Senior Planner 

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Development, the Senior Planner processes, coordinates, evaluates and manages complex development applications by applying independent, advanced level professional land use planning knowledge, expertise and opinion to City Council while protecting the public interest.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Process a full range of complex and priority development application types, in accordance with applicable planning legislation, policy and other City regulations and practices
• Co-ordinate circulation of development applications and manage responses from internal departments and external agencies
• Conduct site and context area field inspections;
• Communicate issues and concerns to applicant and facilitate required discussions between the applicant and internal departments or external agencies;
• Prepare reports, documents, agreements, planning and legal instruments as required;
• Attend Council meetings, statutory public meetings and other public meetings as required to present development proposals, staff reports
• Review pre-submission requests with respect to applicable policy, regulations, guidelines, etc.;
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings with applicant and property owners to review development application process;
• Present proposals to the City’s Development Application Review Committee (DARC), and coordinate preliminary comments, conditions and issues identified into Submission Requirements Letter for applicants;
• Chair the DARC meeting as needed in the absence of the Manager
• Prepare witness statements and other documentation for Ontario Land Tribunal hearings and attend pre-hearing conferences as necessary;
• Provide evidence as an expert planning witness at the Ontario Land Tribunal on behalf of the City as may be required;
• Respond to planning related general enquiries by phone, email and in-person as required
• Conduct research, background review and follow up with customers as necessary
• 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
• Other projects and duties as assigned

Duties and Responsibilities Cont'd (if applicable)

Education and Experience

• A Degree in Urban Planning or related discipline as recognized by the Ontario Professional Planners Institute
• Full membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (RPP) and the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) is required (or international equivalent)
• A minimum of 5-7 years of planning experience in progressively responsible positions,
• Municipal experience is considered an asset
• Ontario Land Tribunal experience is considered an asset

Required Skills/Knowledge

• Experience reviewing and evaluating a broad range, types and complexity of development applications
• Extensive experience preparing reports and planning instruments
• Advanced knowledge of the Ontario Planning Act, provincial plans and other related land use legislation and highly developed understanding of planning issues, emerging trends and major policy drivers of land use planning in Ontario
• Solid understanding of legal documentation, technical reports, requirements and materials and demonstrated ability to interpret planning documents, regulations and mapping
• Experience defending planning opinions before Council and the Ontario Land Tribunal
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, GIS applications, Adobe, eScribe, Tyler EP&L (and other comparable development tracking software)
• Demonstrated customer service skills with experience communicating and presenting with all levels within and external to the organization
• Proven written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with honesty, openness, respect, and trust
• Critical analysis and strategic thinking skills
• Demonstrates good judgment and makes sound decisions
• Shows commitment to personal growth, development, and leadership opportunities and shares new ideas and challenges the status quo
• Takes initiative to participate in a culture of learning, mentoring, and sharing and contributes to building and being a part of a positive culture
• Political awareness of all levels of government
• Advanced project management skills, time management, organization and prioritization skills
• Strong conflict management and resolution skills, negotiation and facilitation skills
• Advanced research, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Must possess a valid Ontario Class "G" Driver's License, and have access to a vehicle for use on corporate business (mileage compensated) and will be required to provide proof of vehicle insurance upon hire

Leadership Competencies