APPLICATION TECHNICIAN

Job Category: Policy, Planning & Research

Division & Section: City Planning, CP Urban Design

Work Location: City Hall, 100 Queen St. West

Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Temporary vacancy (expected end date April 2026)

Hourly Rate and Wage Grade: $37.11 - $40.65, TFS273, Wage Grade 10

Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Affiliation: L79 Full-time

Number of Positions Open: 1

Posting Period: 31-Oct-2024 to 14-Nov-2024

Job Description:

Reporting to the Program Manager of Heritage Planning, Urban Design, the Application Technician will process applications for alterations to properties of cultural heritage value or interest under the Planning and Ontario Heritage Acts.

Job Duties:

• Receives and examines applications that affect properties of cultural heritage value or interest, including architectural plans, for completeness and accuracy. Identifies problematic files. Consults with officials as necessary. Assists applicants through the application process and answers questions on report scheduling and procedures; provides general advice relating to heritage conservation, application requirements and application completeness and/or refers to appropriate civic officials for interpretation. Determines acceptability of applications for processing. Responds to enquiries and makes recommendations to resolve issues and follows up by contacting lawyers, agents or applicants as necessary.
• Processing, retrieving and entering applications in City's computer systems. Conducts site inspections, photographs of site and surrounding area as required. Contacts property owner as necessary.
• Prepares Notice of Receipt under the Ontario Heritage Act and assists in scheduling applications for consideration by the Toronto Preservation Board and relevant committees of Council. Coordinates discussions with the applicant, municipal staff, elected officials and external agencies as required.
• Receives and examines appeals from the Local Planning Appeals Tribunal and the Conservation Review Board and assists in preparation of materials with respect to such appeals.
• Liaises with the appropriate civic officials regarding heritage, zoning, planning and other related matters. Assists and informs outside agencies, public officials, professional and the general public by providing information concerning policies and procedures respecting Ontario Heritage Act and related City policies and procedures. Provides general information regarding zoning by-laws, the Planning Act, the Ontario Heritage Act and any other applicable by-law and/or Regulations as they pertain to heritage properties.
• Assists in the preparation of materials for staff reports, Heritage Easement Agreements, heritage and/or planning studies under the supervision of a Heritage Planner, Senior Heritage Planner or Manager.
• Identifies files where there is a potential problem or dispute and notifies Manager, Senior Planner Heritage Planner or Assistant Planner. In selected cases, under direction of the Manager or, makes recommendation to solve problems. Arranges meetings for problem-solving/conflict resolution.
• Assist with the receipt, review, reporting, filing and release of financial securities for approved conservations work.
• Provides support to Heritage Planning in clearing Heritage Permit applications and ensuring consistent processing of applications under the Ontario Heritage Act.
• Assists in data compilation and input to support Heritage Planning and develops and maintains databases and inventories to monitor issues, trends and compliance with approved Heritage Permit applications.

Key Qualifications:

Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:

• Post-secondary degree/diploma/certificate from Planning Technician, construction/architectural technology or Urban and Regional Planning related disciplines or any approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Considerable experience in resolving public inquiries and concerns in a development approval environment.
• Considerable experience reading and interpreting architectural plans and the ability to convey the contents of those plans both verbally and in writing.
• Experience composing professional letters and technical reports.
• Experience using a variety of computer software (e.g. MS Office and the ability to utilize other software packages related to the job).

You must also have:

• Familiarity with architecture and/or heritage conservation and planning and building terminology.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills when dealing with the public, staff, developers and other City Divisions.
• Developed problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to prioritize and work accurately and efficiently, working independently and as a part of a team, handling many documents/files simultaneously, while under strict time constraints to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to handle assignments demanding critical judgment and analytical thinking.
• Applied knowledge of relevant sections of the Planning Act, the Official Plan, the Development Review Processes, and the City's Zoning By-Law.
• Ability to work overtime and evening hours, to attend Community meetings as required.
• Knowledge of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other regulations/legislation that apply to the job duties.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.