Planning Coordinator

Position Details

• Department: Planning
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Hours of Work: 35 Hours per work week
• Location: Municipal Office, 56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville ON
• Pay Method: Salary (hourly rate per pay band x 1820 hours)
• Eligible for Benefits: Yes, Group Benefits & OMERS

Position Summary

The Planning Coordinator is responsible for the administration of all matters related to front-line land use planning services for the municipality, including customer service, planning application review and comment coordination, and is the primary liaison with third party planning consultants. This position assists the CAO with matters related to policy research and the acquisition and disposition of municipal property.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Acts as principal contact for all municipal land use planning matters, offering consultation and interpretation of the Municipal official plan and zoning by-law and provincial legislation. Processes all development applications, including consents, re-zoning, minor variance, site plan and development agreements, and plan of subdivisions.
• Oversees the development of policies, procedures and systems as they relate to land use planning. Ensures programs are in accordance with all federal, provincial and municipal regulations, and policies and procedures established by Council. Identifies and implements operation and process improvements as appropriate.
• Issues notices of planning applications, coordinates all planning applications for appeals to decisions or conditions imposed by Council or the Committee of Adjustment and prepares all documentation required by the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).
• Coordinator for municipal site plan control, including liaising with internal and external bodies for input, as needed.
• Attends Council and Committee of Adjustment meetings as required. Appointed as Secretary/Treasurer for the Committee of Adjustment.
• Prepares and provides land use planning reports and technical advice to CAO and Council, as required.
• Liaises with upper tier planning staff and external consultants as required to ensure accurate information is provided to Council.
• Liaises with developers, contractors, government departments and agencies, as necessary.
• Establishes departmental goals and objectives within approved budgets. Sets priorities and establishes work plans to achieve goals and operate in an efficient, effective and responsive manner.
• Assists the CAO with all municipal land transactions. May require survey of land, negotiations with property owners, liaison with Municipal Solicitor.
• Manages and maintains all 911 municipal addressing records.
• Provides guidance to staff on responding to external inquiries, in accordance with Municipality procedure, policy, and by-laws.
• Provides support with customer service in front office, as needed.
• Assists with the management and maintenance of the municipal website.
• Assists with the general management and maintenance of the Municipal Records Management System with a focus on municipal planning records and planning agreements, ensuring confidentiality of municipal records.
• Works in cooperation with the Treasurer and CAO to prepare the operating and capital budgets for the department.
• Assists the Treasurer and CAO with monitoring department budgets to ensure accounts remain within approved budget levels.
• Purchases items or resources within approved spending authority, in adherence to municipal purchasing policy.
• All employees have the responsibility to work in a safe manner and report any health, safety or environmental concern to their manager or supervisor in a timely manner, including compliance with health, safety and environmental procedures and attendance at required training.
• All employees are expected to conduct themselves in a civil, respectful, courteous and professional manner with all co-workers and ratepayers, maintaining highest ethical standards and promoting inclusivity and cooperation.
• Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the CAO and/or as may be required by law.

Education, Skills and Experience

• Knowledge and skills on the Ontario planning framework normally acquired through a four-year university degree in Land Use Planning, Geography, or other related discipline.
• Completion of OACA/AMCTO Primer on Planning (POP) course considered an asset.
• 2-4 years’ experience in land use planning. Municipal experience is considered an asset.
• Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation considered a strong asset.
• Strong knowledge of Municipal Act, Planning Act, and Conservation Authorities Act, as well as other Provincial regulations and Municipal By-laws.
• Valid and satisfactory “G” driver’s license.