Planner II (Regional and Community Planning)

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is accepting applications for the full-time, permanent positions of Planner II with Regional & Community Planning. This position will support Community Action Planning for African Nova Scotian communities.

In the event that there are no qualified NSGEU 222 candidates, preference will be given to candidates who self-identify as African Nova Scotian or of African descent. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Reporting to the Principal Planner, the Planner II is knowledgeable in a broad range of planning matters, has some specialized expertise, provides intermediate-level professional planning services and leads a wide variety of professional planning services or projects. The incumbent demonstrates specialized knowledge 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 development applications for compliance with land use by-law, subdivision by-law development agreement requirements and heritage property regulations;
• Evaluates and processes variances, site plans, development agreements, municipal planning strategy amendments, land use by-law amendments and other planning applications;
• Prepares and presents detailed reports and recommendations and presents on planning proposals to Boards, Committees and Council;
• Conducts field evaluations and assessments;
• Acts as witness in legal proceedings as necessary; provides expert advice at the Utility and Review Board and Court;
• Advises and makes recommendations on business unit policies and procedures related to land use planning and development programs or strategic corporate initiatives;
• Represents the business unit or the municipality as a team member, or independently, on assigned planning matters;
• Facilitates public meetings representing the business unit on a variety of planning matters;
• Designs and facilitates customer-focused strategic planning, education and consultation processes, as required;
• 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 and supports the preparation of reports, terms of reference, request for proposals, policies and procedures, correspondence and briefs for Planner III, Principal Planners and senior management;
• Leads or supports the development of, in partnership with stakeholders, policy options, analysis and reports on planning issues and participates as a team member for multidisciplinary projects in varied areas of expertise (i.e., Development Review, Community Planning, Regional Planning, Urban Design, Heritage & Cultural Planning, Infrastructure Planning, Transportation Planning, Environmental Planning and Research & Forecasting);
• Prepares, presents and maintains comprehensive regional and community plans, land use by-laws, the Subdivision By-law and other regulations regarding development control.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Accredited Degree in Planning and three (3) years of professional planning experience or
• Non-Accredited but related Degree and five (5) years of professional planning experience.
• Candidacy as a Licensed Professional Planner (LPP) or equivalent Provincial or International designation is considered an asset.
• Experience working in a municipal government environment is considered an asset.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities

• Well-developed knowledge of the principles and practices of planning including cross-functional knowledge involving other disciplines;
• Thorough 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 and municipal by-laws related to construction approvals, engineering specifications, and planning applications, including a clear understanding of their interrelationships;
• A broad knowledge of the legislative framework under which land use planning law operates and the ability to interpret and draft by-laws and contracts which affect the rights of land owners, neighbourhoods and communities;
• Superior written and verbal communications and strong interpersonal and facilitation skills;
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well-defined practical problems.
• Valid driver’s license is required.

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-person and in adherence with current COVID-19 Public Health protocols.

Competencies

Analytical Thinking, Communication, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Organizational Awareness, Organization and Planning, Teamwork and Cooperation, 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

$42.50 per hour (Level 9), in accordance with the NSGEU 222 Collective Agreement

WORK LOCATION

5251 Duke Street, 3rd Floor, Halifax, NS

CLOSING DATE

Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm on November 12, 2024.

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.

(position #78640253, 78640254)