Reporting to the Manager Development Zoning and Committee of Adjustment, the Senior Planner will be part of a team providing guidance and support for all assignments related to the preparation of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law, analyze and interpret all data, provide recommendations on potential by-law approaches to standards and their presentation, prepare all necessary documents and reports throughout the project, providing guidance and advice on all meetings, information briefs and public forums. This position will be part of the development planning team with a focus on the Zoning By-law project. Other duties may include the processing of development applications; presentations to Committees and Council and appearing at Ontario Municipal board Hearing and other planning forums in support of the City's planning objectives.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Responsible for assignments related to the comprehensive zoning by-law project, analyzing and making recommendations through reports, including presentations to Committees, Committees of the Council and appearing at Local Planning Appeal Tribunal Hearings and other planning forums in support of the City's planning objectives and Council decision
Assembly and collection of data, and preparation of reports and documents related to the project Participate in all meetings and coordinating efforts with undertaking the project
Participate in special projects related to policy planning and zoning by-law amendments projects
Solicit review comments from internal departments and external agencies as appropriate, then conduct site and context area field inspections
Facilitate resolutions to outstanding issues and questions of all stakeholders as appropriate Prepare reports, documents, planning and legal instruments for various stakeholders as appropriate Respond to planning related general enquiries by phone, email and in person as required
Prepare general correspondence and meet with the general public
Act as primary resource and division representative for various department- and corporate-led studies and initiatives
Train new staff and mentor junior planning staff
Attend training workshops, seminars and courses, and keep abreast of emerging trends, challenges and best practices within the profession
Participate in the summer student recruitment and interview process Provide evidence as an expert planning witness
Processing of development applications, as required Other projects and duties as assigned
Education and Experience
Degree in Urban Planning or related discipline
Full membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (RPP) and the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) is required
5 years of planning experience in progressively responsible positions in the planning environment
Required Skills/Knowledge
Comprehensive knowledge of the Ontario Planning Act and other related legislation
Well-developed research, problem solving and analytical skills
Demonstrated customer service skills to respond to inquiries from the public as well as the development/consulting industry
Excellent written and verbal communication skills including experience with public presentations
Ability to work independently with great attention to detail
Good organizational and time management skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, OnPoint, Palis, OCE Web, ABC docs
Knowledge of planning and municipal government related legislation, policies and principles
Political awareness of all levels of government
Research, analytical and problem solving skills
Project management skills with excellent time management, organization and prioritization skills
Conflict management and resolution skills, negotiation and facilitation skills
Experience reviewing and evaluating a broad range, type and complexity of development applications
Experience interpreting planning documents, and preparing reports and planning instruments
Experience defending planning opinions before Council and the Local
Planning Appeals Tribunal Demonstrates good judgment and makes sound decisions
Shows commitment to personal growth, development, and leadership opportunities
Takes initiative to participate in a culture of learning, mentoring, and sharing
Attendance at Council, Committee or other meetings after regular business hours may be required
Demonstration of the City’s corporate values of service, collaboration, care, and courage
Must be willing and able to transport yourself to City work sites as required (mileage compensated)
We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those under consideration will be contacted.
The City of Richmond Hill is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. If contacted to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please advise Human Resources if you require an accommodation.
With a population of more than 202,000 residents and 5,000 businesses, Richmond Hill is one of Canada’s most desirable and growing communities. Recognized by the Conference Board of Canada with an ‘A’ grade as an attractive community, it is one of six Canadian municipalities to receive this ranking and the only suburban and GTA municipality to do so.
Safe, clean and committed to managed growth, its culture is welcoming and diverse, and values environmental sustainability. Dedicated to providing exceptional public service to its community, Richmond Hill’s municipal government serves a distinctive, dynamic and active town with a rich history and a friendly, down-to-earth character. Richmond Hill’s vision, “Where people come together to build our community,” builds on its past and recognizes the continued importance of partnership between the municipal government and the community it serves.
