This is professional, administrative work where the principal responsibility will be to review and make recommendations to the Planning Board and Council on zoning and development, and related enforcement, matters within the Town. The incumbent will also participate in the development of policy on current and long-range planning matters as well as provide planning advice on special projects. The incumbent may serve as Acting Planning and Development Officer when required.

This job description reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in such classification.

Note: The incumbent shall ensure that the confidentiality of Town affairs is respected and practiced at all times.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports directly to the Manager of Corporate Services.
• Works closely with all members of the Planning Department.
• Develops and maintains working relationships with departmental managers, supervisors, and all town employees to support planning and economic development-related functions.
• Relates to Council through the Town Planning and Development Officer and the Director of Corporate Services, as well as directly through various Standing Committees.
• Develops and maintains relationships with service providers, external agencies, consultants, and associated professional groups.
• Deals with the public in a professional and courteous manner.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Interprets and explains the Official Plan, Zoning & Development By-law, Planning Act, and other relevant planning instruments to assist clients and to process development applications.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with municipal, provincial, and federal laws and regulations.
• Responds to project inquiries and correspondence from the general public, developers, and members of the legal community.
• Reviews Building Permit applications as well as other permit applications to ensure compliance with Town policies and regulations. Where necessary, carries out site investigations to determine compliance with regulations.
• Reviews, evaluates, and processes applications that are submitted to the Town for subdivisions, lot consolidations, by-law amendments, rezoning applications, variances, and site plans.
• Prepares and processes Official Plan and Zoning & Development By-law amendments, including the preparation of all material necessary for public hearings.
• Advises Council and Planning Board on planning-related issues and, where necessary, attends and represents these bodies at meetings, hearings, and appellate proceedings.
• Serves as a Town liaison with the general public and other government and non-government agencies and committees on planning and economic development matters.
• Reviews site plans, landscape plans, and design drawings to ensure that they meet urban design criteria.
• Prepares planning reports and briefs for the Planning Board and Council as required.
• Makes formal recommendations on land use matters and delivers presentations to the Planning Board and Town Council.
• Prepares development, encroachment, and roads and streets agreements as well as other related legal documents.
• Reviews deeds, easements, right of way agreements and prepares such agreements for the registration process.
• Gathers data and analysis of census information, building statistics, land-use information, and servicing information; formulates conclusions and prepares reports.
• Participates in the development of policy on current and long-range planning and provides planning advice on special projects.
• Works closely with the Planning and Development Officer on budget preparation, forecasting, administration, and control of expenditures.
• Acts as Town Planning and Development Officer in his or her absence.
• Performs other related duties, responsibilities, or functions as assigned.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Thorough knowledge of housing, zoning and, economic development policies and by-laws.
• Knowledge of the pertinent federal, provincial, and local laws, codes, and regulations and the ability to monitor changes to these codes and regulations.
• Ability to prepare and present detailed planning reports and projects.
• A demonstrated ability to deal with sensitive or confidential matters with discretion and tact.
• Ability to manage relationships with external agencies and citizens on behalf of the Town of Three Rivers.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills to adapt to changing priorities and/or aggressive deadlines.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency and advanced knowledge in the use of Microsoft Office software, planning specific software, CIS applications, and database applications related to duties.
• A comprehensive knowledge of the planning principles that apply to development in an urban setting, including the methods and procedures by which developments are approved.
• Ability to work overtime on occasion to accommodate evening meetings or events.
• Knowledge of recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to municipal planning and administration.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A post-secondary degree or diploma in Urban Planning, Urban Geography or, related discipline in a program recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners.
• A minimum of two (2) years of related planning experience, preferably in a municipal or urban setting.
• Experience with the oversight of highly visible and/or controversial projects.
• Experience with research methods and statistical principles related to urban growth and development.
• Experience with budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Demonstrated project management, negotiation and, public consultation skills.
• An equivalent combination of education along with planning and/or development control experience may be considered.
• Must be a Registered Professional Planner or Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners.
• Driver’s license in good standing, with access to a reliable vehicle