Summary of Duties

Reports to and carries out work under the direction of a designated Manager; is responsible for heritage preservation activities implemented by the City of London, including, but not limited to, heritage designation, heritage alteration permitting, heritage conservation district planning, archaeological resource assessment, cultural heritage landscapes conservation, heritage granting and the preparation of heritage conservation easements.  With limited supervision, negotiates with property owners, works with the London Advisory Committee on Heritage (LACH), liaises with a variety of heritage organizations, works with other levels of government and deals with the general public in the pursuit of heritage conservation, preservation, restoration and promotion.  Plans for and manages municipally owned heritage resources and works with a variety of groups to maintain and operate within municipally owned heritage buildings.

Work Performed

With minimal supervision works with the London Advisory Committee on Heritage to preserve, conserve, restore and celebrate heritage resources in the City of London.

Provides Planning administration with specialized advice and expertise concerning heritage matters as necessary.

Prepares heritage conservation district studies; based on the findings of these studies prepares heritage conservation district plans under Part V of  the Ontario Heritage Act, relevant Official Plan policies and guidelines for heritage conservation district preservation; leads, coordinates and facilitates the heritage conservation district plan process, including statutory public meetings, communication and information sessions, public enquiries, negotiations, drafting of the appropriate by-laws and the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) approval process.  Makes presentations to Planning Committee and provides the City's expert testimony at the Ontario Municipal Board.

Prepares, analyses, reviews, processes and recommends on applications for heritage designation under the Ontario Heritage Act.  Researches the architectural and historical significance of properties and develops reasons for designation.  Prepares and maintains a comprehensive inventory of all  properties in the City that possess heritage significance.  Recommends priorities for the recognition of heritage properties.  Prepares heritage conservation easements to be registered on title, where necessary and appropriate.

Receives, processes, evaluates and either approves or recommends approval of heritage alteration permits.   Reviews and comments on applications for building permits or demolition affecting designated properties and on development applications affecting heritage properties designated or of interest to Council.

Develops, provides advice and recommends on municipal heritage planning and policies to other City Departments, City Administration and Council.  Prepares major planning research studies and reports related to heritage preservation, conservation and related issues; formulates major official plan amendments relating to heritage issues.  Processes official plan and zoning by-law amendments as necessary.

Develops and leads public participation programs; facilitates community efforts relating to heritage preservation; works with a variety of heritage groups including LACH, Heritage London Foundation  (HLF),  London Heritage Council, Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO), Heritage Conservation District Committees, London and Middlesex Historical Society, Eldon House Board, etc.  Solicits and coordinates input from these agencies relating to a variety of heritage issues. Communicates and negotiates with owners of heritage properties to apprise them of the merits of designation and preservation; develops and leads public heritage instruction sessions and workshops relating to heritage preservation and restoration techniques.  Provides information and advice on heritage planning policies and objectives to the public and organized groups.

Receives, processes and makes recommendations on heritage grants; works with London Community Foundation to coordinate granting process.  Works with Business Improvement Area, Main Street London, and Planning staff, as necessary, to provide input into grant and loan applications involving heritage restoration projects.

Develops plans for the preservation of City-owned heritage resources.  Manages maintenance and improvement projects relating to the municipally owned heritage buildings (including budgeting, scheduling and needs assessment).

Works with the Culture Division and London Heritage Council to facilitate the growth, improvement and success of the heritage and museum sector.

Prepares and updates archaeological master plans; reviews archaeological resource assessments.

Engages in project management to develop interpretive heritage projects; prepares interpretive heritage plaques.

Attends and gives professional evidence at OMB hearings relating to Heritage Conservation Districts and other planning applications that involve heritage issues.  Gives evidence to courts and other tribunals as required.

Prepares and delivers presentations to a variety of committees and organizations.

Liaises with provincial ministries, agencies and other funding sources and advises heritage property owners regarding available funding.  Makes applications for heritage funding on behalf of the City.

Directs and advises other staff on assignments that the heritage planner is supervising.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience

Masters degree in Urban Planning or Architecture or a related discipline with a specialization in heritage preservation.

Four to five years' related experience.

Compensation and Other Information

$57,449 - $83,504 (Level 15)

This position is being filled on a temporary basis for up to 1 year. 

This posting is for 2 positions. 

Current hours of Work: Monday - Friday from 8:30am - 4:30pm
These hours of work are subject to change in accordance with the Collective Agreement and may include evening hours and Saturdays.

NOTE: Applicants may be required to complete a job related test. 

Our hiring process is in accordance with the  Mandatory Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Administrative Policy

As an inclusive employer, we are committed to providing a fully accessible recruitment process. Please contact us at any time during the recruitment process and let us know what accessible supports you may need.