Planner – (Policy)

Temporary (18 month contract)

Reporting to the Supervisor of Planning Policy & Research, the Planner (Policy) participates in and facilitates the implementation of planning projects, studies and/or initiatives; and reviews and processes moderately complex Town initiated official plan amendments and zoning by-law amendments.

Job Duties Include

The following responsibilities and duties of this position includes but is not limited to:

• Analyzes, coordinates, processes and monitors routine planning projects including land use planning studies; moderately complex town initiated planning studies; town initiated official plan amendments and review; zoning by-law amendments; municipal by-laws; and other special studies.
• Conducts research and special projects related to land use and housing policy, environmental matters and development regulations.
• Prepares and/or comments on terms of reference, prepares project plans, consults with stakeholders, prepares reports and other documents that are clear, defensible, realistic and practical.
• Facilitates and monitors land use policy and environmental initiatives including legislative changes, land use studies, urban design studies/guidelines, and other special studies.
• Addresses inquiries and complaints from residents, applicants, developers, staff and Council.
• Prepares staff reports and public presentations to Community Affairs and Planning Committee and Council.
• Identifies issues, provides thoughtful critical analysis, examines input from stakeholders, prepares recommendations and comments.
• Reviews and examines relevant policies, regulations and guidelines, ensuring that approval conditions are properly formulated and that the interests of the Town are protected.
• Provides planning information and professional planning advice to Council, Department Heads, agencies, landowners, advisory committees, the general public and the development industry.
• Provides evidence at Ontario Land Tribunal Hearings and other tribunals, or at Divisional or Superior Court.
• Participates in various internal and external committees.

What is Offered to Staff

• Rate of Pay: $44.65 – 47.25 per hour
• Hours of Work: This 18-month contract is a non-union position that works 35 hours per week.  The hours of work are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
• Town Perks: The Town offers temporary full-time staff Health & Dental benefits coverage; Employee & Family Assistance Program; Health & Wellness Program; Town of Ajax Fitness Centre Combo membership; plus a defined benefits pension plan (OMERS pension).
• Hybrid Work Program: The Town offers a Hybrid Work Program. A flexible work arrangement, including the option to work from home some or a majority of the time, is currently a possibility with this position, and can be discussed during the interview process.

How to Apply

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please go to the Town of Ajax website at www.ajax.ca/careers.  The closing date for this position is 11:59 p.m. on Thursday September 5, 2024.

We would like to thank all applicants however, please note that only those selected to attend an interview will be contacted and all other applicants will be kept on file.

Applicants are advised that written, oral and practical testing may form part of the selection process.

This job posting reflects the general responsibilities and requirements of the job and does not include all of the work requirements of the job.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Town of Ajax is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and accessibility within the workplace where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. The Town embraces diversity and gender expression through policy, staff training and providing positive spaces. The Town encourages applications from all qualified candidates. If selected for an interview, please inform Human Resources staff of any accommodation you may require during the process.

Qualifications/Skills

• Four (4) year university degree in Planning or a combination of education and experience deemed equivalent
• Registered Professional Planner (RPP) or Candidate Membership and in process of obtaining RPP designation
• Candidate or Full Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute 
• Minimum four (4) years relevant and current work experience
• Strong knowledge and demonstrated implementation of legislative requirements under the Planning Act and policy framework under the Provincial Policy Statement, Growth Plan and Greenbelt Plan.
• Experience providing expert testimony before the Ontario Land Tribunal
• Experience in the broader public sector
• Excellent ability to read/understand complex drawings and specifications to verify compliance with policies and zoning in order to guide applicants through the development review process and ensure approved develop adheres to the Town’s policies/regulations
• Excellent customer service skills and interpersonal skills
• Advanced communication skills both verbal and written; necessary for public presentations and appearing before meetings of Council and Committees
• Strong organizational, time management and planning skills 
• Strong analytical, problem solving, numerical, research and reasoning skills 
• Provides informal technical guidance to Planning Technician and Planning Associate
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Proven ability to work with minimal supervision
• Valid Level 'G' Ontario Driver's License required
• Ability to provide a current criminal reference check that is satisfactory to the Town, upon being hired