HomeMy Public PortalAboutPlanner_Job Description_Community Development_2019-04-29Municipality of the District of Chester
Position Description
Position Title: Planner
Department: Community Development Department
Reports to: Senior Planner
Location: Municipal Complex (186 Central Street and 151 King Street), subject
to change
Salary Band: Middle Managers/Coordinators
Status: Permanent Full-time
Classification: Administrative
Hours: Generally, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., evening and
weekend work may be required
Updated: April 2019
SCOPE
The Planner is knowledgeable in a broad range of planning matters, has some specialized
expertise, provides professional planning services and supports a wide variety of
professional planning services or projects.
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.
The Planner leads and performs intermediate-level professional work and provides
technical assistance and information to staff and the public related to a broad range of
planning matters, evaluates and processes development agreements, and land use by-law
amendments and other planning applications and prepares detailed reports and
recommendations and presents on planning proposals to Municipal Council, Senior
Administration and Committees.
OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER LEGISLATION
1. The Municipality of the District of Chester is committed to workplace safety and all
employees are expected to actively participate in the Municipality’s Occupational
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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’s Degree in Planning
would be an asset.
2. 2 or more years of experience in a professional planning office and able to
demonstrate a general knowledge of municipal government operations is an asset.
3. Eligibility to be licensed as a Licensed Professional Planner as per the NS Professional
Planners Act is required.
4. Experience with GIS mapping is an asset.
SUMMARY OF FUNCTION
Duties and Responsibilities:
Research & Analysis
1. Researches, collects and analyzes data, including but not limited to statistical data,
existing land use, and environmental data.
2. Researches, conducts studies, and reports to Council and its Committees on
planning-related matters and other topics as required.
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. 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.
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. Carries out all procedures required by statute for the adoption, amendment and
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implementation of Municipal Planning Strategy, Land Use By-law, Subdivision By-
law and Development Agreement.
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 Community Development Staff, participates in field evaluations and
assessments and
2. Works with Development Officer and By-law enforcement personnel, investigates
violations of planning regulations
3. Acts as witness in legal proceedings as necessary and provides expert advice at
the 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
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Officer.
Business Unit
1. Advises and makes recommendations on business unit policies and procedures
related to land use planning and development programs or strategic corporate
initiatives
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 AND KNOWLEDGE
1. Demonstrated knowledge of the Municipal Government Act and knowledge of
other statutes that affect planning and administration.
2. Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning.
3. Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection.
4. Knowledge of effective writing techniques, including plain language writing skills.
5. Advanced skills and knowledge of computer hardware and software programs,
including
6. Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS.
7. Ability to communicate in a clear and timely manner with a variety of stakeholders.
8. Excellent presentation and facilitation skills, both in small group and large group
settings
9. Strong prioritization and project management skills, including the ability to work
on several projects or issues simultaneously.
10. Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed
11. Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind.
12. Able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of basic legal principles of land
development and zoning, form-based codes, and current planning trends.
13. Ability to write clearly and prepare concise and accurate staff reports and
presentations is also desired.
14. Project management, including compliance with time-sensitive deadlines.
CONTACTS
1. Community Development Staff and Senior Administration
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2. Members of Council, Committees of Council
3. Other Municipal Departments
4. General Public
5. Outside Consultants
6. Provincial Departments, including but not limited to, Service Nova Scotia &
Municipal Relations, Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure
Renewal, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and the Nova Scotia
Department of Environment.