Planner II

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for one Planner II position. The position is with the Rural Policy and Applications team within Planning and Development: One (1) permanent full-time Planner II position. Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application. Reporting to the Principal Planner, the Planner II is knowledgeable in a broad range of planning matters, has some specialized expertise, provides intermediate-level professional planning services and leads 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. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leads and performs professional work and provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public related to a broad range of planning matters

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 and processes variances, site plans, development agreements, municipal planning strategy amendments, land use by-law amendments and other planning applications

Prepares and presents detailed reports and recommendations and presents on planning proposals to Boards, Committees and Council

Investigates violations of planning regulations

Acts as witness in legal proceedings as necessary and provides expert advice at the Regulatory and Appeals Board

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

Provides professional planning assistance to communities and community groups on various land use projects.

Facilitates public meetings representing the business unit on a variety of planning matters

Designs and facilitates 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

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

Researches, analyzes and supports the preparation of reports, terms of reference, request for proposals, policies and procedures, correspondence and briefs for Planner III, Principal Planners and senior management.

Prepares, presents and maintains comprehensive regional and community plans, land use by-laws, the Subdivision By-law and other regulations regarding development control

Mentors Planner I

Well-developed knowledge of the principles and practices of planning including cross-functional knowledge involving other disciplines.

Thorough 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, including a clear understanding of their interrelationships.

A broad knowledge of the legislative framework under which land use planning law operates and the ability to interpret and draft by-laws and contracts which affect the rights of land owners, neighborhoods and communities.

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

Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well- defined practical problems.