Planner

**Division**:
Infrastructure Planning & Development

**Important Notices & Amendments**:
**This position**currently falls within our hybrid model**, allowing the employee to**typically**work**a minimum of**50% of**your** time**at your regular work location and the other 50% of time at home.**

**Temporary Duration**:
Approximate Duration: 24 months

**About Us**:
Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high-quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.

At Niagara Region, we value diversity - in background and experience. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We aspire to hire and grow a workforce reflective of the diverse community we serve. By doing so, we can deliver better programs and services across Niagara.

For the Region's full employee equity statement, Working at Niagara Region - Niagara Region, Ontario.

**Don’t have every qualification?**

Job Summary

**Education**:

- Post-secondary degree (4 year) in a Planning accredited program or related field of study (e.g. Geography).
- An equivalent combination of education, experience and qualifications may be considered.

**Knowledge**:

- A minimum three (3) years of practical planning experience in land use planning and in policy and/or development.
- Registered Professional Planner (RPP) and a full member in good standing with both the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) and Canadian Institute of Planners.
- Working knowledge of the Planning Act and Regulations, Provincial policies, plans and guidelines, Municipal Official Plans, infrastructure planning and environmental assessments, local planning policies and other related legislation/regulations.
- Knowledge of project management practices.
- Eligible to be qualified as an expert in planning to provide independent professional opinion before tribunals.

**Responsibilities**:

- Evaluate and interpret technical, legislative and policy information identifying implications and potential impacts of new Provincial legislation and policy directions.
- Work with the Local Area Municipalities (LAMs), applicants, NPCA, NEC, other regional divisions/departments and interested parties to consider alternatives and resolve issues.
- Conduct field investigations and site visits to support and supplement research activities.
- Provide written comments, reports and advice. Document findings, prepare comments and reports and make recommendations on findings.
- Complete work within strictly monitored and legislated timelines.
- Remain current on new techniques, issues and legislation affecting community development, providing advice and recommendations on strategies.
- Build relationships and trust with regional staff, clients, LAMS and other stakeholders.

**_
Prepare for and participate in meetings. (20% of time)_**
- Represent the Public Works Department at meetings with LAMs, applicants/clients, consultants, Provincial Ministries and other agencies on planning matters.
- Provide consultation and advice on development and/or project related matters.
- Determine and advise on matters of Provincial and Regional interests/requirements including Regional development review fees, applicable incentive programs and the requirement for studies with scoping where feasible.

**Assist with preparation and review of projects, policies and planning studies. (10% of time)**:

- Review Municipal and Provincial policies, plans, guidelines/standards and legislation, identifying areas for improvement/modifications and providing recommendations.
- Present expert planning evidence at tribunals on routine planning matters.
- Provide information and advice to the public and outside agencies as requested.

**Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.**:
**Special Requirements**:

- Must maintain the ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons.
- Regional staff strive to enable the strategic priorities of council and the organization through the completion of their work