The City of Waterloo is a rewarding place to work. Each day, you will support and/or participate in the delivery of services that impact residents of this city, making it a great place to live, work and play for everyone.
Home to two world-class universities, a top-ranked college, a tech ecosystem, entrepreneurs and small businesses, there is a readiness to do things differently in Waterloo. Our vision is to be a leader in sustainability and to build a future-ready community for all. We are committed to workplace wellbeing and providing an inclusive, safe and enjoyable work environment.
For more information about the City of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan, Vision, Values & Guiding Principles, please click here: City of Waterloo 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.
What we offer:
Supportive and caring organization that promotes respect, inclusivity, health, safety and wellness;
Dedication to the organization’s commitment for Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion through ongoing training and access to related programs and workshops, opportunities to connect with others around topics of social justice and equity, and opportunities to be involved with the initiatives that guide this corporate journey;
Certification as a Living Wage Champion;
Fulsome employer-paid benefits package (extended health and dental care), including paid sick days, long-term disability, life insurance, Employee and Family Assistance Program and Maternity/Parental Leave Top-Up;
Defined Benefit Pension Plan (OMERS) eligibility for all employees;
Flexible work schedules, paid vacation and personal days, and the opportunity to bank overtime;
Substantial internal and external training and development opportunities;
Opportunities to get involved and give back to the community;
Employee-wide events, activities, site visits, BBQs, etc.;
Complimentary FitPass for City of Waterloo employees and family members for leisure, swim, and fitness drop-in programs; and,
So much more
What you will do:
Reporting to the Manager of Community Planning, your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Undertake regional- and local- level land use / policy / planning studies and initiatives
Assist the City in integrating and undertaking regional policy planning responsibilities at the local level, including harmonizing the Regional Official Plan with the City of Waterloo Official Plan
Assist the City in the Bill 23 transition of upper-tier planning responsibilities to the City of Waterloo
Implement components of the City’s Housing Accelerator Fund Grant and other grant initiatives
Undertake research, information analysis, forecasting, policy formulation, and report writing
Coordinate and lead internal and external working groups/workshops, including agency and public meetings
Undertake public consultation and stakeholder engagement, respond to inquiries, and incorporate feedback into reports and recommendations as appropriate
Prepare and present information to internal and external participants and decision-makers, including Council, Committees of Council and management as required
Provide professional planning advice and information to Council, Committees of Council and management as required
Prepare staff reports, briefing notes, correspondence, forecasts, projections, and custom data reports
Review and analyze new policies, plans and legislation for the Planning Division and the City
Review and analyze development applications for compliance with Official Plan and other applicable policies
Respond to or participate in initiatives led by the Provincial, Regional, and local governments that affect land use planning
Attend meetings, represent the City's interests, and make recommendations to Council, Committees of Council and management as appropriate
Participate and prepare materials and evidence for Ontario Land Tribunal hearings, and the resolution of appeals as directed
Provide policy planning information to stakeholders as requested via phone, email, or in person
Support and advise on City / Corporative initiatives
Other projects as assigned by the City’s Manager of Community Planning or Director of Planning
What you will bring:
Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning or related discipline with a minimum of six (6) years of professional planning experience related to developing and interpreting municipal planning policy in an urban municipality. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners and Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) is preferred
Knowledge of planning theory, provincial and regional policies and plans, and planning-related legislation
Experience and proficiency in contemporary upper-tier planning responsibilities and processes is required, with a focus on Regional Policy/Long Range Planning being preferred
Highly developed research and analytical skills and report writing capability
Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills
Demonstrated ability to multi-task, organize and prioritize assignments
Strong report writing and presentation skills, enabling you to communicate to a variety of audiences
Ability to work effectively within a team environment as well as independently
Ability to deal harmoniously and diplomatically with the general public and elected officials
Computer skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office required
Local regional-level municipal planning experience and knowledge is an asset
Valid MTO “G” class driver’s license and personal vehicle required; or self-funded alternative means of demonstrated efficient and reliable transportation between required work sites/locations
A passion for promoting and maintaining a healthy and safe workplace and the ability to work respectfully and effectively in a team environment
Strong commitment to delivering quality customer service
Demonstrated commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion
What we will require:
A Police Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check satisfactory to the City
Proof of your current and valid certificate(s), licenses and/or educational qualifications, if applicable
Applicants may be required to undergo testing as part of the recruitment process
Be You @ Waterloo (Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging):
The City of Waterloo acknowledges that our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe and Chonnonton Peoples, and is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. The City is dedicated to advancing the organization’s commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion and to reducing barriers to employment opportunities. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Indigenous, racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ are encouraged for positions at all levels within the organization. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to self-identify in their application.
Accommodations are available throughout all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation. We encourage applicants to access support(s) that may be needed. To request accommodation during the application process, please email recruitment@waterloo.ca, quoting the position and competition number. Applicants advancing to the next stages of the recruitment process will be provided with additional opportunities to make their needs known.
Staff Association: Qualified and eligible City of Waterloo Staff Association applicants will be considered first for this posting.
City of Waterloo
One of the World’s Top Intelligent Communities, Waterloo boasts a knowledge economy that is globally recognized and is home to major employers, global think-tanks, the country’s leading finance and insurance companies, and world renowned post-secondary institutions. Waterloo’s prosperity is at an all-time high and consistently outperforms provincial standards for wealth, educational attainment, and talent. From urban design and architecture awards to sustainability and economic development awards, Waterloo wins local, provincial and global acclaim as a premier destination for success.