Senior Planner 

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager Development Zoning and Committee of Adjustment, the Senior Planner will be part of a team providing guidance and support for all assignments related to the preparation of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law, analyze and interpret all data, provide recommendations on potential by-law approaches to standards and their presentation, prepare all necessary documents and reports throughout the project, providing guidance and advice on all meetings, information briefs and public forums. This position will be part of the development planning team with a focus on the Zoning By-law project. Other duties may include the processing of development applications; presentations to Committees and Council and appearing at Ontario Municipal board Hearing and other planning forums in support of the City's planning objectives.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for assignments related to the comprehensive zoning by-law project, analyzing and making recommendations through reports, including presentations to Committees, Committees of the Council and appearing at Local Planning Appeal Tribunal Hearings and other planning forums in support of the City's planning objectives and Council decision
• Assembly and collection of data, and preparation of reports and documents related to the project Participate in all meetings and coordinating efforts with undertaking the project
• Participate in special projects related to policy planning and zoning by-law amendments projects
• Solicit review comments from internal departments and external agencies as appropriate, then conduct site and context area field inspections
• Facilitate resolutions to outstanding issues and questions of all stakeholders as appropriate Prepare reports, documents, planning and legal instruments for various stakeholders as appropriate Respond to planning related general enquiries by phone, email and in person as required
• Prepare general correspondence and meet with the general public
• Act as primary resource and division representative for various department- and corporate-led studies and initiatives
• Train new staff and mentor junior planning staff
• Attend training workshops, seminars and courses, and keep abreast of emerging trends, challenges and best practices within the profession
• Participate in the summer student recruitment and interview process Provide evidence as an expert planning witness
• Processing of development applications, as required Other projects and duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Degree in Urban Planning or related discipline
• Full membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (RPP) and the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) is required
• 5 years of planning experience in progressively responsible positions in the planning environment

Required Skills/Knowledge

• Comprehensive knowledge of the Ontario Planning Act and other related legislation
• Well-developed research, problem solving and analytical skills
• Demonstrated customer service skills to respond to inquiries from the public as well as the development/consulting industry
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including experience with public presentations
• Ability to work independently with great attention to detail
• Good organizational and time management skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, OnPoint, Palis, OCE Web, ABC docs
• Knowledge of planning and municipal government related legislation, policies and principles
• Political awareness of all levels of government
• Research, analytical and problem solving skills
• Project management skills with excellent time management, organization and prioritization skills
• Conflict management and resolution skills, negotiation and facilitation skills
• Experience reviewing and evaluating a broad range, type and complexity of development applications
• Experience interpreting planning documents, and preparing reports and planning instruments
• Experience defending planning opinions before Council and the Local
• Planning Appeals Tribunal Demonstrates good judgment and makes sound decisions
• Shows commitment to personal growth, development, and leadership opportunities
• Takes initiative to participate in a culture of learning, mentoring, and sharing
• Attendance at Council, Committee or other meetings after regular business hours may be required
• Demonstration of the City’s corporate values of service, collaboration, care, and courage
• Must be willing and able to transport yourself to City work sites as required (mileage compensated)

Leadership Competencies