Planner I - HAF

Performs entry-level professional work and provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public regarding the administration of planning and development programs.

Acts as liaison between citizens, government agencies, developers and elected officials on planning matters as may be assigned.

Evaluates and processes development applications for compliance with land use by-law, subdivision by-law, development agreement requirements and heritage property regulations.

Evaluates or assists in the evaluation of variances, site plans, development agreements, land use by-law amendments and other planning applications.

Supports and may prepare detailed reports and recommendations on planning proposals to Boards, Committees and Council.

Conducts field evaluations and assessments.

Investigates violations of planning regulations.

Acts as witness in legal proceedings as necessary.

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.

Supports and may facilitate public meetings representing the business unit on assigned application or planning project matters.

Supports and may facilitate customer-focused strategic planning, education and consultation processes as required.

Researches, analyzes, and compiles information and statistical data and trends on a variety of planning matters as directed.

Supports the development of policy options, analysis and reports on planning issues and participates as a team member for multidisciplinary projects in varied areas of expertise (i.e., Development Review, Community Planning, Regional Planning, Urban Design, Heritage & Cultural Planning, Infrastructure Planning, Transportation Planning, Environmental Planning and Research & Forecasting).

Supports the preparation of comprehensive regional and community plans, land use by-laws, the Subdivision By-law, and other regulations regarding development control.

Makes decisions on assigned simple permit and subdivision applications when appointed as a Development Officer by Council pursuant to the Halifax Charter.

May perform other related duties as assigned.

University degree from an accredited planning program OR

University degree from a non-accredited but related program (such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban, Human or Economic Geography, and Geographic/Spatial Information Systems) and two (2) years of professional planning experience.

Candidacy as a Licensed Professional Planner (LPP) or equivalent Provincial or International designation is considered an asset.

Experience working in a municipal government environment is considered an asset.

A valid driver’s license is required.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning including cross-functional knowledge involving other disciplines, e.g. engineering and recreational design principles.

Knowledge of the Municipal Government Act, the HRM Charter, the Heritage Property Act, the Heritage By-law, the Subdivision By-law, various HRM Municipal Planning Strategies and Land Use By-laws and other relevant legislation and municipal by-laws related to construction approvals, engineering specifications, and planning applications.

Knowledge of standard office software and technology including Microsoft Office Suite, Internet applications, GIS and other similar systems and technology related to the business unit.

Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations.

Superior written and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal and facilitation skills.