Position Job Description:             Planner

Position Overview:

The Planner reports to the Manager of Inspection Services and is responsible for providing various tasks relating to municipal planning work including planning programs and projects, short and long range planning initiative and the development and implementation of land-use policies and zoning bylaws. This position facilities meetings with the public to gain insight from residents and community stakeholders relating to planning initiative within the Municipality of the County of Annapolis. The incumbent is responsible for collaborating with other municipal departments to work towards common goals including transportation, recreation, climate initiatives, etc. This position will be appointed as a Development Officer to assist as necessary.

Job Responsibilities:

• Process applications for Municipal Planning Strategy, Land use By-law amendments and development agreements on various topics
• Ensure statutory requirements of the Municipal Government Act pertaining to land use by-law amendment and/or development agreements are fulfilled
• Organize public meetings to obtain feedback and present information to the public on planning applications and projects
• Prepare staff reports and provide professional advice to the Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) and Council
• Research the implications of new policies with regard to the Municipality’s overall planning objectives and in consideration of social and economic impacts
• Undertake and manage a range of planning projects, as assigned including working with consultants, facilitating committees, and cooperating with other government departments
• Negotiate and draft legal development agreements including site design elements
• Participate in planning projects including community, recreation, transportation, and climate initiative plans
• Present to Council as necessary
• Issues or refuses development permits and site plan approvals in accordance with the applicable land use by-law or development agreement and grants or refuses variances in accordance with the Municipal Government Act
• Perform other reasonable related duties as required

Essential Criteria and Competencies

Qualifications and requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field
• Experience as a municipal planner considered an asset
• Ability to interpret planning and development legislation and regulations within the Municipal Government Act
• Working knowledge of Federal and Provincial statutes and municipal bylaws as these relate to development and land-use planning requirements and standards
• Excellent interpersonal and public relation skills with demonstrated presentation, problem solving, conflict resolution, technical and written communication skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft office and Adobe Creative Suite Software
• Experience with mapping and utilizing GIS and graphic software
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Membership in Canadian Institute of Planners including the regional/provincial affiliate or become a member within three years of date of employment.
• Competencies:
• Values Diversity –Valuing Diversity is the ability to understand and respect the practices, customs and values of other individuals and cultures. Diversity is beneficial to the organization and community. It applies the ability to work effectively with a wide cross-section of the community representing diverse backgrounds, cultures and socio-economic circumstances, and divergent goals.
• Communication – Communication is effective, timely, and relevant exchange of information that is respectful of the diversity of people, and the geography and working environments of our employees. It includes receiving information, listening, understanding and responding openly and effectively in interactions with others.  It also implies this information is processed into actions.
• Citizen Services – Implies a desire to help or serve others in a courteous and respectful manner and with the goal of meeting their needs. It means focusing one’s efforts on discovering, meeting and balancing the needs of citizens, residents, elected officials, internal colleagues, or anyone that the person is trying to help. This involves recognizing that municipal employees are providing services and information to those who have rights and obligations (taxpayers and residents).
• Achievement Motivation – Focuses efforts on working well and / or competing against a standard of excellence while achieving high quality results.
• Work Safety – Employees have a responsibility to take all reasonable and necessary precautions to ensure their health and safety and that of anyone else who may be affected by their work or activities. This includes adhering to safe practices and standard operating procedures established to reduce risks.  Failure to do so is grounds for disciplinary action in accordance with the County’s policies regarding managing unsatisfactory performance.
• Duty of Loyalty – As a representative of the County of Annapolis, every employee has a legal obligation to avoid acting in a manner that’s contrary to the County’s interests. This includes refraining from public criticism of the County’s practices or personnel, as well an obligation to maintain confidentiality.  Failure to do so is grounds for disciplinary action in accordance with the County’s policies regarding managing unsatisfactory performance.

Direct Reporting Hierarchy

• Reports to: Manager of Inspection Services

Working Conditions

• Have a valid Nova Scotia Class 5 driver’ s license
• This position works in an office environment and occasional field work is required