Project Lead, Long Range Planning and Special Projects Coordinator

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Project Lead, Long Range Planning and Special Projects to join our Planning team at Norfolk County. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating and delivering studies and projects related to complex planning issues, supporting the development and project management of policy documents, and preparing policy-planning reports.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and manage policy planning projects, including long-range planning initiatives and special projects.
• Support the development and project management of policy documents, including the Official Plan, Official Plan Amendments, and Zoning By-laws.
• Prepare policy-planning reports, including research, analysis, evaluation, and recommendations.
• Provide advice and guidance to staff and Council on land use policies and their implications.
• Organize and facilitate community engagement and stakeholder involvement initiatives.
• Coordinate 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.
• Prepare and deliver presentations 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.
• 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.
• Prepare request for proposals (RFP), terms of reference, and scoping documents for planning studies and projects.
• Review and evaluate project proposals against criteria.
• Participate in the selection of and project manage consultants/consulting teams retained by the County to complete specific planning studies within an approved budget.
• Identify and liaise with project stakeholders, interested parties, and technical advisory committees.
• Prepare and/or oversee 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.
• Review and formally respond to public and agency comments on County projects.
• Monitor the project schedule and budget, and report to the Director of Planning accordingly.
• Maintain a web-based community engagement page for special projects.
• Provide expert planning testimony before administrative tribunals such as the Ontario Land Tribunal.
• Participate in other County initiatives as part of technical teams as required.
• Attend and actively participate in meetings, workshops, and training sessions regarding planning matters.
• Conduct regular research and reviews, understand, and critically analyze new or pending legislation and regulatory guidelines and prepare comments internal discussion as well as reports for Council and Committees.
• Assist in completing departmental work program initiatives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Knowledge and Experience:

• 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.

Skill and Abilities:

• 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.

Benefits:

Posting #: NU Repost

Position: Project Lead, Long Range Planning and Special Projects

Status: Permanent Full Time

Employee Group: Non-Union

Salary: $87,134 - $108,918 per annum (Under Review)

Division: Community Development

Department: Planning

Reports To: Director, Planning

Location: Simcoe, ON with remote work as required

Posting Period: September 4, September 30, 2024