Planner III(Land Development

Planner III (Land Development & Subdivision) Join to apply for the Planner III (Land Development & Subdivision) role at Halifax Regional Municipality. Overview HRM is inviting applications for one full‑time permanent position and one term (up to 12 months) full‑time position of Planner III within Development Services within Planning and Development. Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. HRM has an Employment Equity Policy and welcomes applications from: African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in underrepresented occupations, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self‑identify on their electronic application. Responsibilities Leads and performs advanced‑level professional work and provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public related to a broad range of planning matters. Acts as liaison between citizens, government agencies, developers and elected officials on planning matters as may be assigned. Evaluates and processes complicated applications including subdivision applications, permits, variances, site plans, development agreements, 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; investigates violations of planning regulations; acts as witness in legal proceedings and provides expert advice at the Utility and Review Board and Court. Acts as a subject‑matter expert in broad planning matters; leads projects, advises, and makes recommendations on business‑unit policies and procedures related to land use planning and development programs or strategic corporate initiatives. Represents the business unit or the municipality on assigned planning matters; participates in special projects designed to improve the performance, efficiency and effectiveness of services and/or programs. Facilitates public meetings representing the business unit on a variety of planning matters. Designs and facilitates internal or customer‑focused strategic planning, training, education, and consultation processes as required. Provides senior professional planning assistance to communities and community groups on various land use projects. Researches, analyzes and compiles information and statistical data and trends on a variety of planning matters; identifies emerging planning trends, policies and best practices from other jurisdictions and makes recommendations on business‑unit policies and planning initiatives. Monitors effectiveness of existing planning policies, business processes and regulations and makes recommendations for improvements as necessary. Leads the development of, in partnership with stakeholders, policy options, analysis and reports on complex planning issues for the business unit and/or the municipality. Prepares, presents and maintains comprehensive regional and community plans, land use by‑laws, the Subdivision By‑law and other regulations regarding development control. Manages highly sensitive and complex planning studies, reviews consultant proposals and verifies contract expenditures and compliance. Makes decisions on assigned complex permit, site plan, variance and subdivision applications when appointed as a Development Officer by Council pursuant to the Halifax Charter. Mentors Planner I and Planner II. May perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education & Experience: University degree from an accredited planning program and five (5) years of professional planning experience. OR: University degree from a non‑accredited but related program (e.g., Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban, Human or Economic Geography, Geographic/Spatial Information Systems) and seven (7) years of professional planning experience. Master’s degree from an accredited planning program and four (4) years of professional planning experience would be considered an asset. Licensed Professional Planner (LPP) or equivalent provincial or international designation, and a willingness to obtain the LPP designation within a three (3) year period is required. Progressive experience working in a municipal government environment is considered an asset. Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities: Advanced knowledge of planning philosophies, principles, practices and techniques, including cross‑functional knowledge involving other disciplines. Well‑developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines such as community development, urban design, heritage conservation, housing, parks and recreation, transportation planning or environmental/natural resources planning. Knowledge and experience in construction processes. Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously; mentor junior staff; manage projects and meet deadlines. Advanced facilitation, mediation, negotiation and public participation skills. Superior written and verbal communication skills; advanced research, analysis, writing, evaluation and presentation skills. Ability to anticipate issues of community groups, Council, other business units, senior management, special interest groups and stakeholders and think critically and strategically in the resolution of those issues. Excellent interpersonal skills enabling credible and effective relationships with people at all levels. Knowledge of standard office software and technology including Microsoft Office Suite, Internet applications, GIS and other similar systems and technology related to the business unit. Advanced knowledge of the Municipal Government Act, the HRM Charter, the Heritage Property Act, the Heritage By‑law, the Subdivision By‑law, various HRM Municipal Planning Strategies and Land Use By‑laws, and other relevant legislation and municipal by‑laws related to construction approvals, engineering specifications and planning applications, with a clear understanding of their interrelationships. A broad knowledge of the legislative framework under which land use planning law operates and the ability to interpret and draft by‑laws and contracts which affect the rights of landowners, neighbourhoods and communities. A valid driver’s license is required. Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check. Testing: 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, Communications, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Organizational Awareness, Organization and Planning, Teamwork and Cooperation, Valuing Diversity. Work Status Permanent Full‑time, Term up to 12 months Full‑time. Hours of Work Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (35 hours per week). Flex options to work outside these hours and hybrid may be available. Salary $42.50 per hour (Level 9), in accordance with the NSGEU 222 Collective agreement. Work Location 5251 Duke Street, 3rd Floor, Halifax, NS. Closing Date Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Disallowing AI Tools During the recruitment 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr