Position Summary:
As an experienced member of the Community Growth and Infrastructure Division, the Planner II provides professional planning expertise in the management of mid- to complex-level development projects, applications and policy initiatives in support of the municipality’s overall operations and growth. The Planner II analyzes, reviews and processes planning applications and statutory documents against the appropriate principles, regulations and policies; researches and prepares specialist reports, studies and solutions to contemporary planning problems; leads and participates in intermunicipal planning processes; and advances the implementation and continuous improvement of the City’s statutory planning framework.
Working with minimal supervision, Planner II exercises sound, defensible professional judgment on complex and at times contentious files, with sensitivity to the business and political environment. Planner II takes initiative to carry projects through completion, makes strategic and timely adjustments to work programs, and may provide guidance, mentoring and technical direction to Planner I and other junior staff.
Key Accountabilities:
- Independently manage, review and process mid- to complex-level planning and development applications – including, but is not limited to, subdivision applications, development permits, statutory plan amendments, land use bylaw amendments and area structure/redevelopment plans - against the Municipal Government Act, the Land Use Bylaw, the Subdivision and Development Regulation, the City’s statutory plans and applicable policies, with minimal supervision.
- Lead the review and interpretation of complex site plans, engineering drawings, Real Property Reports, schedules and specifications; identify and resolve technical and policy issues with applicants, consultants and internal departments.
- Research, prepare and present statutory documents, specialist reports, studies and statistical analyses, developing practical solutions to contemporary planning problems.
- Lead and coordinate policy development and statutory plan initiatives; draft land use bylaw amendments, area structure plans and policy proposals for recommendation to senior staff, administration and Council.
- Independently prepare and present clear, well-reasoned reports and recommendations to Council, the committees, and boards including complex, sensitive or contentious matters.
- Lead public and stakeholder engagement; facilitate and, where required, mediate to guide quality outcomes on difficult files, exercising sound judgment and sensitivity to the business and political environment.
- Represent the City in intermunicipal planning processes and maintain effective working relationships with intermunicipal and other partner organizations and agencies.
- Provide guidance, mentoring and technical direction to Planner I and junior staff, and review their work as required.
- Act as a project or file lead as assigned, coordinating consultants and cross-functional teams and making strategic, timely adjustments to work programs to achieve practical results.
- Maintains confidentiality and security of information related to the City; uses confidential information appropriately and responsibly.
- Ensures a safe and healthy work environment for staff, visitors, the community and stakeholders (e.g., participates in workplace safety initiatives, participates in formal and informal worksite safety and environment inspections and audits), ensures compliance with the City’s Health and Safety Management System, reports and assists in the analysis of near misses or incidents.
- Participates as a member of the Chestermere Emergency Response team in preparing and enabling the community to respond in the event of a local or regional disaster.
- Other similar responsibilities, as assigned from time to time.
Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of this position.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in urban and/or Regional Planning or a related discipline (e.g., geography, environmental design) is required.
- Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible related planning experience, preferably in a municipal setting, is required.
- Demonstrated experience independently managing mid- to complex-level development and subdivision applications.
- Demonstrated experience writing and presenting technical and statutory reports to Council, committees or senior administration.
Certifications and/or Documentation:
- Registered Professional Planner (RPP) with full membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) and/or the Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI) are preferred. Candidates eligible for membership and actively progressing toward the RPP designation will be considered.
- Valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s Licence and Driver’s Abstract deemed satisfactory by the City is required.
- Criminal Record Check deemed satisfactory by the City is required.
Expected Skills and Attributes:
- Advanced ability to understand, interpret, apply and explain regulations, the Municipal Government Act, the Land Use Bylaw, the Subdivision and Development Regulation, Condominium Property Regulations, and related municipal and provincial legislation, policies and procedures.
- Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of community and land use planning in Alberta and of the municipal planning and development approval process.
- Strong analytical and conceptual skills, with a proven ability to write and interpret policy and regulation and to develop solutions to complex planning problems.
- Ability to carry out duties with minimal supervision, take initiative, and exercise sound, defensible professional judgment with sensitivity to the business and political environment.
- Strong negotiation, mediation and facilitation skills; ability to guide outcomes through public presentations and written reports and to deal effectively with people in difficult or contentious situations.
- Ability to read and interpret detailed site plans, building and engineering drawings, Real Property Reports and specifications in relation to the application process.
- Ability to mentor, coach and provide technical guidance to Planner I and junior staff.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to develop and maintain positive, effective working relationships with Council, staff, the public and other stakeholders.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple projects, action requests and competing deadlines, and to make strategic, timely adjustments to work programs in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with MS Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook); working knowledge of GIS (ESRI), Adobe Acrobat Pro and planning/permitting software is considered an asset.
Working Conditions:
- When in the office, normal office conditions; long periods of sitting, reading and concentration, with exposure to frequent interruptions.
- May be required to attend Council, Committee and community meetings, which may extend beyond regular work hours, as well as occasional meetings or site visits outside regular hours.
Union: CUPE Local 5592
Position Type: Full Time, Permanent
Location: City Hall
Pay: $41.62/hr, after 3 months probation the rate will be $44.40/hr
Days of Work: Monday to Friday
Pay: $41.62 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
