Planner III

COMPANY NAME
Halifax Regional Municipality
APPLICATION DEADLINE
July 3, 2022
CONTACT INFORMATION
(902) 209-4500

Planner III  6487BR

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the full-time, permanent position of Planner III with Planning and Development, Regional Planning.  Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons.  Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

The Planner III is responsible for leading assignments and mentoring junior staff in one or more areas of expertise such as Development Review, Community Planning, Regional Planning, Urban Design, Heritage & Cultural Planning, Infrastructure Planning, Transportation Planning, Environmental Planning and Socio-Economic Research.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Leads and performs professional work and provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public related to a broad range of planning matters
  • Acts as liaison between citizens, government agencies, developers and elected officials on planning matters as may be assigned
  • Evaluates and processes applications including subdivision applications, permits, variances, site plans, development agreements, and land use by-law amendments, municipal planning strategy and other planning applications
  • Prepares and presents reports and recommendations on planning matters to staff, Boards, Committees and Council and serves as liaison to such committees
  • Conducts field evaluations and assessments
  • Investigates violations of planning regulations
  • Acts as witness in legal proceedings as necessary and provides expert advice at the Utility and Review Board and Court
  • Represents the business unit or the municipality as a team member, or independently, on assigned planning matters and public meetings
  • Leads special projects designed to improve the performance, efficiency and effectiveness of services and/or programs, as directed
  • Provides professional planning assistance to communities and community groups on various land use projects
  • Researches, analyzes and compiles information and data on a variety of planning matters
  • Identifies emerging planning trends, policies and best practices from other jurisdictions and makes recommendations on business unit policies and planning initiatives to address community problems
  • Monitors effectiveness of existing planning policies, business processes and regulations and makes recommendations for improvements as necessary
  • Researches, analyzes, prepares and presents reports, contract documents, terms of reference, request for proposals, policies and procedures, correspondence and briefs for Principal Planners, senior management, Committees and Council
  • Leads the development of, in partnership with stakeholders, policy options, analysis and reports on planning issues for the business unit and/or the municipality
  • Prepares, presents and maintains comprehensive regional and community plans, land use by-laws, the Subdivision By-law and other regulations regarding development control
  • Manages priority planning studies and department projects, reviews consultant proposals and verifies contract expenditures and compliance
  • Leads planning or department projects with uncertainty of outcome or process requiring significant expertise and cross-functional knowledge

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 four (4) 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 six (6) 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 Planner I and Planner II positions
  • Valid driver’s license

Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities

  • Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
  • Ability to mentor junior staff and teams to results and to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines
  • Advanced skills in the techniques of facilitation, mediation, negotiation and public participation
  • Superior written and verbal communications skills
  • Superior skills in the areas of research, analysis, writing, evaluation and presentation
  • Ability to anticipate the issues of community groups, Council, other business units, senior management
  • Excellent interpersonal skills which enable credible and effective relationships with people at all levels
  • Knowledge of standard office software and technology including Microsoft Office Suite, Internet applications, GIS and other similar systems and technology related to the business unit
  • Advanced knowledge of the Municipal Government Act, the HRM Charter, the Heritage Property Act, the Heritage By-law, the Subdivision By-law, various HRM Municipal Planning Strategies and Land Use By-laws, and other relevant legislation.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.  Interviews, testing, and in-person recruitment activities are being conducted in adherence with current COVID-19 Public Health protocols.

COMPETENCIES: Analytical Thinking, Communication, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Flexibility, Initiative, Organizational Awareness, Organization and Planning, Stress Management, Teamwork and Cooperation, Team Leadership, Valuing Diversity

WORK STATUS: Permanent, full-time.

HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, 35 hours per week.

SALARY: Level 11, $44.14, NSUPE Local 13

WORK LOCATION: 3rd Floor, Duke Tower, (5251 Duke Street)

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm on July 3, 2022

This is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) and who require accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Recruiter when invited to the assessment process.

October 16 to October 18
API Conference 2024