Solicitor - Planning Administration & Development

**About the City of Hamilton** **Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason** **JOB POSTING** JOB ID #: 20369 Solicitor - Planning, Administration & Development Law Corporate Services Legal & Risk Management Services 50 Main St., E. NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 2 UNION/NON-UNION: Non Union Mgmt Professional HOURS Of WORK: 35.00 per week - GRADE: 8B - SALARY/HOUR: $63.745 - $88.918 per hour- Note: See appropriate Collective Agreement or the Non Union Salary Range for details. STATUS/LENGTH: Full-Time Regular Job Description ID #: 5377 **Vaccine Verification - **As a condition of employment you are required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated or provide proof of valid exemption satisfactory to the employer prior to your start date. You must acknowledge and agree to comply with any future vaccine policy requirements as an ongoing condition of employment at the City of Hamilton. SUMMARY OF DUTIES Under the general direction of the City Solicitor and Deputy City Solicitor, this position will be working in Planning, Administrative and Development Law. Responsible to provide high quality and effective legal advocacy, advice and services to the management and staff of the City, related boards and agencies in areas of land-use planning, development law, expropriations, development charges and agreements as well as advocacy before administrative tribunals including the Ontario Land Tribunal. Responsibilities include the drafting and enforcement of municipal agreements, by-laws and policy development in a broad range of municipal operations. The Legal Services Division currently has a hybrid work arrangement that accommodates both in-office and remote work. GENERAL DUTIES Provides specialized legal services and consultation to the City Manager, Senior Management and staff at all levels on legal matters as associated with land use planning and development as required. Develops and implements proactive strategies, anticipates and identifies legal challenges that help to protect the interests of the City and reduce exposure to legal risks. Ensures that Legal Services contribute to the effectiveness of programs and services throughout the City. Provides research, analysis, counselling and advice for City Council, City Departments, Boards, Commissions and Authorities on the legal implications of matters of law, legislation, procedures, operational and strategic decisions. Reviews and prepares documents, policy and procedure for the City that are clear, concise and comply with all applicable laws. Provides legal opinions and advice on matters that pose significant risks to the City to assist decision-makers at all levels in making determinations regarding service and program delivery. Represents the City before Tribunals, Inquiries and at all levels of Court. Participates in the development and implementation of a preventative law program aimed at precluding and remedying anticipated legal problems arising out of day-to-day operations or projects. Assists Deputy City Solicitor and staff with service delivery. Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety. Performs other duties as assigned which are directly related to the responsibilities of the position. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor of Laws degree or Juris Doctor (JD) from a recognized University. Membership in good standing in the Law Society of Ontario. Advanced knowledge and expertise normally attained through progressively more responsible practice (ideally 4 years or more) in the area of municipal law with particular expertise in land use planning and development law (including advocacy before administrative tribunals such as the OLT), expropriations, development charges and development agreements. - Must possess a high level of professionalism and integrity.Highly developed analytical and business planning skills with a proven track record for long-term visioning and big picture thinking. Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering customer focused programs and services, using a "best practices" approach in a timely and cost effective manner.Highly effective leadership, facilitation, communication, presentation, interpersonal and organizational skills.Highly developed ability to develop work plans and service level agreements. Ability to