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

• Assess development applications submissions for completeness, accuracy, and for conformity with the City's Official Plan and other policy documents
• Solicit review comments from internal departments and external agencies as appropriate, then conduct site and context area field inspections
• Facilitate resolutions to outstanding issues and questions of all stakeholders as appropriate
• Present staff reports and land use planning recommendations to Council, the applicant and the general public on complex development projects
• Prepare reports, documents, planning and legal instruments for various stakeholders as appropriate
• Respond to planning related general enquiries by phone, email and in-person as required
• Prepare general correspondence and meet with the general public
• Present pre-submission meeting development proposals to the Development Application Review Committee (DARC)
• Prepare all relevant documentation and correspondence as appropriate
• Chair the DARC meeting as needed in the absence of the Manager
• Act as team lead on various division-led studies and initiatives
• 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 land use planning trends, challenges and best practices within the profession
• Participate in the summer student recruitment and interview process
• Prepare witness statements and other documentation required for OLT hearings; attend OLT pre-hearings conferences as necessary; and provide evidence as an expert planning witness before the OLT on behalf of the City
• Other projects and duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Degree in Urban Planning or related discipline recognized by the Ontario Professional Planning Institute
• Full membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (RPP) and the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) is required
• 5 years of planning experience in progressively responsible positions in the planning environment

Required Skills/Knowledge

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe,  Energov, OCE Web, ABC docs
• In depth knowledge of land use planning and municipal government related legislation, policies and principles
• Political acuity of all levels of government
• Excellent research, analytical and problem solving skills
• Time management, organization and prioritization skills
• Well developed project management skills
• Conflict management and resolution skills, negotiation and facilitation skills
• Critical and strategic thinking
• Experience reviewing and evaluating a broad range, type and very complex development applications
• Experience interpreting planning documents, and preparing reports and planning instruments
• Experience defending planning opinions before Council and the Ontario Land Tribunal 
• Demonstrates good judgment and makes sound decisions
• Shows commitment to personal growth, development, and leadership opportunities
• Shares new ideas and challenges the status quo
• Proven written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with honesty, openness, respect, and trust
• Takes initiative to participate in a culture of learning, mentoring, and sharing
• Contributes to building and being a part of a positive culture
• 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
• Attendance at Council, Committee or other meetings after regular business hours may be required
• Demonstrate the City’s corporate values of care, collaboration, courage and service

Leadership Competencies