Principal Planner

HRM is inviting applications for one full‑time permanent position of Principal Planner within the Planned Growth, Strategic Projects division of Planning and Development. The Planned Growth Team leads transformative strategic projects, including comprehensive neighborhood planning and city‑led growth initiatives. Responsibilities Supervise, direct, and mentor a team of professional staff and staff assignments; provide technical assistance to staff and the public on complex and sensitive planning assignments. Act as liaison among citizens, government agencies, developers, and elected officials. Evaluate and process complex applications, including subdivision applications, permits, site plans, development agreements, land‑use by‑law amendments, municipal planning strategy, and other planning applications. Prepare and present detailed reports and recommendations on planning matters to staff, boards, committees, and Council, serving as liaison to such committees. Conduct field evaluations and assessments. Serve as witness in legal proceedings and provide expert advice at the Utility and Review Board and in court. Act as subject‑matter expert in diverse planning matters, represent the business unit or the municipality on planning‑related issues, and advise senior management, committees, and Council. Maintain regular contact and liaison with other HRM business units, community and intergovernmental groups, boards, and committees; foster cooperation and close working relationships between the business unit and outside agencies and stakeholders. Provide professional planning assistance to communities and community groups on land‑use projects. Facilitate public meetings representing the business unit on a variety of planning matters. Design and facilitate internal or customer‑focused strategic planning, training, education, and consultation processes as required. Direct and/or undertake research and analysis, head multidisciplinary project teams including consultants. Identify emerging planning trends, policies, and best practices from other jurisdictions and recommend policy options and initiatives. Monitor the effectiveness of existing planning policies, business processes, and regulations, recommending improvements as necessary. Direct and/or prepare and present complex reports, contract documents, terms of reference, requests for proposals, policies, procedures, correspondence, and briefs for senior management, committees, and Council on various planning‑related matters. Lead the development of policy options, analysis, and reports on complex planning issues in partnership with stakeholders. Manage priority planning and department projects; review consultant proposals and verify contract expenditures and compliance. Mentor Planner I, II and III. Make decisions, administer, and enforce land‑use by‑laws, development agreements, and subdivision by‑law when appointed as a Development Officer by Council pursuant to the Halifax Charter; collaborate with Development Engineers and Buildings Supervisors to ensure overall efficiencies. Administer heritage conservation plans and bylaws and decide on issuance of certificates of appropriateness when appointed by Council. Provide leadership in developing a positive working environment and promote professional behavior of staff in client relationships. Develop staff through delegation, coaching, mentoring, and training, arranging formal training, work assignments, and other experiences. Assign work and ensure appropriate training and support to the team of professionals. Monitor and evaluate staff performance, make recommendations for training needs, corrective and disciplinary action, and forward related performance issues to the Program Manager. Act as witness and participate in grievance meetings, workplace rights investigations, and other labour relations meetings as required. Participate in hiring and recruitment, design selection processes and tools, and recommend candidates for hiring. Advise on operations and activities, recommending improvements and modifications. Resolve conflicts arising from business unit activities, including interpretive and procedural disputes with clients and non‑compliance. Establish and monitor operational and business procedures to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and consistency in processing all subdivision, development planning, land‑use compliance, and responses to internal and public inquiries. Monitor and review municipal policies and regulations and make recommendations for their administration, development, and amendment. Qualifications A Master’s degree in Community Planning or equivalent from an accredited university planning program 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 program may be considered, with a minimum of eight (8) years of related and progressive experience. A Licensed Professional Planner under the NS Professional Planners Act is required. Full competence in Planner I, II, and III positions. Supervisory experience is considered an asset. Valid driver’s licence is required. Graduation from HRM’s Aspiring Leaders Program is considered an asset and counts as one year of leadership experience. Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities Advanced knowledge of planning philosophies, principles, and techniques, including cross‑functional knowledge of other disciplines. 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, negotiation, presentations, communication, influencing, and leading group discussions. Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines. Knowledge of standard office software and technology, including Microsoft Office Suite, internet applications, GIS, and other relevant systems. 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 related legislation and municipal by‑laws concerning construction approvals, engineering specifications, and planning applications. Security Clearance Requirements Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check. Compensations and Benefits Non‑Union Level 7 with an annual salary range of $82,900 - $107,280. Salary is determined based on relevant experience and qualifications. Placement above the midpoint of the pay band is reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the minimum qualifications. Employment Details Work status: Permanent Full‑time. Hours of work: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (35 hours per week). Flex options and hybrid may be available. Work location: 5251 Duke Street, 3rd Floor, Halifax, NS. Closing Date Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm Thursday, December 4, 2025. Additional Information Candidates selected for testing may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion. Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of qualifications, including educational credentials, professional licences, and relevant certifications. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link. Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax. All applicants will be considered in accordance with equality‑and‑diversity policies. Only those selected for interview/testing will be contacted. Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Halifax Regional Municipality by 2x. #J-18808-Ljbffr