SENIOR PLANNER

Basic Function:

To provide professional planning analysis and advice on land use planning matters having regard to the Planning Act, and other related legislation, regulations, policy and planning principles. Responsible for assisting the Director, Planning in reporting and providing advice on land use planning matters. Responsible for independently managing planning projects, conducting studies and preparing and presenting reports for County Council. Undertakes data collection, maintenance and analysis, advises individuals and organized bodies on planning matters, provides evidence at hearings, represents the Planning Department before committees, and directs the work of others in carrying out these duties.

Position Description:

• To lead and implement long–range policy planning projects including, but not limited to Official Plan Updates, provincial policy conformity projects, land use and design plans, growth management studies.
• To evaluate development proposals through the use of professional judgement ensuring compliance with the requirements of affected agencies, planning principles, and the interpretation of Provincial and County land use policies and regulations and to prepare planning reports and appropriate recommendations.
• To provide guidance and information to County staff, Council, developers and citizens regarding Norfolk County’s planning process, Official Plan policies, Zoning By-law and relevant provincial policy and regulations.
• To oversee the day to day management/supervision of major planning development projects, reports and studies as assigned by the General Manager, Development or the Director, Planning Services
• Responsible for the processing and consolidation of recommendations related to planning applications including official plan amendments, rezoning applications, site plans, committee of adjustment, subdivisions/condominium and land division
• To provide analysis and recommendations on planning applications including official plan and zoning by-law amendments, subdivision, condominium, site plan and Committee of Adjustment applications.
• To attend Council and other meetings, as required, to represent the Planning Department on planning interests of Norfolk County
• To coordinate and/or participate in County/Divisional initiatives including the periodic review and update of the County’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law(s).
• To attend Committee of Adjustment meetings in rotation with other Senior Planners.
• To develop site plans under Section 41 of the Planning Act
• To maintain and foster corporate goals by ensuring public access to and participation in the planning process.
• To prepare Official Plan Amendments and land use by-laws such as zoning, holding, interim control, part lot control, temporary use and site plan for consideration and approval by the County and subsequent approval by the Ministry of Affairs, if required.
• To prepare and administer site plan agreements and other such agreements as deemed necessary for related development applications, in accordance with Norfolk County process and standards.
• To undertake special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Coordinate public meetings pertaining to planning matters
• Present studies, policies and applications at Public Meetings, Public Information Sessions, and Committee meetings
• To respond to the media on planning matters subject to County media Relations Policy CRS-33.
• To act as a Departmental representative / Liaison on Committees as needed.
• Mentor, coach and provide leadership to planners, planning students and department co-op students.
• Working after hours for Public Meetings, Council Meetings, Committee Meetings, and other Public Open houses on a project by project basis and when deemed necessary to meet deadlines and deal with crises.

PRINCIPAL PLANNER

Basic Function:

To provide professional planning analysis and advice on land use planning matters having regard to the Planning Act, and other related legislation, regulations, policy and planning principles. Independently managing planning projects and staff resources, conducts studies and prepares and presents reports for County Council. Undertakes data collection, maintenance and analysis, advises individuals and organized bodies on planning matters, provides evidence at hearings, represents the Planning Department before committees. The Principal Planner directs, coaches, mentors the work of the Senior Planners, Planners, Support Staff and Students in carrying out of their duties.

Position Description:

• Mentor, coach and provide guidance to Senior Planners, Planners, Students and volunteers.
• To assist and support the Supervisor Development Planning in the review of Committee of Adjustment Reports, assist in site inspections as needed, and attend Committee of Adjustment Meetings to assist Planners/ Sr. Planners with presentations and questions in rotation with peer Planning colleagues.
• To evaluate all types of development proposals in accordance with the Planning Act, through the use of professional judgement ensuring compliance with the requirements of affected agencies, planning principles, and the interpretation of Provincial and County land use policies and regulations and to prepare planning reports and appropriate recommendations.
• To provide guidance and information to County staff, Council, developers and citizens regarding Norfolk County’s planning process, Official Plan policies, Zoning By-law and relevant provincial policy and regulations.
• Responsible for the processing and consolidation of recommendations related to planning applications including official plan amendments, rezoning applications, site plans, committee of adjustment, subdivisions/condominium and land division.
• To provide analysis and recommendations on planning applications including official plan and zoning by-law amendments, subdivision, condominium, site plan and Committee of Adjustment applications.
• To attend Council and other meetings, as required, to represent the Planning Department on planning interests of Norfolk County.
• To coordinate and/or participate in County/Division initiatives including the periodic review and update of the County’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law(s).
• To approve Site Plans under Section 41 of the Planning Act.
• To maintain and foster corporate goals by ensuring public access to and participation in the planning process.
• To prepare and administer Site Plan agreements and other such agreements as deemed necessary for related development applications, in accordance with Norfolk County process and standards.
• To undertake/lead special policy/projects and other duties as assigned.
• Coordinate public meetings pertaining to planning matters
• Present studies, policies and applications at Public Meetings, Public Information Sessions, and Committee meetings.
• To act as a Departmental representative / Liaison on Committees as needed.
• Working after hours for Public Meetings, Council Meetings, Committee Meetings, and other Public Open houses on a project by project basis and when deemed necessary to meet deadlines and deal with crises.

Requirements

Opportunity for job progression within the Planner roles is available for candidates as qualifications are met.

SENIOR PLANNER

Knowledge and Experience:

• Minimum 4 year Honours post-secondary degree in Land Use Planning or related field; Graduate level Master’s Degree in Planning is preferred but not required
• Plus over three up to and including four years’ experience in land use planning
• Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners in good standing and a Registered Professional Planner
• GIS experience and quantitative skills/statistical analysis is an asset
• Preference will be given to applicants with experience in rural land use planning
• Experience testifying before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (formerly Ontario Municipal Board) is an asset
• Knowledge or expertise in areas such as heritage planning, transportation planning, environmental planning, or brownfield planning, would be considered an asset

Skills and Abilities:

• Solid understanding of municipal government with a well-developed ability to interpret and apply policies and regulations of the Planning Act, the Provincial Policy Statement and other applicable municipal and provincial legislation including but not limited to the Condominium Act, the Municipal Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the Heritage Act
• Expertise in the facilitation and leadership of long range and policy related planning projects, including but not limited to official plan review, secondary plans, master plans, and population projection projects.
• Experience in project management would be a benefit.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant planning and land use related legislation and policy.
• Thorough understanding of planning policy matters and development approval process.
• Comprehension of site development issues including but not limited to Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CEPTD) principles.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to negotiate effectively.
• Unquestionable confidentiality regarding topics including Archaeological resources, Species-at-Risk data and development proposals.
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment and the ability to work with members of the public.
• Well established and refined writing skills with extensive experience in planning report writing with demonstrated ability to convey issues and concepts in a convincing manner
• Excellent communication skills and experience in presenting information to individuals as well as larger audiences, including Council, Committees and various public meeting forums.
• Excellent evaluation and analysis/judgement skills.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to provide credible expert testimony at Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (formerly Ontario Municipal Board) hearings and other legal proceedings.
• Commitment to personal and professional development by actively pursuing further planning knowledge and skills
• Demonstrated ability to exercise significant discretion and sensitivity
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple files and/or projects with changing priorities and levels of complexity
• Demonstrated ability to be service oriented while still ensuring the public interest is served
• Valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
• Computer expertise in corporate standard software (Microsoft Office) and department specific software to data search and entry and to create and modify word processed documents
• Must be aware of safe work practices as they relate to job responsibilities and work environment, and have the basic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act

PRINCIPAL PLANNER

Knowledge and Experience:

• Masters degree in Land Use Planning.
• Plus a minimum of 5 years of progressive land use planning and/or planning policy experience with a minimum 3 years in a municipal planning department, demonstrating leadership responsibility of team members.
• Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners and/or Ontario Professional Planners Institute in good standing, and a Registered Professional Planner.
• Computer expertise required in corporate standard software and department specific software including CityView or comparable software.
• GIS experience and quantitative skills/ statistical analysis is an asset.

Skills and Abilities:

• Solid understanding of municipal government with a well-developed ability to interpret and apply policies and regulations of the Planning Act, the Provincial Policy Statement and other applicable municipal and provincial legislation including but not limited to the Condominium Act, the Municipal Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the Heritage Act, the Green Energy Act.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to negotiate effectively.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant planning and land use related legislation and policy.
• Thorough understanding of planning policy matters and development and Site Plan approval process.
• Comprehension of site development issues including but not limited to Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CEPTD) principles.
• Unquestionable confidentiality regarding topics including Archaeological resources, Species-at-Risk data and development proposals.
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment and the ability to work with members of the public.
• Well established and refined writing skills with extensive experience in planning report writing with demonstrated ability to convey issues and concepts in a convincing manner.
• Excellent communication skills and experience in presenting information to individuals as well as larger audiences, including Council, Committees and various public meeting forums.
• Excellent evaluation and analysis/ judgement skills.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to provide credible expert testimony at Ontario Municipal Board hearings and other legal proceedings.
• Commitment to personal and professional development by actively pursuing further planning knowledge and skills.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise significant discretion and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple files and/or projects with changing priorities and levels of complexity.

• Valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Computer expertise in corporate standard software (Microsoft Office) and department specific software to data search and entry and to create and modify word processed documents.
• Must be aware of safe work practices as they relate to job responsibilities and work environment, and have the basic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Benefits

The Planning Department is looking to fill one vacancy into one of the positions outlined below depending on qualifications:

Position / Wage:

Senior Planner – $49.66 per hour (less $1 per hour for the first 6 months)

OR

Principal Planner - $52.40 per hour (less $1 per hour for the first 6 months)

Opportunity for job progression within the Planner roles is available for candidates as qualifications are met.

Status: Permanent Full Time

Division: Community Development

Department: Planning

Reports To: Director, Planning

Employee Group: CUPE Local 4700

Location: Simcoe, Robinson Administrative Building (with remote work as required)

Posting Period: February 22, 2024 to March 7, 2024

How to Apply:

Follow the Workable process and you will require Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge:

• Ensure the file extension for your resume document is .doc, .docx or .pdf
• If you are electing to include a cover letter, the cover letter and resume must be uploaded as 1 file.

Find out more information about Norfolk County here: Employment at Norfolk County - NorfolkCounty.ca

The Corporation of Norfolk County is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.

Successful applicants are required to provide the Employer with a current Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector where required and verification of education.

Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those to be interviewed will be contacted.