Planner / Planning Assistant

Town of Milton; Havelock-Belmont-Methuen; On-site; CAD 66,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A local municipality is seeking a full-time Planner or Planning Assistant in Ontario, Canada. The role involves providing technical advice on land use planning, drafting reports, and assisting with development applications. Ideal candidates for the Planner position should hold an RPP designation. A comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary are offered. This opportunity supports career advancement for those pursuing planning qualifications.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

OMERS enrollment

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in municipal planning.
• Student membership in OPPI and pursuing RPP designation is an asset.
• Understanding of planning legislation including the Planning Act and Municipal Act.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for development applications.
• Provide planning advice to Council and public.
• Draft reports on land-use planning matters.

Skills

Decision-making

Problem-solving

Strong written and oral communication

Public relations

Customer service

Attention to detail

Education

Post-secondary diploma in Planning or Urban/Regional Planning Technology

Tools

MS Office

GIS

Adobe Acrobat

AgriSuite MDS

Keystone assets

Job description

Employment Opportunity: Planner/ Planning Assistant

Overview

Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen is seeking a full-time, permanent Planner or Planning Assistant. Salary ranges are: Planner $77,750 - $89,897; Planning Assistant $66,996 - $77,708 (currently under review). Closing Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 4:30 pm.

The Planner provides technical information, advice and assistance to Council, staff, developers, lawyers, the business community and the public regarding land use planning matters. Duties include advising on growth management, economic development and reviewing building permit applications to ensure compliance with land-use planning legislation. The ideal candidate for the Planner role will possess a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation. A Planning Assistant role is available for less-qualified candidates who are working toward the RPP designation, with opportunity for advancement.

The Township offers a comprehensive benefits package, OMERS enrollment, and a competitive salary that reflects education, experience and abilities. A detailed job description can be found on the Township website at www.hbmtwp.ca.

Interested candidates should submit a confidential detailed cover letter and resume, clearly marked with the position title – either “Application – Planner” or “Application – Planning Assistant” – by email or regular mail no later than 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 14, 2025 to:

Kayla Spooner
Deputy Treasurer
Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
P.O. Box 10, Havelock, ON K0L 1Z0
[e-mail]

Candidates are encouraged to inform of any accommodating requests so that they can be dealt with throughout the recruitment process. Personal information is collected pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used only to evaluate the suitability of applicants for employment.

Job Summary

The Planning Assistant is the first point of contact for inquiries regarding land-use planning matters and assists the public in submitting applications. The role researches and prepares planning reports for land use planning applications (including official plan amendments, zoning by-law amendments, and minor variance applications), assists with department reports and provides administrative support to the Planning and Building Departments as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Serve as the primary contact for development applications including zoning by-law and Official Plan amendment applications, minor variances, site plan approvals, plans of subdivision and consent applications.
2. Provide planning advice and interpretation of the Township’s Official Plan, Zoning By-law, policies and applicable legislation to Council, the public, staff and consultants.
3. Draft reports to Council on land-use planning matters and present them when required.
4. Coordinate inter-departmental and inter-agency meetings with developers, consultants, agencies and interested parties to advance municipal planning objectives.
5. Administer development agreements including subdivision and site plan agreements.
6. Research and assist with planning policy projects and municipal studies (e.g., Community Improvement Plans, growth and environmental plans).
7. Maintain the consolidated Zoning By-law and Official Plan.
8. Assist with advancing economic growth and ensuring compliance with Acts, Regulations and By-laws in collaboration with the CAO and Management Team.
9. Represent the Township in community, regional and intergovernmental planning matters.
10. Respond to inquiries from the public, developers, and agencies regarding development matters and provide interpretation of By-laws and policies.
11. Attend meetings, prepare reports and maintain records; ensure confidentiality as required by the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
12. Adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Municipal Health and Safety Policy.
13. Prepare letters, public meeting notices, notices of passing, notices of decisions and related communications to property owners, applicants, neighbors and agencies.
14. Consult with the Township’s Planning Consultant(s) as needed and perform other duties or special projects as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Job Specifications

• Post-secondary diploma related to Planning or Urban/Regional Planning Technology or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of experience in municipal planning.
• Student membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) and pursuing RPP designation is an asset.
• Understanding of planning legislation including the Planning Act, Municipal Act, Provincial Policy Statements, Official Plans and related laws.
• Strong presentation skills for public meetings, council meetings and open houses.
• Proficiency with MS Office, GIS, Adobe Acrobat and related planning software; experience with AgriSuite MDS and Keystone assets is a plus.
• Valid Ontario G Driver’s License with access to a vehicle and a clean driver’s abstract.

Key Competencies

• Ability to meet strict deadlines and manage multiple requests.
• Knowledge of planning laws, policies, by-laws and the development approval process.
• Decision-making, problem-solving, and strong written and oral communication.
• Public relations, customer service, teamwork and collaboration.
• Attention to detail and analytical abilities.

Working Conditions

Standard office environment with occasional travel for meetings, conferences and seminars. Occasional extended hours and light lifting (< 30 lbs) for office tasks.

Please note: The description may be subject to change to meet organizational needs.

Contacts

Internal: Mayor and Council, Manager and colleagues, Municipal staff and internal committees.

External: General Public, Community Associations, Provincial and Federal Agencies, Lawyers/Consultants, Land Developers.