Job Summary 

Reporting to the Manager, the Planner is responsible for all aspects of the review of development applications, including: research, analysis, field investigations, preparation and participation in pre-consultation meetings, consideration of alternative solutions, provision of advice to local municipalities and stakeholders/clients, formulation of written comments and/or policy formulation, preparation of planning recommendation reports, as well as consistent application of municipal and provincial policies, plans, guidelines/standards and legislation.

Education

• Post-secondary degree (4 year) in a Planning  accredited program or related field of study (e.g. Geography).
• An equivalent combination of education, experience and qualifications may be considered. 

Knowledge

• A minimum three (3) years of practical planning experience in land use planning and in policy and/or development.
• Registered Professional Planner (RPP) and a full member in good standing with both the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) and Canadian Institute of Planners. 
• If not currently an RPP, may be considered, subject to obtaining this designation within a specified period of time.
• Working knowledge of the Planning Act and Regulations, Provincial policies, plans and guidelines, Municipal Official Plans, infrastructure planning and environmental assessments, local planning policies and other related legislation/regulations. 
• Knowledge of project management practices.
• Eligible to be qualified as an expert in planning to provide independent professional opinion before tribunals. 
• Computer applications experience with MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point and Outlook), application tracking systems (e.g. CityView), MS Project or other Project Tracking Systems and GIS based mapping systems.

Responsibilities

Review and process development applications and/or related projects and studies. (65% of time)

• Research and analyze development applications and associated land use planning issues , identifying anomalies, issues and conflicts, based on: current legislation, Provincial and Municipal plans, policies and guidelines and document findings. 
• Analyze, evaluate and coordinate comments on development applications, related to conformity with Municipal plans and Provincial legislation, policies, plans and guidelines.
• Evaluate and interpret technical, legislative and policy information identifying implications and potential impacts of new Provincial legislation and policy directions. 
• Work with the Local Area Municipalities (LAMs), applicants, NPCA, NEC, other regional divisions/departments and interested parties to consider alternatives and resolve issues. 
• Conduct field investigations and site visits to support and supplement research activities.
• Coordinate, analyze, summarize and incorporate comments and requirements on all development applications and/or projects/studies from all Regional staff (e.g. engineering/technical, environmental, urban design, transportation, housing etc). 
• Provide written comments, reports and advice. Document findings, prepare comments and reports and make recommendations on findings. 
• Complete work within strictly monitored and legislated timelines. 
• Remain current on new techniques, issues and legislation affecting community development, providing advice and recommendations on strategies.
• Build relationships and trust with regional staff, clients, LAMS and other stakeholders.

Prepare for and participate in meetings. (20% of time)

• Represent the Public Works Department at meetings with LAMs, applicants/clients, consultants, Provincial Ministries and other agencies on planning matters. 
• Provide consultation and advice on development and/or project related matters.
• Determine and advise on matters of Provincial and Regional interests/requirements including Regional development review fees, applicable incentive programs and the requirement for studies with scoping where feasible.

Assist with preparation and review of projects, policies and planning studies. (10% of time)

• Review Municipal and Provincial policies, plans, guidelines/standards and legislation, identifying areas for improvement/modifications and providing recommendations. 
• Present expert planning evidence at tribunals on routine planning matters.
• Research planning activities and trends, which may have important planning implications for the Region and/or Municipalities, such as tribunal decisions giving direction on provincial policy and impacting development applications and/or policy.

Maintain data and information file systems on all development proposals and applications. (5% of time)

• Ensure all data related to development applications and environmental assessments is entered into the development applications tracking system and up to date including all application circulations, comments/correspondence, legislated documentation such as Notices of Approval and Commencement of EA studies.
• Provide information and advice to the public and outside agencies as requested.

Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.

Special Requirements

• Must maintain the ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons.
• Regional staff strive to enable the strategic priorities of council and the organization through the completion of their work. Staff carry out their work by demonstrating the corporate values. 

Closing Statement

Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!

Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application by June 25th at www.niagararegion.ca .

We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.