Opening Statement

The City of Kingston is grateful to experience the traditional territories of Anishinabek (Ah-nish-nah-beg), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen·dat). Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government.

At the City of Kingston, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential elements of a thriving workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.

As staff, you play a pivotal role in enhancing people's lives by delivering exceptional, customer-centered services of the highest quality. Within our highly ethical environment, you'll embrace accountability by consistently going above and beyond, actively listening to our customers, creatively addressing their needs, and maintaining unwavering respect for all individuals you serve. As a result, you'll become an integral part of our qualified and dynamic team, recognized for its compassion, excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and adaptability.

Position Summary

** Please note the rates of pay for this position are currently covered under a Temporary Market Adjustment. This adjusted rate will be reviewed and evaluated December 31, 2026; therefore, it is not permanent and not guaranteed.**

Reporting to the Manager, Policy Planning the Senior Planner shall research, prepare and present reports on land use policy matters to City Council and Committees of Council.

Project manage and lead land use policy projects that have city-wide impacts affecting social, economic and environmental factors.

Lead the preparation, research and analysis of special planning studies and secondary plans to guide the long-range physical growth of the City. Lead the formulation of policies that can be practically implemented within the Kingston context.

Assist with consultant led project work. Prepare study outlines, arrange for expressions of interest and proposal calls, recommend consultant selection, act as the primary contact for the City, and oversee the completion of project deliverables, including the review and oversight of program budgets.

Provide an advanced level of planning knowledge to assess all development applications submitted to the City for approval with an emphasis on major, complex applications and projects.

Provide professional planning advice and clarification of processes to the public, agencies, and other stakeholders.

Present planning recommendations and information to Committees of Council during statutory and non-statutory public meetings.

Represent the City at Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) hearings.

Respond to planning initiatives undertaken by other jurisdictions and levels of government.

Represent the department on various internal and external task forces.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Competencies

4 year university degree in Planning, Geography or Urban Studies or equivalent

Masters’ degree preferred

5 years of recent and relevant experience in planning, preferably in a municipal setting.

Full membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI).

Relevant planning experience in an urban/rural municipality an asset.

Must demonstrate extensive knowledge of planning principles, concepts, practices, methods, and applicable legislation.

Must have excellent understanding of municipal government with a well-developed ability to interpret policies and regulations of the Planning Act, the Provincial Policy Statement and other applicable municipal and provincial legislation.

Must have an excellent understanding of the relationship between policy preparation and implementation requirements through the various processes of development approval through direct experience with development applications.

Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate verbally, often involving public presentations, and in writing to all levels of the organization, with elected officials, the media, and the public.

Effective consulting, conflict resolution and negotiating skills when dealing with the community, developers, consultants, other city departments and public and private agencies.

Experience providing expert testimony at the Ontario Land Tribunal or other similar tribunal.

Must demonstrate corporate values of Belonging, Collaboration, Accountability, and Innovation

Skills, Abilities, Work Demands

Excellent analytical skills showing good judgment and sound problem-solving skills.

Superior communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to prepare concise reports and policy documents pertaining to various complex planning matters.

Proficient skills in Microsoft Office.

Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to set priorities, manage multiple tasks with changing priorities, and work under the pressure of frequent deadlines.

Effective interpersonal skills.

Mediation/negotiation and conflict resolution skills an asset.

Must obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check at candidates’ expense.

Must possess and maintain a valid class “G” driver’s licence.