Policy Planner

Oakville; Oakville; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Oakville is seeking a qualified Policy Planner to provide an advanced level of planning knowledge, supporting the formulation and implementation of policies within Official Plans, zoning by-laws, and related legislation. You will conduct background research on land use, growth management, and demographic issues, monitor provincial planning initiatives, and engage with the public.

Prepare reports for Town Council and collaborate with consultants on planning studies, with opportunities

Qualifications

• Requires university degree in Urban Planning, Urban Geography or related discipline.
• Minimum three years of related experience in planning policy analysis and formulation, public consultation and planning.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Working knowledge in Geographic Information Systems.
• Ability to interpret data and resolve discrepancies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proven report writing skills and attention to detail.
• Innovative, critical thinker with creativity in policy creation and implementation.
• Understanding of legislation, policy and implementation instruments.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Interprets and provides advice on the Town’s Official Plan(s), zoning By-law(s), the Planning Act and related legislation.
• Performs background research and analysis on land use, growth management and related issues.
• Monitors provincial and regional planning initiatives and responds accordingly.
• Develops and facilitates public and stakeholder engagement on planning projects and policy matters.
• Provides advice to other planners on policy proposals and development applications.
• Prepares and presents reports and studies with recommendations for Town Council.
• Collaborates with consultants on planning studies and supports LPAT testimony when required.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills

Policy analysis

Public consultation

Written and oral communication

Project management

GIS

Data interpretation

Report writing

Analytical thinking

Team player

Independent work

Education

University degree in Urban Planning, Urban Geography or related discipline

Job description

Job Details:

Temporary Full Time (CUPE 1329T)

Posting Status:

Restricted to current Town of Oakville employees

Duration:

Approximately 6 months

Temporary Vacancy Reason:

Leave of absence

Closing Date:

Applications for this position must be received at oakville.ca in the employment section no later than 11:59 pm on August 28, 2026.

Internal secondment applications are welcome. Please note, however, that members of management will not be considered for secondments into bargaining unit positions.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy and therefore will be filled accordingly.

This position reports to the Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage and will undertake planning work related to policy development and implementation. The Policy Planner will undertake planning work to provide an advanced level of planning knowledge and expertise assisting with formulation and implementation of policies.

Job Responsibilities:

• Working in a collaborative, professional team environment, interprets and provides advice on the Town’s Official Plan(s), zoning By-law(s), the Planning Act and other planning related legislation;


• Undertakes background research and analysis on land use, growth management, demographic, economic, environmental and development related issues;


• Monitors, evaluates and responds to existing and emerging Provincial, Regional and other planning initiatives;


• Develops and facilitates public and stakeholder engagement of planning projects and policy matters;


• Provides assistance and advice to other planners on policy proposals and development applications;


• Prepares and presents reports and studies with recommendations on a wide range of policy planning matters for consideration by Town Council;


• Works directly with consultants on planning studies;


• Provides expert planning evidence before the Local Planning Appeals Tribunal (LPAT) on the Town’s behalf as it relates to planning matters;


• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications/Skills:

• This position requires a university degree in Urban Planning, Urban Geography or a related discipline.


• Must have at least three (3) years of related experience in planning policy analysis and formulation, public consultation and planning.


• Excellent organizational and project management skills.


• Working knowledge in Geographic Information Systems.


• Ability to interpret various types of data and recognize, investigate and remedy any discrepancies and issues.


• Excellent written and oral communication skills.


• Proven report writing skills and attention to detail.


• Innovative and strong critical thinker.


• Demonstrate creativity and originality in creating planning and development policies and proven ability to successfully oversee their implementation.


• A solid understanding of legislation, policy and implementation instruments is required.


• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member.


• Experience in providing expert testimony at the Ontario Municipal Board or the Local Planning Appeals Tribunal is an asset.


• Ability to use 3D modelling as a tool to formulate policy and evaluate development proposals would be an asset.


• Membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute is required (or eligible for full membership); full membership in Canadian Institute of Planners would be considered an asset.

DATED:

August 19, 2026

The Town’s recruitment software includes elements of artificial intelligence to assist in the screening and short-listing of qualified candidates.

This job profile reflects the general requirements necessary to perform the principal functions of the job. This does not include all of the work requirements of the job. Applicants are required to demonstrate through their application and in the interview process that their qualifications match those specified. The minimum threshold score for the interview is 75%.

Wethank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.