West Hants Regional Municipality is a diverse collection of rural & urban communities conveniently located in equal proximity to Halifax, the Valley, and Truro; yet its own cultural blend that brings quality family living, diversity, fun & festivities, and service centres together. If you are enthusiastic and driven and want to be part of a fun, energetic and welcoming team; we’re INSPIRED and ask you to keep reading!
We strive to be an inclusive and diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, and of the citizens we serve. We welcome applications from Indigenous, Inuit and Metis People, African Nova Scotian’s, and other racially visible people, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQQIPAA community, and femme-identifying people. If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify, either in your cover letter or resume.
Position Overview
The Manager of Planning is responsible for the development and implementation of planning policy, project management of large planning projects, processing applications for development agreements, amendments to planning documents and municipal heritage property registration and grants and undertaking research and studies on a variety of planning or heritage related matters. The Manager of Planning oversees all planning applications and projects, provides advice and assistance to the Director of Planning and Development, and assigns work to the Senior Planner, Planner and Planning Assistant.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
Application Review and Processing
- Responds to public inquiries and processes applications and Committee requests for Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law amendments, development agreements, development agreement amendments, development agreement discharge, and municipal heritage property registration, including researching and preparing staff recommendation reports, corresponding with affected parties, drafting amendments or development agreements, coordinating advertising and public consultation, preparing and making presentations, attending all meetings where the matter is discussed and ensuring all legislative requirements are met.
- Assists in resolving complex and sensitive issues, by telephone or in writing.
- Conducts site investigations as needed.
- In coordination with the Director of Planning, works with the municipal solicitor on contracts, planning appeals and other planning matters requiring legal advice.
Project Management
- Oversees large planning projects including but not limited to the Housing Accelerator Fund, Plan Review and Minas Basin Flood Study.
- Prepares and reviews funding applications, RFP/RFQ documents, contracts, etc. as required.· Prepares and effectively implements project schedules and public engagement plans, monitors project budgets and coordinates and communicates with external service providers (i.e., consultants) to ensure projects are completed within required timeframes and budget.
- Reports to the Director of Planning and Development on project progress. Provides updates to the Chief Administrative Officer and Council as required.
Committee involvement responsibilities include the Planning and Heritage Advisory Committee (PAC/HAC), Climate Action Committee, Council, Committee of the Whole and Watershed Committee, and others as required
Professional Development - keep fully informed of developments in legislation, administrative practices, professional organizations, educational opportunities and cost-shared programs by attending seminars, conferences, courses and meetings
Budget and Supervisory responsibilities
Qualifications and Experience
- Accredited planning degree
- CIP membership
- Demonstrated leadership experience required
- Experience in municipal context considered an asset
- Excellent research and writing skills
- Interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
- Strong work ethic, resourceful, and takes pride in providing a safe and inclusive space for community members
A copy of the job description can be found by clicking on the following link:
www.westhants.ca/news/employment-committee-opportunities/
Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment and handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Nova Scotia.
Qualified applicants are invited to submit their CV or resume with cover letter (merged into one PDF document) with “Manager of Planning” in the subject line no later than 4:30pm on July 17, 2026, to the attention of Katie Rose, HR Manager at [email protected]
Pay: $90,831.00-$108,997.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
