Planner

Position Details

• Department: Planning
• Status: Permanent Full Time

Job Summary

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 Planner 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

• 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.
• 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.
• Drafts reports to Council regarding all land-use planning matters. Presents reports to Council at meetings when required.
• 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.
• Responsible for the administration of development agreements including subdivision agreements, site plan agreements, etc.
• 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.
• Provides or assists with presenting expert witness testimony on behalf of the Township at the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) hearings in relation to planning matters.
• Responsible for the maintenance of the consolidated comprehensive Zoning By-law and Official Plan.
• 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.
• Represents the Township on community, regional and intergovernmental organizations related to planning issues.
• 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.
• Attends meetings, prepares reports and maintains records as required.
• 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.
• Ensures the confidentiality of all information in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
• Responsible to adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Municipal Health and Safety Policy.
• Performs other duties and carries out special projects as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Job Specifications

• University Degree in Planning or related discipline is mandatory.
• Minimum 3 years previous experience in the field of municipal planning.
• Membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) and Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation is required.
• Experience providing professional planning evidence before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) / Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) an asset.
• Concrete 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 relation skills.