As one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, Kitchener’s central transit corridor (ION Light Rail) is changing with new mixed-use development adding employment, new housing and enhancements to the public realm. The successful candidate for the Senior Planner position will bring demonstrated experience working with a variety of stakeholders on complex or controversial urban infill development projects as well as a wide range of development applications with an emphasis on Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments, plans of subdivision and site plans.  Experience leading meaningful public engagement will be an important skill set of the successful candidate. This role may also act as project manager for planning studies, projects and major policy reviews. As a Senior Planner, you will provide professional planning advice to Kitchener’s City Council and leadership team and lead planning projects that involve multi-disciplinary teams

• Must have the ability to support and project values compatible with the organization.
• 4-year Honours degree in Planning or related field.
• Full membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners and Ontario Professional Planners Institute as a Registered Professional Planner.
• A minimum of 4-7 years' relevant experience in planning or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience successfully managing a broad range of complex and high profile development applications and projects with multidisciplinary issues and extensive community engagement.
• Experience providing expert testimony before the Ontario Land Tribunal.
• Experience interacting with media including interviews relative to complex and controversial matters
• Strong analytical, facilitation and negotiation skills to formulate a compelling planning opinion based on a thorough and critical analysis of issues, supporting policy framework, consideration for community feedback and negotiation with the proponent as necessary to make a recommendation in the public interest.
• Advanced knowledge of and the ability to interpret Planning law (Provincial Planning Act, Policy Statement and Places to Grow), Regional Policy, City Policy and By-laws, and Planning principles and practices.
• Demonstrated innovation and creativity in planning methodologies, engagement and facilitating successful planning outcomes.
• Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills with a strong focus on customer service and messaging complex planning matters in plain language.
• Must have strong organizational and file management skills to manage a portfolio of multiple complex development applications and projects on an on-going basis.
• Must be comfortable in high pressure situations and demonstrate agility in adapting to an evolving planning framework and community expectations.
• Excellent communication and engagement skills with a demonstrated ability to manage community engagement on controversial development applications with empathy and transparency to foster trust in the planning process.
• Demonstrated strong applied computer skills with emphasis in Microsoft Office programs as well as adaptability skills for use of Bluebeam, AMANDA, Adobe Photoshop and other similar programs.
• Reliable with a good attitude and employment record.

About City of Kitchener

The City of Kitchener is a vibrant and dynamic city of approximately 270,000, in the heart of southwestern Ontario. As the largest municipality in Waterloo Region, Kitchener continues to be poised for development and growth, enhancing its reputation as a leader in city-building and innovation, with nationally recognized strategies to build its neighbourhoods, its digital infrastructure and its diverse economy.

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