The Capital Region Service Commission is seeking a Development Officer. The position requires extensive contact with the public as well as extensive travel throughout the assigned territory. The successful applicant must have a reliable means of transportation and possess a valid driver's license.
The Development Officer serves as the primary administrator and enforcement authority for planning and zoning regulations within the region. This role is responsible for reviewing and approving development applications, ensuring compliance with provincial legislation and municipal by-laws, providing technical advice to the public and stakeholders, and acting as a liaison between municipalities, government agencies, developers, and the public.
The position requires a high degree of professional judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage time-sensitive inquiries and applications in a fast-paced regulatory environment.
Key Responsibilities
Planning Administration & Application Processing
Review, process, and approve applications related to subdivisions, development permits, variances, cell towers, and other planning matters.
Determine applicable fees and ensure complete application submissions.
Review and approve final subdivision plans, deeds, leases, easements, exemptions, and other instruments for registration.
Stamp and sign approved documents for client pickup in a timely manner.
Maintain accurate records and ensure files are properly closed and archived.
Compliance & Enforcement
Administer and enforce municipal, rural, and regional planning by-laws under the Community Planning Act.
Conduct site visits and inspections to ensure compliance with zoning regulations, subdivision by-laws, and the National Building Code of Canada.
Exercise delegated authority under the Act, including permitting variances, encroachments, exemptions, and approvals as authorized.
Technical Advice & Public Service
Provide professional advice and interpretation of planning legislation, by-laws, and policies to landowners, developers, contractors, municipal officials, and the general public.
Respond promptly to walk-in inquiries, phone calls, and emails, including time-sensitive requests from municipalities and government agencies.
Consult with colleagues and access internal records as needed to provide accurate guidance.
Committee & Interagency Liaison
Act as a liaison between developers, municipalities, and provincial departments (e.g., Department of Health, Department of Environment).
Attend and support meetings of the Planning Review and Adjustment Committee (PRAC) and other planning-related committees.
Prepare and present appeals before the Planning and Appeal Board when required.
Documentation, Reporting & Administration
Prepare reports, correspondence, appeals, and statistical summaries related to development activity.
Compile information for Development Officer meetings, mailouts, and PRAC reports by established deadlines.
Maintain subdivision spreadsheets, MACH forms, GIS records, and application tracking systems.
Use standard office software, databases, and GIS tools to manage planning information.
Other Duties
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director or Programs, consistent with the scope of the position.
Required Skills & Qualifications
Education & Eligibility
Eligible for membership with the Development Officers’ Association.
Post-secondary education in planning, geography, engineering technology, or a related field is preferred.
Technical & Professional Skills
Strong working knowledge of planning legislation, zoning regulations, and the Community Planning Act.
General knowledge of engineering, surveying, and mapping as they relate to land development.
Proficiency in GIS navigation and interpretation.
Strong analytical, interpretive, and report-writing skills.
Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database systems.
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with the public and stakeholders.
Ability to manage unscheduled, high-volume inquiries with professionalism and accuracy.
Strong teamwork skills and ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.
Legislative Authority
The Development Officer exercises authority as set out under the Community Planning Act, including but not limited to:
Reviewing and approving developments and subdivisions
Granting variances and exemptions where permitted
Enforcing planning by-laws and regulations
Approving instruments affecting land ownership and use
Acting as an approving authority under related legislation
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $50,714.00-$76,828.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
