The County of Grande Prairie builds on its natural environment and the entrepreneurial spirit of its citizens to provide an unmatched quality of life and opportunity for all. We offer a collaborative and dynamic workplace where our values of Trustworthy, Transparent, Respectful, and Collaborative guide our conduct and contribute to a healthy culture.
Job Description
Under the direction of the Director, Land and Development Services, the Planning Clerk role is a paraprofessional role analogous to a technician that devotes a significant amount of time to routine administrative tasks, but possesses the skills, knowledge, and experience to perform professional-level duties of limited complexity equivalent to a junior or entry-level Planner.
A Planning Clerk will possess a broad understanding of the principles of development conditions, land use, Safety Codes, and the municipal regulatory framework including the general impacts decisions have on other departments and the community as a whole. The Planning Clerk role serves as the front-line customer service provider for Planning and Development Services customers including applicants, landowners, developers, and agencies in the areas of land use and building construction matters. A Planning Clerk is able to explain the permit application process for development, building, and trades permits as well as the rezoning and subdivision processes.
Daily tasks include:
- Receiving and data entry of land use and development applications, building and trades permit approvals, subdivision, and other land use planning applications.
- Assessing and collecting application and other related fees and charges.
- Generating and distributing circulations and public notifications.
- Conducting file and information searches and prepare statistical or progress reports.
- Issuing and distributing decisions and permits.
- Responding to in person, phone, and email inquiries.
The Planning Clerk role is also responsible for the coordination and monitoring of condition sign offs for the subdivision approval process. This includes drafting documents, such as caveats and restrictive covenants for registration with Land Titles.
As the recording secretary for the County’s Municipal Planning Commission, the Planning Clerk also creates and distributes agendas and minutes and coordinates the scheduling and distribution of meeting invites to support the conduction of hybrid board meetings.
The ideal candidate will be a community minded individual able to work with others to enhance the services and needs of County citizens and stakeholders. Candidates should be able to objectively analyze information and requests and apply policies and legislation in a logical and consistent manner that supports the County’s values and operating principles. As a Planning Clerk, a successful candidate will need to be adaptable, able to refocus and adjust quickly when moving from one application to the next and manage constant interruptions.
Candidates should possess strong communication and comprehension skills and proficiency in time management, organization, and attention to detail. Diligence and being goal-oriented are traits that will enable a successful candidate to thrive in this role.
Qualifications
- Post-secondary certificate in a Planning related field or a minimum 3-5 years’ experience in an administrative or similar role.
- The ability to manage interruptions within a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge of Alberta legal descriptions, land titles, and survey plans.
- Willingness to embrace technology.
- Proficient in MS Office.
- Experience with SPIN and web-based GIS searches is beneficial.
- Familiarity or experience with the Municipal Government Act, the Safety Codes Act, and other applicable Provincial and Federal legal statues.
Additional Information
What We Offer: This is a full-time, permanent position. The County of Grande Prairie provides a competitive compensation package, including pension, benefits, and vacation. We actively support professional development opportunities and foster an engaging work environment.
Work Schedule: This position works 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm with limited opportunities for overtime. This position works out of an open shared office environment
Pay Rate: $38.51 - $45.31
Closing Date: August 10, 2025
As part of the County of Grande Prairie’s commitment to provide a safe and healthy workplace, we encourage and support a scent-free environment.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The County of Grande Prairie recognizes and values the principles of fair hiring practices. We are committed to a respectful and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact hr@countygp.ab.ca and we will work with you to meet your needs.
- This posting may be used for future vacancies or to fill more than one position
- This posting may be open until a suitable candidate(s) is/are found.
Please note that once your application is complete, you will receive a confirmation email. If we require any additional information we will contact you. Due to the volume of applications received we can only answer questions at the interview stage.