Senior Development Planner

Senior Development Planner

(Job ID #

Department: Development Services

Division: Development Planning

Location: Hybrid

Status: Permanent, Full Time

Number of Positions: 1

Hourly Wage: $52.70 to $58.55 per hour

Date Posted: May 3, 2024

Date Closing: May 21, 2024

Come work with us

Employment with the Town of Georgina offers an opportunity to make a positive difference in our community. We are a progressive, forward-thinking organization focused on continuous improvement, innovation and providing exceptional customer service. We offer a collaborative team environment and an excellent place to take charge of your career.​

Position Purpose

The Senior Development Planner is responsible for a full range of duties to help facilitate long term sustainable growth patterns, quality development and environmental integrity through the planning process, and ensuring that analysis of development applications reflect current and future priorities, objectives, initiatives, and policies of the Town, York Region, and the province.

The Senior Development Planner project manages the processing and administration of a broad range of development applications under the Planning Act with an emphasis on those which may be complex, controversial, and high profile with multi-disciplinary issues and interests. Applications may include Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, Plans of Subdivision, Site Plan Control, and Committee of Adjustment. The Senior Development Planner provides analysis and review of development applications in the context of the planning policy framework and provides a professional planning opinion and recommendations through reports and presentations to Council. For full details on duties and qualifications, please see attached job description.

How to apply

Qualified applicants are invited to submit a resume and cover letter, identifying the Job Title and Job ID#. Please apply by visiting the no later than 11:59 pm on the closing date. The assessment process may include a practical test and/or interview.

Committed to diversity and a barrier-free environment

The Town of Georgina is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environments. We encourage applications from people with disabilities and will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please advise the Human Resources Team if you require an accommodation(s) and we will work with you to meet your needs throughout any stage of the process. Please be advised that this information will be treated in a confidential manner.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however only those being considered will be contacted.

Personal information collected will be used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of candidate selection. Further information concerning the collection of personal information should be directed to the Human Resources Manager, Town of Georgina, 26557 Civic Centre Road, Keswick, ON L4P 3G

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Senior Development Planner JOB NO: 109

DEPARTMENT: Development Services DIVISION: Development Planning

DATE PREPARED: New – January 2022 JOB GRADE: 18

Updated – March 2024

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

The Senior Development Planner is responsible for a full range of duties to help facilitate long term sustainable growth patterns, quality development and environmental integrity through the planning process, and ensuring that analysis of development applications reflect current and future priorities, objectives, initiatives, and policies of the Town, York Region, and the province.

The Senior Development Planner project manages the processing and administration of a broad range of development applications under the Planning Act with an emphasis on those which may be complex, controversial, and high profile with multi-disciplinary issues and interests. Applications may include Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, Plans of Subdivision, Site Plan Control, and Committee of Adjustment. The Senior Development Planner provides analysis and review of development applications in the context of the planning policy framework and provides a professional planning opinion and recommendations through reports and presentations to Council.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Manager of Development Planning

DIRECTION EXERCISED:

Provides guidance to administrative and technical staff to undertake general responsibilities in support of circulations, staff reports, presentations, and planning inquiries.

Provides mentorship, coaching, guidance, and training to more junior Planning staff in consultation with the Manager.

WORKING PROCEDURES:

Responsible for taking a lead role in advancing the development program in the Town in accordance with current legislation and policy, and in providing a timely customer service response.

Provides solutions related to controversial, sensitive, or highly political land use planning matters in a confidential and professional manner.

Provides an advanced level of professional planning advice and interpretation on matters related to various policy documents in the context of development planning to staff, Council, external agencies, the general public, and the development industry in accordance with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute's Professional Code of Practice and Standards of Practice.

Prepares and presents detailed reports to Council on complex development applications providing independent professional planning recommendations which balance professional planning standards, public and private interests, and the long-term benefit of the community within the context of the provincial planning policy framework.

Monitors and documents project management related matters, priorities, and offers creative solutions in the approach to be taken in discussion with the Manager.

Maintains up to date knowledge of all applicable planning policy and legislation.

Resolves highly complicated conflicts between competing interests through mediation, negotiation, and facilitation. Solutions are developed on a case by case basis, while having regard for past precedence, and evaluated based on good planning principles and Town priorities.

Manages the activities of Town retained consultants as required, providing responsive customer service to a broad range of client groups, and demonstrating command of a broad range of knowledge areas and competencies essential to delivery of relevant solutions and recommendations.

Prepares evidence for hearings and other legal tribunals under the supervision of the Manager, such as preparing exhibits, assembling relevant planning information, creating and maintaining well-organized and accurate records, and verifying accuracy of information

Represents the Town and Division at hearings and other legal tribunals as assigned by the Manager, including participating as an expert witness, presenting evidence and undergoing cross-examination, preparing witness statements and undertaking additional research as required, coordinating hearing / tribunal-related activities with legal counsel and retained experts to review evidence, witness testimony, and other matters related to legal proceedings.

Acts as a key liaison and advisor to assigned Committees of Council, such as the Environmental Advisory Committee, Agricultural Advisory Committee, and other Town related Committees as required.

Participates in the hiring process for co-op students, including securing funding, and participating in the interview and selection process. Assigns, monitors, reviews, and evaluates the work of co-op students with the Manager's direction.

Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Regularly travels from the Civic Centre to attend meetings and conduct site inspections.

Works outside of regular office hours (e.g. evenings, weekends) for attendance at Council and Committee meetings, public forums, and other events as required.

Participates in all mandatory training and performs additional duties and undertakes special projects as assigned.

Participates in the Town's Health & Safety Program and follows safety practices in work methods and procedures. Observes and complies with all relevant health and safety regulations.

Possesses a Valid Class 'G' Driver's License in good standing and a reliable vehicle to use on corporate business.

The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions and duties of the position and will not be construed as a detailed description of the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

SKILL/KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS:

A Post-Secondary Degree in Planning, from a University program accredited by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) or equivalent education and experience as recognized by the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI).

Certified Full Membership and recognized as a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) in good standing with OPPI, and / or with the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP certification), as recognized by the Professional Standards Board (PSB) for the Planning Profession in Canada.

Minimum of four (4) years relevant professional planning experience in a municipal or public sector environment, or private sector planning consulting firm. Experience should include responsibilities for development review, interpreting and analyzing relevant policy documents, writing recommendation reports, presenting to Council and Committees, and project management activities.

Thorough working knowledge of the Ontario Planning Act regulations and procedures, and other Provincial legislative, regulatory and policy framework with demonstrated experience in interpreting and translating legislation and policies in recommendation reports.

Demonstrated experience in municipal planning procedures and land development application procedures with sensitivity to matters of public interest and political context.

General knowledge of public policy, practices and current issues affecting local government with an understanding of public sector management accountability frameworks.

Excellent organizational, analytical, investigative, problem-solving, report writing, communication, presentation, and public speaking skills.

Demonstrated presentation, project management and administrative skills with ability to develop recommendations for a wide range of development applications and planning initiatives.

Ability to respect confidentiality, and to communicate effectively and courteously with all levels of staff, external government agencies/authorities, the development community, ratepayer groups and the general public.

Effective consultation, conflict resolution and negotiating skills when dealing with the public, the development community, consultants, employees, public and private agencies, along with the ability to listen.

Superior interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently.

Ability to provide a solution oriented, customer service approach using good judgement, creativity and strategic thinking.

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software applications, as well as Internet research abilities and familiarity with GIS.

Up to one year period of adjustment, orientation and adaptation on the job.