Career Centre

Our Story:

Committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations, the Region of Waterloo is an inclusive, thriving, and sustainable region of connected rural and urban communities with global reach. Our mission is to serve, engage and inspire, by delivering quality services to a diverse population of 630,000+, while creating a healthy, collaborative environment of learning, respect, and innovation.

This is a place where employees are valued and recognized for their talents and contributions to our success. Our employees take pride in making a difference in people's lives through the work that we do. We are looking for people like you to help make it happen.

The Role:

Assists management and senior planners in processing and preparing recommendations on development applications, including Regional Official Plan amendments, implementation guidelines, Area Municipal Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments; plans of subdivision/condominium and consents. Participates in the preparation of research projects, and background and issue papers. Provides guidance and technical assistance to students.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Participates in the preparation of research projects, background, and issue papers. Represents the Department’s interest in studies undertaken by other departments. Assists in preparing reports for Committees in support of regional decisions on planning matters.
• Participates in team projects with senior planners and management. Drafts work plans, reports, and recommendations for review. Conducts research as assigned. Maintains related files, schedules meetings, and ensures implementation of tasks and timelines in work plans. Makes presentations as required to area municipal staff, area municipal councils, committees, and advisory committees. Prepares presentation materials and assists with other tasks associated with presentations where appropriate.
• Prepares appeal packages for the Ontario Municipal Board for Planning Act applications.
• Prepares/reviews studies, agency/area municipal circulations, draft policy revisions, and resolves conflicting issues. Assists with processing development applications.
• Reviews and comments to management on Planning Act applications for conformity to the Regional Official Plan, provincial policies, environmental legislation, and ministerial delegated authority.
• Participates on regional, area municipal, and inter-governmental technical and steering committees on planning matters, including providing input, preparing agendas, coordinating meetings, taking notes, and distributing follow up material. Assembles, updates, analyzes, and drafts planning policy for consideration.
• Consults with government ministries, conservation authority, school boards, other agencies, regional departments, area municipalities, and consultants to resolve matters. Responds to information requests and policy content inquiries from the public, staff, members of Council, senior management, and agencies, regarding land use, environmental, and infrastructure matters.
• Has contact with the public, planning consultants, developers, lawyers, and area municipalities regarding the status of Planning Act applications and projects. Discusses research projects, studies, and obtains technical input with other divisional staff. Interacts with management regarding research and general planning issues.
• Has contact with staff in other departments (e.g., transportation, engineering, environmental services) for technical input.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and skills are acquired through a 4-year degree in Planning or related field from a recognized university, plus 1 year of related experience.
• Membership or eligibility for provisional membership in the Ontario Provincial Planners Institute and the Canadian Institute of Planners is required.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with corporate policies and procedures, relevant legislation (e.g., Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement, Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Environmental Protection Act, Environmental Assessment Act, Mineral Aggregates Act, Development Charges Act), and relevant provincial, regional, and area municipal policies and regulations.
• Ability to write, read, and understand technical and research reports, planning reports, meeting agendas and minutes, and policy and procedure manuals.
• Ability to read and understand professional journals, planning reports and studies, official plans, and zoning by-laws.
• Communication skills to interpret and explain complex planning policies and data; respond to inquiries and data requests from area municipal staff, other municipalities, other agencies, and the public; make presentations at public meetings, local councils, technical committees, and external agencies at workshops/meetings; and participate as an effective team member.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office (spreadsheets, presentations word processing), GIS, and databases.
• Ability to travel within and occasionally outside Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

In addition to offering a competitive compensation package, we have a strong focus on health and wellness, including fitness facilities and family-focused benefits.

We thank all applicants in advance; however, we will be corresponding only with those selected for an interview.

The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. At the Region, we respect, encourage, and celebrate our diversity. The Region of Waterloo is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number 519-575-4400, or TTY number 519-575-4608 to request an alternate format.