Position Summary:
As an entry-level member of the Community Growth and Infrastructure Division, the Planner I provides professional planning support in the review and processing of development projects and applications in support of the municipality’s overall operations and growth. Working under the guidance of senior planning staff, the Planner I analyzes, reviews and processes planning documents and applications against the appropriate principles, regulations and policies; participates in intermunicipal planning processes; supports the implementation and continuous improvement of the City’s statutory planning framework; and provides clear, customer-focused planning information and advice to staff, developers, applicants, and the general public.
This position is well suited to a recent graduate beginning a career in municipal planning. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound judgment, strong communication skills, a keen attention to detail, and the ability to read and interpret regulations, plans and technical documents in a fast-paced municipal environment.
Key Accountabilities:
- Review and process planning and development applications - including subdivision applications, development permits, statutory plan amendments, and land use bylaw amendments - against the Municipal Government Act, the Land Use Bylaw, the Subdivision and Development Regulation, the City’s statutory plans, and applicable policies, under the guidance of senior planning staff.
- Read and interpret site plans, construction and building drawings, Real Property Reports, engineering supplements, schedules and specifications to confirm submission requirements are met and applications comply with applicable regulations and policies.
- Serve as a point of contact for developers, applicants, consultants and the public - in person, by phone and by email - providing information, interpretation and direction on planning regulations, application requirements and the development approval process.
- Research and analyze economic, social and physical factors affecting land use; prepare planning reports, recommendations and correspondence.
- Prepare, write and present reports to Council, Committees and Boards as required.
- Support the implementation and continuous improvement of the City’s statutory planning framework, including assisting with policy development and land use bylaw work.
- Participate in intermunicipal planning processes and help maintain effective working relationships with intermunicipal partners and other partner organizations and agencies.
- Maintain accurate records, files and systems related to planning and development applications, ensuring completeness, accuracy and timeliness.
- 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 related duties, 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 is required.
- One (1) year of related experience in municipal planning is considered an asset.
- Previous experience reading and interpreting drawings, reports, plans, legislation, bylaws and policies is considered an asset.
- Previous experience processing subdivision and development applications and land use amendments is considered an asset.
Certifications and/or Documentation:
- Eligible for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) and/or the Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI).
- Valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s Licence and Driver’s Abstract deemed satisfactory by the City.
- Criminal Record Check deemed satisfactory by the City.
Expected Skills and Attributes:
- Ability to understand, interpret and clearly explain regulations, the Municipal Government Act, the Land Use Bylaw, the Subdivision and Development Regulation, the Safety Codes Act, and related municipal and provincial legislation, policies and procedures.
- Working knowledge of the principles and practices of community and land use planning in Alberta, and of the municipal planning and development approval process.
- Ability to read and interpret detailed site plans, building and construction drawings, Real Property Reports and engineering documents in relation to the application process.
- Strategic, analytical and creative thinking skills; ability to solve problems, make sound decisions, negotiate and deal effectively with people in difficult situations.
- Comprehensive knowledge of governance issues, e.g., policy development and interpretation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to maintain ongoing communication to anticipate and prevent potential problems, and to develop and maintain positive and effective working relationships with Council, staff, the public and other stakeholders.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, action requests and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong work ethic, highly motivated, with keen attention to detail and accuracy.
- Proficiency with MS Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook). Familiarity with GIS, 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: $39.95/hr, after 3 months probation the rate will be $41.62/hr. Pay Grade will be determined by position placement.
Days of Work: Monday to Friday
Pay: $39.95 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
