Senior City Planner-Housing Branch

Position Summary

This position is responsible for leading, directing, and providing professional planning expertise to complex and politically sensitive planning studies, projects, development review processes, and assignments. The incumbent is expected to exercise expert independent judgement, initiative and decision-making authority to develop timely solutions to complex problems. Projects and assignments require a high degree of knowledge and ability to identify and solve problems, interpret and analyze City bylaws and policies, and maintain effective contacts and relationships with elected and appointed officials, citizens and the development community. This position reports to a Manager, Housing Branch.

The Senior City Planner- Housing Branch may supervise a functional business area or serve as a project team leader. The employee is required to lead, supervise and mentor technical and junior staff and work collaboratively with colleagues or consultants with a diverse range of professional training.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Develops, administers and coordinates planning programs, including the administration of complex policies and regulations, determining the application of policies and regulations in complex situations, and interpreting planning requirements into policy plans.
• Manages complex projects and develops policies and planning recommendations for complex and politically sensitive planning projects.
• Develops contracts and coordinates the work of consultants and associated staff and monitoring of work programs and schedules to ensure the terms of the contract are met and the project is completed in a timely manner.
• Leads and/or assists with human resources-related activities in the business area, including recruitment and selection, staff development and performance management, coaching, mentoring, employee relations and discipline.
• Supervises and directs employees within the business area and on special projects.
• Interprets data, information, processes, programs and problems to develop options, solutions, improvements and recommendations which have significant benefit for and impact to the levels of service provided by the business area and branch.
• Assists in the development and monitoring of branch and department operating budgets.
• Maintains effective contacts and relationships with elected officials, the development community, and citizens.
• Liaises, confers, negotiates and collaborates with internal and external working groups and committees related to major development projects and the development industry.
• Prepares and presents complex reports, contract documents, terms of reference, requests for proposals, policies and procedures, correspondence and briefs for senior management, Committees and Council.

Key Qualifications

• An undergraduate or master’s degree in city planning preferably from a CIP-accredited university planning program, combined with typically six (6) years of related professional planning experience in an urban municipality. Proven urban planning experience in a rapid growth environment is preferred.
• Eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) is required, and full membership is preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of urban planning theory, principles, standards, practices and information sources with strong emphasis on implementing sustainability principles and neighbourhood planning.
• Well-developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines such as urban design, affordable housing, economic development or land use.
• Knowledge of the principles of organization, supervision and administration and the ability to effectively apply these principles.
• Ability to plan, coordinate and direct the work of staff.
• Demonstrated skills in project management, facilitation, conflict resolution and negotiation, conducting presentations, communicating and selling ideas, and leading group discussions.
• Ability to conduct difficult and complex technical research, analyze data and issues, document findings, evaluate alternatives, provide recommendations, and implement the resulting course of action.
• Ability to clearly and persuasively, orally and in writing, present ideas and recommendations that involve complex and politically sensitive issues to management, decision-making bodies, committees, applicants and citizens while adhering to the intent of regulations and planning policy.
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgement and reach appropriate conclusions within broad policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of Windows-based software, specifically Microsoft Office, and database applications.
• Knowledge of the general rules and regulations of the Provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act as they apply to this position and the ability to develop and ensure adherence to safety procedures within the Section.