Director of Planning, Norfolk County

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Project Lead, Long Range Planning and Special Projects to join our team at Norfolk County. As a key member of our Planning Department, you will be responsible for coordinating and delivering studies and projects related to complex planning issues.

• Coordinate, prepare, and/or project manage policy planning projects on a day-to-day basis, with an emphasis on long-range planning congruent with County's strategic directions and provincial planning legislation and policies.
• Lead the preparation of plans for specific communities, including conducting stakeholder engagement and coordination with infrastructure planning as necessary.
• Provide interpretations of the policies of the Official Plan, provisions of the Zoning By-law and general regulations regarding planning within the County.
• Conduct planning research and analysis, and provide interpretation of provincial, and local policies and the County's zoning by-laws.
• Attend Council, Committee, Public Meetings, community/stakeholder and other public meetings as required, including availability to work evenings and/or weekends as necessary.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and provide guidance on policy planning projects, municipal growth issues, demographics projections, statistical analysis, long-range land use planning, new or pending legislation and regulatory guidelines, development charges, environmental initiatives, and other planning matters.
• Support the Director of Planning in the development, coordination, and/or preparation of long range plans, policies and special studies to guide the future growth in alignment with the County's goals and strategic plan.
• Undertake research and specific planning studies related to the development of new policies and/or standards, as directed by Council or Director of Planning.
• Prepare Planning reports and recommendations to Council and management related to long-range land-use, policy and master planning studies such as the Official Plan Review and Zoning By-law Reviews.
• Prepare request for proposals (RFP), terms of reference and scoping documents for planning studies and projects, outlining the expected project scope, goals and objectives, schedule and deliverables.
• Reviews and evaluates project proposals against criteria.
• Participate in the selection of and project manages consultants/consulting teams retained by the County to complete specific planning studies within an approved budget with approval/guidance from the Director of Planning.
• Identify and liaise with project stakeholders, interested parties, and technical advisory committees.
• Prepare and/or oversees the consolidation of Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments.
• Prepare circulation for County-initiated policy planning initiatives and supporting materials to appropriate departments and agencies and other stakeholders, and determines deadlines for comment.
• Reviews and formally responds to public and agency comments on County projects.
• Monitors the project schedule and budget, and reports to the Director of Planning accordingly.
• Maintains, in collaboration with the Communications Department, a web-based community engagement page for special projects.
• Provides expert planning testimony before administrative tribunals such as the Ontario Land Tribunal. Involved in mediation/settlement discussions on behalf of the Township. Assists legal counsel in preparing for legal proceedings (evidence, testimony) and documents.
• Participates in other County initiatives as part of technical teams as required.
• Attends and actively participates in meetings, workshops, and training sessions regarding planning matters including various provincial ministries.
• Conduct regular research and reviews, understands, and critically analyzes new or pending legislation and regulatory guidelines and prepares comments internal discussion as well as reports for Council and Committees.
• Assists in completing departmental work program initiatives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree in Land Use Planning or an Honours Degree in a Planning related program.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional planning experience, preferably in a municipal or public sector environment including experience and responsibilities for policy development and corporate policy planning, interpreting, analyzing, and recommending policy directions/options and project management activities.
• Registered Professional Planner including Full membership in the OPPI and the CIP.
• Thorough 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 into policy and policy options.
• Experience in municipal planning procedures and land development application procedure; a general knowledge of public policy, practices and current issues affecting local government with an understanding of public sector management accountability frameworks.
• Qualified as an expert in planning to provide independent professional opinion before tribunals such as the Ontario Land Tribunal.
• Familiarity with mapping data sources and understanding benefits of a GIS mapping system.
• Valid Class 'G' Driver's License in good standing.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required together with excellent organizational skills analytical and project management skills to engage and build consensus across multiple diverse stakeholder groups.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff at all levels of the organization, including senior management, elected officials, the business community, and other external stakeholders.
• Extensive experience of presenting and addressing Council, public, stakeholders in various types of situations and engagement platforms.
• Understanding of community building and development principles and approaches.
• Knowledge of project management norms and practices and demonstrated ability to plan and coordinate project work and deliverables, including project budget, scope, and timelines.
• Proven ability to be flexible and thrive in a demanding environment with frequent and competing deadlines, multiple tasks, and high-performance expectations.
• Computer applications experience with MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, and Power Point), and systems such as CityView, Bluebeam, and ArcGIS.
• Demonstrated customer service skills at a level to develop and maintain cooperative/ collaborative working relationships both within and outside the organization.
• Innovative mindset, open to new ideas and able to consider various approaches to challenges and opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and tact and maintain a high degree of confidentiality at all times, complying with all applicable privacy legislation and local policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated time-management skills with the ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative consistently with commitment to quality improvement, sharing process improvement initiatives with management.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to and build upon a positive and healthy work environment.
• Must be aware of safe work practices as they relate to job responsibilities and work environment, and have the basic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.