Employment Opportunity: Planner or Planning Assistant

Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen

Salary Range: $77,750 - $89,897 (Planner) or $66,996 - $77,708 (Planning Assistant) - Currently Under Review. 

Closing Date: The posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected; no application deadline has been set.

The Township of H-B-M is currently seeking a full-time, permanent Planner. Reporting to the Chief Building Official, the Planner will be responsible for interpreting and providing technical information, advice and assistance to Council, staff, developers, lawyers, the business community, and the public regarding land use planning matters. Other duties include advising on growth management, economic development, and performing a variety of tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility, including the review of building permit applications to ensure compliance with land-use planning legislation.

The ideal candidate will possess a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation.

The Township offers a comprehensive benefits package, enrollment in the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) and competitive salary that corresponds with education, experience and working abilities. A detailed job description can be found on the Township website at www.hbmtwp.ca.

While full qualifications will be an asset, less qualified candidates who may be working towards the RPP designation may be considered for the position of Planning Assistant with the opportunity for advancement. A detailed job description can be found on the Township website at www.hbmtwp.ca.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a CONFIDENTIAL detailed cover letter and resume, clearly marked with the position title ‘Application – Planner’ or ‘Application – Planning  Assistant’ by e-mail or regular mail to:

Please note, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Kayla Spooner

Deputy Treasurer

Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen

P.O. Box 10, Havelock, ON K0L 1Z0
kspooner@hbmtwp.ca

Candidates are encouraged to inform of any accommodating requests so that they can be dealt with throughout the recruitment process.  Personal information is collected pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used only to evaluate the suitability of applicants for employment.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Chief Building Official, the Planning Assistant is responsible for being the first point of contact for inquiries regarding land-use planning related matters.

The Planning Assistant assists the public in the submission of applications, researches and prepares planning reports regarding land use planning applications, including official plan amendments, zoning by-law amendments, and minor variance applications, assists with the preparation and presentation of department reports and material and provides administrative support to the Planning and Building Departments as needed.

Duties and Key Responsibilities:

1. Serves as the primary contact for and assists in the co-ordination and administration of all forms of development applications including, but not limited to Zoning By-law and Official Plan amendment applications, minor variance, site plan approval, plans of subdivision and consent applications.
2. Provides planning advice and direction, including the interpretation of the Township’s Official Plan, Zoning By-law, other policies and applicable legislation, to Council, the general public, staff and consultants.
3. Drafts reports to Council regarding all land-use planning matters. Presents reports to Council at meetings when required.
4. Coordinates inter-departmental and/or inter-agency meetings with developers, consultants, agencies and interested parties. Assists with discussions regarding technical concerns in order to achieve municipal planning objectives.
5. Responsible for the administration of development agreements including subdivision agreements, site plan agreements, etc.
6. Undertakes research, provides input and assists with project management related to the development of planning policy and a variety of municipal plans/studies, including Community Improvement Plans, growth and environmental plans, etc.
7. Responsible for the maintenance of the consolidated comprehensive Zoning By-law and Official Plan.
8. In cooperation with the Chief Administrative Officer and the Management Team, provides assistance to advance the economic growth of the Township, with a focus on new and ongoing business development opportunities and ensuring compliance with all Acts, Regulations and By-laws.
9. Represents the Township on community, regional and intergovernmental organizations related to planning issues.
10. Responds to telephone, letter and counter inquiries from the general public, developers, investors, agencies and other levels of government pertaining to a broad range of development matters such as the processing of subdivisions, condominiums and amendments to and variances from municipal planning regulations. Provides interpretation of Township By-laws/policies and relevant applicable law.
11. Attends meetings, prepares reports and maintains records as required.
12. Ensures the confidentiality of all information in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
13. Responsible to adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Municipal Health and Safety Policy.
14. Prepare letters, public meeting notices, notices of passing, notice of decisions and

notice of no appeals and circulate to property owner(s)/ applicant(s), neighbors and agencies.

15. Confer with the Township’s Planning Consultant(s) when necessary.
16. Performs other duties and carries out special projects as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities. 

Job Specifications:

• Must possess a Post-Secondary School Diploma related to Planning or Urban/Regional Planning Technology or equivalent.
• Minimum of (2) two years’ work experience in the field of Municipal Planning.
• Student Membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) and in the process of obtaining Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation an asset.
• Understanding of planning legislation including the Planning Act, the Municipal Act, Provincial Policy Statements, the County of Peterborough and Township Official Plans, other Federal and Provincial legislation pertaining to municipal planning.
• Presentation skills to provide advice, information, comment and respond to inquiries during formal Public Meetings, Council Meetings and Open Houses.
• Knowledge and experience using a wide range of computer programs such as: MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), AgriSuite MDS (Minimum Distance Separation requirements), Adobe Acrobat, GIS, Municipal Connect, Keystone Complete an asset.
• Valid Ontario G Drivers' License and access to personal vehicle is required with a clean driver’s abstract.

Key Performance Competencies:

• Ability to adhere to strict deadlines.

• Ability to cope with several different requests and subjects simultaneously.

• Understanding of applicable law, policies, by-laws, and regulations pertaining to the planning approvals and building permit process

• Strong decision-making and problem-solving ability
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent management and public relations skill
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Presentation skills and ability to speak effectively in front of a group.
• Research and analytical ability
• Sense of collaboration and ability to work in a team environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Customer service expertise

Working Conditions:

Typical climate-controlled office environment with occasional travel to attend meetings, conferences, and seminars. Work activities require visual and mental concentration for varying durations of time. Standard office hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional extended hours for meeting attendance. Occasional lifting and carrying of items weighing less than 30 lbs. (i.e., office supplies).

Please note:  The above statement reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be considered as a conclusive description of all work required in the position. This job description may be subject to change to meet organizational, resident, or operational requirements.

Contacts:

Internal:

Mayor and Council                   Manager and colleagues  

Municipal Staff                         Internal committees

External:

General Public                         Municipal Government

Community Associations         Provincial and Federal Agencies

Lawyers                                 Consultants

Land Developers