Position Overview

The Junior Planner is a foundational role within a growing consulting practice, offering the opportunity to work directly on real planning files that influence development, policy, and municipal decision-making.

In this role, you will support a wide range of projects—from development applications to policy initiatives—gaining hands-on experience that is often not available in more traditional entry-level roles. You will work closely with senior leadership, contributing to reports, analysis, and client deliverables while developing a strong understanding of Ontario’s planning system.

This position is ideal for someone looking to accelerate their career, build practical experience, and work toward professional designation with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and Canadian Institute of Planners in a dynamic and supportive setting.

Key Responsibilities

Planning Analysis & Development Review (70%)

• Assist in the preparation of planning reports (including Planning Justification Reports and municipal staff reports), supporting the development of clear and defensible planning rationale
• Conduct zoning analysis and review development proposals to assess compliance with provincial and municipal planning frameworks, and identify planning risks, opportunities, and potential pathways for approvals
• Assist in the development and update of planning policy documents, including Official Plans, Zoning By-laws, Community Improvement Plans (CIPs), and strategic plans
• Monitor and summarize changes to planning legislation and prepare briefing materials outlining impacts to clients

Project Coordination & Client Support (20%)

• Support the delivery of practical, “best-value” planning advice to clients, balancing policy requirements, project feasibility, and timelines
• Assist in managing project workflows, timelines, and deliverables across multiple files
• Communicate with clients, agencies, and stakeholders in a clear and professional manner
• Participate in meetings and assist in preparing materials for client presentations and discussions

Communications, Systems and Business Support (10%)

• Assist in the preparation of plain-language materials, including articles, website content, and public-facing communications that translate complex planning concepts into clear, accessible language
• Develop and refine internal templates, checklists, and materials to support consistent processes and improve understanding of planning work

Other Duties as Required (10%)

• Support special projects and emerging business priorities as they arise
• Contribute to the ongoing development of internal systems and processes as the business grows.

This role will evolve over the course of the contract, and the successful candidate must be comfortable taking on a range of responsibilities as project needs and business priorities develop. The position offers the opportunity to gain broad, hands-on experience across multiple areas of planning practice.

Full Job Description - Click Here

Requirements

• Graduated from a post-secondary education in an accredited planning program
• Eligible for student or candidate membership with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI)
• Candidate needs to reside in Northern Ontario (move here for the position)
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office, particularly for writing and formatting documents
• Basic familiarity with GIS or mapping tools
• Ability to research, interpret information and apply it with guidance
• New entrant into the workforce, are transitioning to a new career, or the unemployed or underemployed who are entering a new field
• Have not previously participated in a NOHFC-funded internship
• Reside, and be legally entitled to work, in Canada

Visit www.ashleymeghan.ca/careers/ for more information.