Planner (Temporary 18Months)

Rocky View County, AB; Alberta; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocky View County in Alberta is seeking an entry- to mid-level Planning professional. The role progresses to greater project management responsibility and requires knowledge of planning strategies, bylaws, and the provincial planning framework.

The Planner works independently with applicants and stakeholders, and prepares reports and presentations to Council. Core duties include public inquiries, reviewing redesignation and subdivision files, supporting senior planners, preparing materials for

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in planning or related field is required.
• 2 to 4 years of demonstrated professional planning experience is required.
• Knowledge of municipal planning, provincial planning framework, and related acts is expected.

Responsibilities

• Interact with the public by phone and in writing to convey planning information.
• Review, process, and manage redesignation, subdivision, and development permit files for policy and regulatory compliance.
• Support managers and senior planners on projects through research and engagement.
• Prepare and present reports to Council and committees as required.
• Interpret and implement regional, intermunicipal, and County policies and legislation.
• Monitor and respond to referrals from internal departments and government agencies.
• Assist in updating the County’s Land Use Bylaw and other planning documents.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives and mentor junior staff.

Job description

Position Summary

This is an entry- to mid-level professional Planning position that, with progressive experience, requires an increasing degree of project management responsibility, and the implementation of planning strategies, statutory documents, and municipal policy. The position requires a thorough knowledge of related Acts and Regulations and the Alberta planning process. The Planner primarily works independently working with applicants and stakeholders, and in preparing reports and presentations to Council.

Core Accountabilities

• Interact with the public on an ongoing basis through telephone and written enquiries as may be required to convey Planning information to citizens and other individuals and groups.
• Review, process and manage redesignation, subdivision, and occasional development permit files for compliance with policy, regulations, and technical requirements. Files are typically of a low- to moderate- complexity, with the occasional requirement to process more complex applications.
• Support the Manager, Supervisor and Senior Planners on department projects and significant planning files through research, engagement and other work.
• Prepare and present reports to Council, County committees, and to appeal boards as required.
• Interpret and implement relevant regional, intermunicipal, and County policies, standards and legislation and formulate administrative recommendations for approving authority.
• Review and respond to referrals from internal departments and government agencies.
• Assist in the monitoring and amendment of the County’s Land Use Bylaw to ensure development regulations and processes are up to date.
• Participate in internal department process improvement initiatives.
• Mentor more junior staff from time-to-time and act as a resource for other team members according to expertise within the department.
• Assist in the preparation of municipal policy plans, including Intermunicipal Development Plans, Municipal Development Plans, and Area Structure Plans.
• Monitor and review Municipal and Intermunicipal Planning Legislation, policy, processes, plans, and initiatives.
• Prepare and present reports, materials, and opinions as a representative of Rocky View County to other government and non-government agencies and committees as required.
• Work in accordance with the requirements established by the RVC Health and Safety Program and the Alberta OHS Act, Regulation and Code.
• Take reasonable care to protect their health and safety and other people at or in the vicinity of the worksite while they are working.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Position Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in planning or related field is required along with a minimum of 2 to 4 years of demonstrated professional experience in Planning or a related field is required (consideration for Land Use certificate and 2+ years of Planning experience). This is in combination with a demonstrated track record of working collaboratively in a team environment, and a record of successfully completed assignments. Scope of the experience should include a demonstrated awareness and knowledge of municipal planning, and a working knowledge of the provincial planning and legislative framework.

• Understands and applies provincial and municipal planning policies, legislation, processes, procedures, and statutory Planning documents.
• Interprets and applies relevant municipal/provincial policy to the processing of applications and the development and preparation of planning documents with no major oversights.
• Works independently or as part of a team to seek out and synthesize information resources in a clear and concise fashion in the processing of applications.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrates knowledge, interpretation, and application of subdivision design, site planning and environmental planning concepts and their applications in the processing of planning applications.
• Works collaboratively with and communicates effectively and positively with other team members, departments, and external municipal and provincial government personnel.
• Possess and exhibit strong skills in presentations to Council, community associations and government departments as required.
• Manages time effectively to juggle multiple deadlines and tasks and is required to work within irregular and tight time frames.
• Takes initiative to identify and resolve problems regarding planning applications that may be unique and complex.
• Makes sound decisions by using rational and logical judgment that reflects an understanding of the consequences of decisions.
• Able to manage time-sensitive and politically sensitive matters and to think and react quickly and effectively to problems that may arise from time to time.
• Eligibility for Full Membership with the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) is considered an asset.
• Previous related experience particularly in a public sector environment is preferred.
• Proficient in MS Office suite.
• Possess a valid class 5 driver’s license.