Planner I

Halifax Regional Municipality; Halifax; Hybrid; CAD 72,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work option

Job summary

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is seeking two Planner I positions within Planning and Development's Land Development & Subdivision Program. The roles involve providing entry-level professional planning services, supporting studies in Development Review, Community Planning, and Regional Planning, and assisting in policy development.

Qualified candidates will have a planning- related degree (or equivalent with experience), strong communication and GIS skills, and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Education in planning or related field, or equivalent training with two years of planning experience.
• Candidacy as Licensed Professional Planner (LPP) or equivalent is an asset.
• Municipal government experience is an asset.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Knowledge of planning principles, by-laws, and GIS/Office software.

Responsibilities

• Performs professional work and provides technical assistance to staff and the public regarding planning and development programs.
• Acts as liaison between citizens, government agencies, developers and elected officials on planning matters.
• Evaluates and processes development applications for compliance with land use by-laws and related regulations.
• Supports and may prepare and present detailed reports to Boards, Committees and Council.
• Conducts field evaluations and investigates violations of planning regulations.
• Represents the unit in meetings and may facilitate public consultations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Written and verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Facilitation

Education

University degree in planning or related field

Two years professional planning experience

Candidacy as LPP or equivalent asset

Valid driver's license

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is inviting applications for two (2) permanent, full-time positions of Planner I positions in Planning and Development, Land Development & Subdivision Program division.

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.

The Planner I is knowledgeable in a broad range of planning matters, provides entry-level professional planning services, and undertakes or participates in a variety of assigned professional planning services or projects. The incumbent may support and participate in projects of studies in one or more areas of expertise such as Development Review, Community Planning, and Regional Planning.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs 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 and present 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;
• Provides professional planning assistance to communities and community groups on various land use projects;
• 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 minor permit and subdivision applications when appointed as a Development Officer by Council pursuant to the Halifax Charter.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• 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.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• 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 are required.

Security Clearance Requirements:

Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.

COMPETENCIES:

Analytical Thinking, Communication, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Organizational Awareness, Teamwork and Cooperation, Valuing Diversity.

WORK STATUS:

2 full-time perm positions.

HOURS OF WORK:

Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, 35 hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours & hybrid may be available.

SALARY:

Level 8, $39.63 per hour as per the NSGEU 222 Collective Agreement.

CLOSING DATE:

Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm Sunday, September 27, 2026.

This is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates.

Please note:

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of their qualifications, including, but not limited to, educational credentials, professional licenses, and relevant certifications.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link: Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax