Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Policy, the Senior Planner - Policy provides an advanced level of long-range planning expertise in developing and updating the City's Official Plan and other planning studies or projects. This position also oversees monitoring and facilitating the implementation of the Official Plan.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Policy Development and Project Management:

• Lead and manage City-initiative planning studies and projects 
• Envision the scope of policy planning projects (eg. Official Plan Update, Secondary Plan, Special Studies) 
• Develop terms of reference and project workplan
• Liaise with Procurement and participate in the RFP process
• Oversee and collaborate with consultants and other technical staff to prepare draft policies, reports, or studies that satisfy technical needs, legislative requirements and moves the City toward its planning goals
• Coordinate and facilitate internal, agency, and public consultation meetings as necessary, and incorporate feedback into study materials
• Execute necessary public consultation process
• Present information to stakeholders, including Council and Committees of Council

Supervise, Mentor, and Coach Junior Staff:

• Provide advice and guidance to junior staff on developing and interpreting planning policies, including establishing courses of action and providing guidance on approach to tasks
• Act as a subject matter expert within working groups and inter-municipal teams
• Delegate appropriate tasks to junior planning staff to implement departmental objectives or complete planning projects
• Lead the annual hiring process for Intern position

Trend Monitoring and Research:

• Establish or refine methodology used to monitor trends regarding planning policy implementation/demographic/census information, to maintain an understanding of the evolving picture of the City's land use policy implementation
• Work with the junior staff to analyze the data gathered, and identify and communicate any trends to senior staff and management as appropriate
• Recommend necessary projects to address emerging trends, and review policies in operating procedures accordingly

Provincial, Regional and Local Initiatives:

• Monitor, review, analyze and comment on proposed provincial planning legislation, policy and guidance material
• Attend meetings, represent the City's interests, and make recommendations to senior staff and management as appropriate
• Prepare staff reports to Council that summarize, analyze and provide City staff comments in response to new provincial or regional initiatives
• Recommend new policy projects to respond to changes in legislation, provincial plans, policy statements or regional direction including analyzing the implications on the City
• Participate in City or inter-municipal working groups regarding land use planning related initiatives, provide support in terms of data, analysis and policy interpretation

Ontario Land Tribunal:

• Prepare staff reports regarding planning matters that will form part of the OLT record
• Provide an advanced level of planning knowledge and written evidence/affidavit in support of the City's planning objectives 
• Exercise negotiation skills to resolve issues in a manner that serves the City's interests
• Ensure that City records regarding status of appeals, hearing events, and outcomes related to matters before the Ontario Land Tribunal are up to date
• Represent the City at OLT hearings as the professional planning expert witness 

Customer Service:

• Respond to enquiries from the public on a range of land use planning matters via phone, email, and in-person
• Act as a technical resource for other planning staff on enquiries related to the interpretation of the Official Plan or other ongoing policy projects
• Respond to enquiries from staff in other departments, from other government agencies, or from elected officials regarding the Official Plan or other ongoing policy projects
• Maintain knowledge of the City's processes in order to respond effectively to enquiries

Education and Experience

• Degree in Urban Planning or related discipline
• Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation and member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) is required
• Post-Graduate degree in Planning; Project Management certification is an asset
• 5 years progressively responsible land use planning experience

Required Skills/Knowledge

• Comprehensive knowledge of the Ontario Planning Act, Provincial Plans, and other related legislation
• Strategic thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills 
• Proficiency in computer skills (word processing, data management, and presentation/publishing software); some proficiency with design and GIS software is an asset
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in making presentations in public forums and preparing reports, policy documents, and briefing notes that are geared to a specific audience
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills, with the ability to exercise discretion and tact
• Ability to effectively influence and collaborate with internal and external clients
• Effective time and project management skills to handle competing priorities with varying deadlines
• Mentoring and coaching skills
• 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
• Regular office environment
• Occasionally required to attend after hours meetings
• Demonstrate the City’s corporate values of care, collaboration, courage and service

Leadership Competencies