HomeMy Public PortalAboutSenior Planner_Job Description_Community Development_2019-01-31.pdfMunicipality of theDistrict ofChester
Position Description
Position Title: Senior Planner
Salary Band: Directors 2/Senior Contributors
Reports to: Director of Community Development
Status: Full Time
Classification: Administrative
Department: Community Development Department
Location: Municipal Complex (186 Central Street and 151 King Street), subject to change
Hours: Generally, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., evening and weekend
work may be required
Updated: January 2019
SCOPE
The Senior Planner is knowledgeable in a broad range of planning matters, has specialized
expertise, provides professional planning services and leads a wide variety of professional
planning services or projects with minimal supervision.
The Senior Planner works under the direction of the Director of Community Development,
working closely with two municipal councils and their committees on matters of policy,
implementation of by-laws and research. The Senior Planner may from time to time act in the
place of the Director of Community Development or the Development Officer under the
Municipal Government Act.
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.
OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER LEGISLATION
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1. The Municipality of the District of Chester is committed to workplace safety and all
employees are expected to actively participate in the Municipality’sOccupational Health
and Safety Policy and Program and Occupational Health and Safety Legislation as well as
Regulations of the Province of Nova Scotia.
2. The Municipality of the District of Chester complies with the Employment Legislation of
Nova Scotia and all employees are also expected to act in accordance to the appropriate
Legislation as well.
QUALIFICATIONS
1. A University Degree in planning or a related field. A Master’sDegree in Planning would
be an asset.
2. Five or more years of experience or a combination of training and experience that
demonstrates a capability to assume the duties of Senior Planner.
3. Eligibility to be licensed as a Licensed Professional Planner as per the NS Professional
Planners Act is required.
4. Supervisory or management experience would be an asset.
5. Experience with GIS mapping is an asset.
SUMMARY OF FUNCTION
Duties and Responsibilities:
Research & Analysis
1. Researches, conducts studies, and reports to Council and its Committees on planning-
related matters and other topics as required.
2. Researches funding opportunities, prepares requests for proposals, engages and
supervises planning consultants to prepare studies and reports on planning matters.
3. 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
4. Monitors effectiveness of existing planning policies, business processes and regulations
and makes recommendations for improvements when necessary
Policy and Regulatory Development
1. Leads or supports the review and updating of the goals and policies of the existing
Municipal Planning Strategy, Chester Village and Area Secondary Planning Strategy and
accompanying Land Use By-laws together with any related advisory reports, in
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Planning Job Description (continued) 3
consultation with Council, municipal and provincial staff and the public.
2. Prepares Municipal Planning Strategy, Land Use By-law, Subdivision By-law,
Development Agreement and amendments to these documents, together with any
related advisory reports, in consultation with Council, municipal and provincial staff and
the public.
3. Ensures all procedures required by statute for the adoption, amendment and
implementation of Municipal Planning Strategy, Land Use By-law, Subdivision By-law and
Development Agreement are carried out.
4. Consults with Community Development staff, Citizen Advisory Panel, and Municipal
Council to develop land use policies and regulations consistent with strategic priorities,
and other policies relating to the physical, social and economic well-being of the
Municipality.
Public Engagement
1. Attends, makes presentations and participates in discussions at meetings of Council,
Council Committees, and community groups.
2. Designs and facilitates public meetings representing the Municipality on a variety of
planning matters
Advisory Role
1. Monitors effectiveness of existing planning policies, business processes and regulations
and makes recommendations for improvements as necessary
2. Advises and seeks advice from Council on all planning-related matters, with emphasis on
the preparation, amendment and implementation of Municipal Planning Strategy, Land
Use By-law, Subdivision By-law and Development Agreement.
3. Reviews statements of Provincial Interest, Provincial strategies, and policies related to
environment, transportation, infrastructure, coastal management, housing and water
resources, etc. and prepares briefing documents for consideration in policy and decision-
making processes.
4. Reviews existing policies and plans to ensure action items and policies relating to climate
change, as well as sustainability, healthy communities, economic development,
infrastructure, and other current and emerging issues are addressed in the Review.
Compliance and Appeals
1. Works with Development Officer and By-law enforcement personnel to assist in
investigation of violations of planning regulations
2. Acts as witness in legal proceedings as necessary and provides expert advice at the
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Planning Job Description (continued) 4
Utility and Review Board and Court
Development Control
1. Carries out the duties of the Development Officer in the absence or incapacity of the
Development Officer. Refer to the job description for the Development Officer.
Committee Management
a. Ensures that agendas, support materials, and meeting minutes are prepared and
distributed for all Planning Advisory Committee, Water Quality monitor committee
meetings, and others as required.
Business Unit and Supervisory
1. Supervises the Planner and summer/contract staff as deemed necessary.
2. Assists in recruiting, interviewing, training and evaluating staff.
3. Conducts staff performance appraisals and makes recommendations to Community
Development Director on performance-related matters of staff.
4. Assist in advising and making recommendations on policies and procedures related to
land use planning and development programs or strategic corporate initiatives.
5. Assist with development of budget for Planning division
6. Represents the business unit or the municipality as a team member, or independently, on
assigned planning matters
Contractual Duties
1. Carries out the duties of the Municipal Planner and the Acting Development Officer for
any municipal units, which have contracted services from the Municipality, including but
not limited to the Town of Mahone Bay.
Skills/Knowledge/Competencies
Thorough knowledge of the Municipal Government Act and knowledge of other statutes
that affect planning and community development.
General knowledge of Property Law.
Thorough knowledge of planning theory, techniques, and tools.
Demonstrated competence at planning and development control work.
Proven leadership abilities to perform as a team player and build effective relationships
with residents, developers, government officials as well as community partners;
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Planning Job Description (continued) 5
Ability to work with limited supervision, high level of sound and independent judgment,
reasoning and discretion;
Ability to provide high quality strategic advice on a range of focus areas related to
community and land use planning;
Ability to keep up to date on knowledge of legislative, regulatory, and by-law framework
the municipality works within;
Outstanding interpersonal skills including:
o Exceptional communication skills (listening, written and oral);
o Adept at human relations and negotiating;
o Experience in public relations;
o Ability to work effectively with a variety of people;
o Ability to effectively deal with conflict and difficult situations;
Strong analytical and decision-making skills, including ability to make decisions relative
to urgency and importance;
General knowledge and understanding of computers including a variety of computer
applications;
Ability to processes problems into a solution or new opportunities, seek “out of the box”
entrepreneurial solutions to resolve complex problems.
Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel, both within and outside of the
Municipality.
Contacts
1. Council
2. General Public
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