Planner II (Development Planning)

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Development, the Planner II is responsible for managing development application files and facilitating the planning process, including analyzing and making recommendations to Council.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Process a variety of development application types, and review new applications for accuracy and completion, and for conformity to applicable planning policy and other City regulations and practices
• Coordinate circulation of development applications and manage responses from internal departments and external agencies
• Communicate issues and concerns to applicant and facilitate required discussions between the applicant and internal departments or external agencies
• Prepare staff reports, planning/legal instruments, and planning comments for various stakeholders as appropriate
• Present development proposals at Council Public Meetings, and respond to enquiries
• Review pre-submission requests with respect to applicable policy, regulations, guidelines, etc.
• Coordinate and facilitate meeting with applicant and property owners to review development application process
• Present proposal to DARC, and coordinate preliminary comments, conditions and issues provided by committee members into Submission Requirements Letter for applicant
• Prepare Local Planning Appeals Tribunal direction staff report for Committee of the Whole and Council
• Prepare witness statements and other documentation for hearings
• Attend pre-hearing conferences as necessary
• Provide evidence as an expert planning witness
• Manage and coordinate the Committee of Adjustment applications submitted
• Assign applications to individual Planners
• Chair Planner Committee of Adjustment meetings
• Liaise with Planners regarding issues that may arise on applications, and review all reports completed by Planners
• Attend Committee of Adjustment meetings as staff representative, and provide expert opinion in support of staff's position on each application
• Respond to enquiries from stakeholders via phone, email and in-person
• Conduct research, background review and follow up with customers as necessary
• Other projects and duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Degree in Urban or Regional Planning or related discipline
• Must be eligible for membership in OPPI or MCIP and work towards your RPP designation
• Candidate or Full membership (RPP) in Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) and Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) is considered an asset.
• 4 years of planning experience
• Experience in a municipal planning department is considered an asset

Required Skills/Knowledge

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, Palis, OCE Web, ABC docs
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
• Analytical thinking and research skills
• Knowledge of the Ontario Planning Act, provincial plans and other related legislation
• Organizational skills
• Time management
• Project management experience
• General understanding of legal documentation, technical reports, requirements and materials
• Experience communicating and presenting with all levels within and external to the organization
• Experience dealing with the Local Planning Appeals Tribunal
• 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
• Must possess a valid Ontario Class "G" Driver's License, and have access to a vehicle for use on corporate business (mileage compensated) and will be required to provide proof of vehicle insurance upon hire
• Attendance at Council or Committee meetings after regular business hours may be required
• Demonstrate the City’s corporate values of care, collaboration, courage and service

Leadership Competencies