Principal Planner

**Job Posting**
- Reporting to the Program Manager, the Principal Planner is a senior professional who supervises and directs a team of professional staff and assignments. The Principal Planner may lead or participate in highly complex planning assignments or departmental projects based on business unit or corporate strategic priorities.
- **DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Supervises, directs and oversees a team of professional staff and assignments, and provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public on complex and sensitive professional planning assignments.
- Acts as liaison between citizens, government agencies, developers and elected officials
- Prepares and presents detailed reports and recommendations on planning matters to staff, Boards, Committees and Council and serves as liaison to such committees
- Conducts field evaluations and assessments
- Acts as witness in legal proceedings as necessary and provides expert advice at the Utility and Review Board and in Court
- Represents the business unit or the municipality on various planning-related issues and advises senior management, Committees and Council of same
- Maintains regular contact and liaises with other HRM business units, community or intergovernmental groups, boards and committees; fosters cooperation and close working relationships between the business unit and other HRM business units and outside agencies and stakeholders
- Directs and/or undertakes research and analysis, heads multidisciplinary project teams including consultants
- Mentors Planner I, II and III
- Makes decisions, administers and enforces land use by-laws, development agreements and the subdivision by-law when appointed as a Development Officer by Council pursuant to the Halifax Charter.
- When appointed as a Development Officer, combines efforts with Development Engineers, and Buildings Supervisors to ensure overall efficiencies between development, buildings and engineering approvals, and inspection staff.
- Develops staff through delegation, coaching, mentoring and training by arranging formal training, work assignments and other experiences.
- Supervises a team of professionals and assigns work and ensures appropriate training and support is provided
- Monitors and evaluates staff performance and makes effective recommendations with respect to training needs, corrective and disciplinary action; brings all related performance issues forward to the Program Manager
- Serves as witness and fully participates in grievance meetings, workplace rights investigations and other labour relations meetings, as required

**QUALIFICATIONS**
**Education & Experience**:

- A Master’s Degree in Community Planning or equivalent, from a university planning program recognized or accredited by the Professional Standards Board for Planning in Canada 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 university planning program may also be considered, with a minimum of eight (8) years of related and progressive experience in a professional planning environment in an urban or regional municipality.
- A Licensed Professional Planner as per the NS Professional Planners Act is required.
- Fully competent in all aspects of the Planer I, II and III positions
- Valid Driver's License is required.
- Supervisory experience will be considered an asset.
- Graduation from HRM's Aspiring Leaders Program is considered an asset, and completion of the program is equivalent to one year of leadership experience.

**Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities**:

- Advanced knowledge of the philosophies, principals, practices & techniques of planning including cross-functional knowledge involving other discipline
- 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 and negotiation, conducting presentations, communicating, influencing, and leading group discussions.
- Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines
- Knowledge and experience in construction processes
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management
- Superior written and verbal communications skills with the ability to clearly and persuasively, orally and in writing, present ideas and recommendations that involve complex and politically sensitive issues to management, decision-making bodies, committees, applicants and citizens while adhering to the intent of regulations and planning policy
- **Security Clearance Requirements**: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.- **COMPETENCIES**