Principal Planner

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is accepting applications for a full-time permanent and a term (up to 24 months) Principal Planner position with the Land Development and Subdivision program in Planning & Development.

HRM is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Principal Planner is a senior professional who supervises and directs a team of professional staff and assignments. The Principal Planner may lead or participate in highly complex planning assignments or departmental projects based on business unit or corporate strategic priorities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises, directs and oversees a team of professional staff and assignments, and provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public on complex and sensitive professional planning assignments.
• Acts as liaison between citizens, government agencies, developers and elected officials
• Evaluates and may process complex applications including subdivision applications, permits, site plans, development agreements, and land use by-law amendments, municipal planning strategy and other planning applications
• Prepares and presents detailed reports and recommendations on planning matters to staff, Boards, Committees and Council and serves as liaison to such committees
• Conducts field evaluations and assessments
• Acts as witness in legal proceedings as necessary and provides expert advice at the Utility and Review Board and in Court
• Represents the business unit or the municipality on various planning-related issues and advises senior management, Committees and Council of same
• Maintains regular contact and liaises with other HRM business units, community or intergovernmental groups, boards and committees; fosters cooperation and close working relationships between the business unit and other HRM business units and outside agencies and stakeholders
• Directs and/or undertakes research and analysis, heads multidisciplinary project teams including consultants
• Mentors Planner I, II and III
• Makes decisions, administers and enforces land use by-laws, development agreements and the subdivision by-law when appointed as a Development Officer by Council pursuant to the Halifax Charter.
• When appointed as a Development Officer, combines efforts with Development Engineers, and Buildings Supervisors to ensure overall efficiencies between development, buildings and engineering approvals, and inspection staff.
• Develops staff through delegation, coaching, mentoring and training by arranging formal training, work assignments and other experiences.
• Supervises a team of professionals and assigns work and ensures appropriate training and support is provided
• Monitors and evaluates staff performance and makes effective recommendations with respect to training needs, corrective and disciplinary action; brings all related performance issues forward to the Program Manager
• Serves as witness and fully participates in grievance meetings, workplace rights investigations and other labour relations meetings, as required

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience:

• A Master’s Degree in Community Planning or equivalent, from a university planning program recognized or accredited by the Professional Standards Board for Planning in Canada is preferred, with a minimum of six (6) years of related and progressive experience in a professional planning environment in an urban or regional municipality.
• An undergraduate degree from a similarly accredited university planning program may also be considered, with a minimum of eight (8) years of related and progressive experience in a professional planning environment in an urban or regional municipality.
• A Licensed Professional Planner as per the NS Professional Planners Act is required.
• Fully competent in all aspects of the Planer I, II and III positions
• Valid Driver's License is required.
• Supervisory experience will be considered an asset.
• Graduation from HRM's Aspiring Leaders Program is considered an asset, and completion of the program is equivalent to one year of leadership experience.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of the philosophies, principals, practices & techniques of planning including cross-functional knowledge involving other discipline
• Well-developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines, such as land use planning, community development, urban design, heritage conservation, housing, parks and recreation, transportation planning or environmental/natural resources planning
• Demonstrated skills in project management, facilitation, conflict resolution and negotiation, conducting presentations, communicating, influencing, and leading group discussions.
• Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines
• Knowledge and experience in construction processes
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management
• Superior written and verbal communications skills with the ability to clearly and persuasively, orally and in writing, present ideas and recommendations that involve complex and politically sensitive issues to management, decision-making bodies, committees, applicants and citizens while adhering to the intent of regulations and planning policy
• Knowledge of standard office software and technology including Microsoft Office Suite, Internet applications, GIS and other related systems and technology
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must clearly demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note: Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.

COMPETENCIES: Analytical Thinking, Communication, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Valuing Diversity

WORK STATUS: Permanent Full-time and Term (up to 24 months)

HOURS OF WORK: Monday - Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, 35 hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours & hybrid may be available.

SALARY: Non-union level 7, $82,080 - $106, 220 annually. Salary will be determined based on relevant experience and qualifications related to the specified pay band & job. Placement above the midpoint of the pay band is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the minimum qualifications, such as those with exceptional experience, specialized skills, or demonstrated achievements relevant to the role. This ensures fair & consistent compensation practices across the organization.

WORK LOCATION: 3rd floor of Duke Tower (5251 Duke St, Halifax)

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11;59pm Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link;
Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax

(Position #78640506, 78640573)