Planning & Development Director

City of Fort Saskatchewan; Fort Saskatchewan; On-site; CAD 152,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government organization is seeking a Director of Planning & Development in Fort Saskatchewan. The successful candidate will oversee the department, provide strategic leadership, and collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure community benefits. This role requires a degree in urban planning, leadership experience, and a strong understanding of planning processes. Offering a salary range of $152,178.00 to $179,029.50 annually, the position is permanent full-time with an application deadline of January 12, 2026.

Qualifications

• Minimum six years of leadership and management experience.
• Knowledge of planning legislation and application processes.
• Experience preparing and implementing planning documents.

Responsibilities

• Leads the Planning & Development department and supports the Deputy City Manager.
• Designs and implements strategies that align with city goals.
• Oversees the department’s budget and planning functions.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Decision-making

Education

University degree in urban, regional or environmental planning

Master’s degree in related field

Job description

Organization: City of Fort Saskatchewan

Region: Alberta

Application Deadline: January 12, 2026 before 23:30

Type: Permanent Full-time

Category: Planning & Development

Description

Reporting to the Deputy City Manager of Infrastructure & Planning Services, the Director of Planning & Development is a member of the Senior Management Team, overseeing the Planning & Development department. The Director provides leadership and direction for the department and provides support and strategic advice to the Deputy City Manager of Infrastructure & Planning Services, the Leadership Team and members of Council. The Director oversees services primarily related to community development and revitalization ensuring development is responsible, enduring, and beneficial to the community.

Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Coach and mentor staff within the department and across the organization, promoting a work environment committed to continuous improvement, fun, and other values outlined in the City’s Strategic Plan.
• Provide timely, well-organized and coherent information, assistance, and advisement to decision makers, including Council and the Leadership Team, on matters pertaining to Planning & Development.
• Design, develop and implement both short- and long-term strategies that align with the City’s strategic goals, guiding the department’s workplan and operational investments.
• Build relationships with local and regional community builders, interested parties, inter-municipal and regional partners.
• Prepare and oversee the department’s annual budget ensuring responsible financial practices within the department.
• Develop and maintain long-range resourcing plans that anticipate staffing needs based on projected application volumes.
• Establish and monitor targeted cost recovery ranges for specific services (e.g. safety codes services).
• Oversee planning, development and building codes functions to support the development of high-quality, safe communities that are valued by both residents and the business community.
• Continuously evaluate and improve departmental processes to maximize community benefits, enhance efficiency, and adapt to evolving priorities and emerging technologies.
• Represent City on various standing professional, inter-municipal, and interagency committees.

Requirements

The successful candidate will have a university degree in urban, regional or environmental planning and membership with the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP). A master’s degree in urban and regional planning or a related field (e.g. urban studies, geography, public administration) or an MBA would be considered an asset. The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of six years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience within a complex organization, including demonstrated ability to supervise both union and non-union staff. They will possess thorough knowledge of planning legislation, planning principles, planning application processes, urban design, and safety codes, as well as a solid understanding of generally accepted project management, accounting, budgeting, and financial procedures. The candidate will have experience preparing, presenting, and implementing planning documents and bylaws; navigating complex engagements with respect and empathy; and reviewing existing processes to identify efficiencies and develop effective resourcing plans. Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to deliver impactful presentations and prepare high-quality reports and proposals, along with an acute understanding of Provincial Acts and Regulations related to municipal planning and development. Experience in a municipal environment is considered an asset. The incumbent will demonstrate strong decision-making, interpersonal, and supervisory abilities, supported by clear communication, sound judgment, and the adaptability required to perform effectively in a fast-paced, evolving work environment.

Hours of Work

37.5 hours weekly, Monday – Friday

Salary & Benefits

The City of Fort Saskatchewan offers a salary range of $152,178.00 to $179,029.50 per annum. If you are dedicated, innovative and forward thinking with a high level of professionalism, you are invited to apply in confidence no later than Monday, January 12, 2026, through the Career Portal on the City’s Website at www.fortsask.ca