policies.
• Understanding of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Working knowledge of Indigenous cultures, etiquette, protocols, diversity, events, service agencies, community networks, strategies knowledge systems and contemporary issues, especially in Ontario
• Ability to provide technical expertise/support for GIS and IT deliverable requirements for archaeological and designated heritage sites, including building surveys and archaeological mitigation, Sacred Sites, Heritage Landscapes, Archaeological Boundaries, Heritage Monitoring
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience in, architectural construction and building practices, building typology and Canadian Architectural History, urban (site) design, including the ability to interpret site plan and architectural drawings.
• Demonstrated knowledge of historical preservation/conservation theory, engineering technology principles and practice.
• Working knowledge and understanding of archaeological reports and pertinent site plans, and experience to track and review pre/pending and post-excavation requirements and the safe administration and storage of archaeological documents.
• Excellent report writing, problem-solving and public communication skills, with the ability to effectively address cultural heritage technical and non-technical matters. Ability to express ideas and concepts, and to engage audiences through multiple platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple concurrent projects, team and public meetings, and possesses strong time management skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality, adapt to changing priorities, politically sensitive issues while analyzing multiple time-sensitive demands and conflicting priorities, and making accurate and timely decisions in a professional manner
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite; working knowledge of GIS
• Knowledge of, and demonstrated ability in, the City's core competencies and relevant functional competencies.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license, in good standing, and access to a reliable vehicle to use on corporate business.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours as required.
If you are an energetic person who is interested in bringing your knowledge and passion to the City of Vaughan, please visit our website to apply online by July 7, 2025.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, the City of Vaughan uses email to communicate with applicants for open job competitions.
The City of Vaughan is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds. The City of Vaughan is also committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.
About City of Vaughan
Vaughan is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. Home to nearly 345,000 people, its globally competitive economy includes more than 19,500 businesses, employing more than 236,000 professionals. Vaughan includes the communities of Concord, Kleinburg, Maple, Thornhill and Woodbridge. This forward-looking municipality is in the heart of York Region. Vaughan’s emerging downtown, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre; Canada’s first smart hospital, the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital; and the 900-acre North Maple Regional Park continue to generate momentum and excitement.
Vaughan’s promising future is guided by the 2022-2026 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. It represents how our team goes above and beyond to deliver innovative, exciting and transformational city-building initiatives. These include protecting the environment, igniting economic prosperity, fostering a high-quality of life, and building an active, engaged and inclusive community. The Strategic Plan upholds our values and vision while following through on our mission of Citizens First Through Service Excellence.
The City is an award-winning organization recognized for its employment practices:
- Named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers in 2021 and 2022.
- Winner in the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion award category, and an excellence awardee in the Best HR Communication Strategy and Canadian HR Team of the Year (500 Employees or More) award categories for the 2022 Canadian HR Awards.
- Winner in the Most Effective Recruitment Strategy award category, and an excellence awardee in the Excellence in Financial, Physical and Mental Wellness award category for the 2023 Canadian HR Awards.
The City is focused on providing its employees with a thriving professional environment that leverages flexible work arrangements, a family-focused benefits package emphasizing work-life balance, learning and growth opportunities, and a place where collaboration and teamwork are valued.
Heritage Specialist
Top Benefits
About the role
CITIZENS FIRST THROUGH SERVICE EXCELLENCE
We have an exciting Permanent Full-Time, Unionized opportunity in the Development and Parks Planning Department for an experienced and motivated individual.
Heritage Specialist
J0525-0594
Vaughan is a city on the move. With a downtown core rising from the ground – the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, a state-of-the-art hospital opening its doors in 2021 – the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, and a bustling subway, exciting projects are transforming the community. Be a part of something amazing and build your career at the City of Vaughan.
The City of Vaughan is an equal opportunity employer serving one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Canada, we are an organization committed to diversity and inclusivity, providing a thriving work environment, excellent benefits, learning and growth opportunities and a place where collaboration and teamwork are fostered. As one of the Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2021, we continuously employ workplace best-practices – and they’re getting noticed! Excellence demands brilliant personalities, visionary thinking and a passion for public service. Vaughan is your place to grow.
Position Overview
The Heritage Specialist is a member of the Cultural Heritage and Urban Design Division within the Development Planning Department. This position is responsible for actively and progressively responding to matters of cultural heritage services, the administration and upholding of cultural heritage policies, preparation of cultural heritage reports and forms, and the promotion of public interest in the City’s heritage. The Heritage Specialist assists Development Planning staff with cultural heritage input for development applications, heritage permit and clearance process, studies, reports, and legal agreements that bind heritage property owners and/or Council to ensure the conservation of heritage resources, including Designation By-laws, Heritage Easement Agreements, Conservation Plans, Heritage Impact Assessments and Letters of Credit. This position will assist the Development Planning department with technical, cultural, historical and architectural expertise on heritage matters and will support the Senior Heritage Planner to prepare cases and represent the City at Public Meetings, Hearings, Committees, and Local Planning Appeals Tribunal hearing on heritage matters.
Qualifications and Experience
• University Degree in Planning, Architectural History, Architecture, Urban Design, or suitable equivalent with background in cultural resource management, museology, community development, architecture, urbanism, heritage conservation, history or other relevant archaeology, anthropology, or heritage-related studies. Professional membership or requirement to apply for professional membership in CAHP within a year, under Archaeology, Building Specialist, Heritage Planner, or Public Sector Specialist.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience delivering heritage conservation projects, historic research projects and/or heritage policy initiatives, and/or Ontario-based residential architectural project development/management and permit application process including OBC research and materials specifications and costing. Comfort and ability to serve as a lead resource for the City of Vaughan in specific areas, with experience coordinating Municipal, Regional or Provincial Cultural Heritage programs is required. Experience working with First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and/or other Indigenous communities, preferably in an engagement role.
• Experience in public/stakeholder/rights-holder consultation.
• Strong working knowledge of the Ontario Heritage Act, the UNESCO Heritage Guidelines, the Planning Act, the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, and proven ability to interpret and apply legislation and policies.
• Understanding of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Working knowledge of Indigenous cultures, etiquette, protocols, diversity, events, service agencies, community networks, strategies knowledge systems and contemporary issues, especially in Ontario
• Ability to provide technical expertise/support for GIS and IT deliverable requirements for archaeological and designated heritage sites, including building surveys and archaeological mitigation, Sacred Sites, Heritage Landscapes, Archaeological Boundaries, Heritage Monitoring
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience in, architectural construction and building practices, building typology and Canadian Architectural History, urban (site) design, including the ability to interpret site plan and architectural drawings.
• Demonstrated knowledge of historical preservation/conservation theory, engineering technology principles and practice.
• Working knowledge and understanding of archaeological reports and pertinent site plans, and experience to track and review pre/pending and post-excavation requirements and the safe administration and storage of archaeological documents.
• Excellent report writing, problem-solving and public communication skills, with the ability to effectively address cultural heritage technical and non-technical matters. Ability to express ideas and concepts, and to engage audiences through multiple platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple concurrent projects, team and public meetings, and possesses strong time management skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality, adapt to changing priorities, politically sensitive issues while analyzing multiple time-sensitive demands and conflicting priorities, and making accurate and timely decisions in a professional manner
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite; working knowledge of GIS
• Knowledge of, and demonstrated ability in, the City's core competencies and relevant functional competencies.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license, in good standing, and access to a reliable vehicle to use on corporate business.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours as required.
If you are an energetic person who is interested in bringing your knowledge and passion to the City of Vaughan, please visit our website to apply online by July 7, 2025.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, the City of Vaughan uses email to communicate with applicants for open job competitions.
The City of Vaughan is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds. The City of Vaughan is also committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.
About City of Vaughan
Vaughan is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. Home to nearly 345,000 people, its globally competitive economy includes more than 19,500 businesses, employing more than 236,000 professionals. Vaughan includes the communities of Concord, Kleinburg, Maple, Thornhill and Woodbridge. This forward-looking municipality is in the heart of York Region. Vaughan’s emerging downtown, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre; Canada’s first smart hospital, the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital; and the 900-acre North Maple Regional Park continue to generate momentum and excitement.
Vaughan’s promising future is guided by the 2022-2026 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. It represents how our team goes above and beyond to deliver innovative, exciting and transformational city-building initiatives. These include protecting the environment, igniting economic prosperity, fostering a high-quality of life, and building an active, engaged and inclusive community. The Strategic Plan upholds our values and vision while following through on our mission of Citizens First Through Service Excellence.
The City is an award-winning organization recognized for its employment practices:
- Named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers in 2021 and 2022.
- Winner in the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion award category, and an excellence awardee in the Best HR Communication Strategy and Canadian HR Team of the Year (500 Employees or More) award categories for the 2022 Canadian HR Awards.
- Winner in the Most Effective Recruitment Strategy award category, and an excellence awardee in the Excellence in Financial, Physical and Mental Wellness award category for the 2023 Canadian HR Awards.
The City is focused on providing its employees with a thriving professional environment that leverages flexible work arrangements, a family-focused benefits package emphasizing work-life balance, learning and growth opportunities, and a place where collaboration and teamwork are valued.