Planner (Policy)

**Division**:
Planning & Development

**Important Notices & Amendments**:
As an employer of choice, Niagara Region offers competitive salaries and benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, a corporate wellness centre, access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), mentorship and training programs, employee recognition programs, and more. In addition, the Region recognizes the value of having flexible work arrangements including hybrid work arrangements to support better work-life balance for our employees. Where operational needs align, and while ensuring business requirements and customer service expectations are achieved, employees may have an opportunity to work within a hybrid model, combining working from home and working in the office.

**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.

Please note that the Niagara Region requires that all newly hired employees are to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of being hired and provide proof of full vaccination, or provide proof of a bona fide medical or Human Rights Code exemption on a form issued from and approved by Niagara Region.

**Job Summary**:
Reporting to the Community and Long Range Planning Management Team, the Planner role is responsible for all aspects of research/analysis, field investigations, formulation of policy recommendations and report preparation on a variety of community and long range planning policy issues affecting the Region.

**Education**:
**Knowledge**:

- 3 years of related planning experience.
- Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and Registered Professional Planner accreditation is preferred.

**Responsibilities**:
**_ Provides research and analytical support on community and long range planning policy issues._**:

- Researches and analyzes Regional policies and related issues, documenting findings.
- Develops and presents recommendations on new or revised, and implementation programs.
- Analyzes, evaluates and coordinates regional comments on local comprehensive Official Plans and Zoning By-laws to ensure conformity with the Regional Policy Plan and Provincial legislation and policy.

**_ Evaluates emerging planning issues._**:

- Provides written comments, reports and advice.
- Presents Regional Planning policies and related information in a public forum to inform the public of existing, new or changes to existing policies and/or proposed policies.

**_ Evaluates and interprets technical, legislative and policy information identifying implications and potential impacts of new Provincial legislation and policy directions proposed by such bodies as the Niagara Escarpment Commission and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, on the Region’s plan policy and management processes._**:
**_ Consults with and advises the local municipalities with respect to practice requirements and key issues to be addressed in their policy development exercises._**:

- Recommends measures to be taken to address Regional and Provincial interests and requirements.
- Undertakes a customer focused liaison role throughout the local exercise.

**_ Implements new/modified programs established by Council, ensuring adherence with the Regional Policy Plan._**:
**Special Requirements**:

- Regional staff strive to enable the strategic priorities of council and the organization through the completion of their work. Staff carry out their work by demonstrating the corporate values of service, honesty, choice, partnership and respect.

**Closing Statement**:
Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY