Principal Planner

City of Belleville; Belleville; On-site; CAD 83,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government in Belleville is looking for a Principal Planner for a temporary full-time role. You will analyze complex planning policies, manage various projects, and provide strategic input to city management. The ideal candidate has an undergraduate degree in planning with at least four years of experience, including responsibilities in a municipal environment. This position offers a competitive salary and the potential for a hybrid work arrangement after the probationary period.

Benefits

Competitive market salary

Employer-paid extended health benefits

OMERS Pension Plan

Opportunity for hybrid work arrangement

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience required in planning.
• Full membership or eligibility for membership in Canadian Institute of Planners.
• Expert knowledge of Official Plans and Provincial Policy Statements.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional advice and strategic input to management and Council.
• Develop planning strategies for growth, economic development, and sustainability.
• Manage multi-disciplinary projects such as Official Plan reviews.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Undergraduate Degree in Planning, Geography or related

Membership in Canadian Institute of Planners

Tools

Planning software

Job description

Principal Planner

Position Type: Temporary Full Time (approximately 12 months)

Number of Positions: One (1)

Existing or New Vacancy: Existing – Backfill

Department: Engineering and Development Services Department

File Number: SV25-137

Location: City Hall (169 Front Street, Belleville, ON)

Hours: 35 Hours per Week; Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm

Employee Group: Union - CUPE

Salary: $83,128.45 – $98,961.48 per year (2026 rates)

Closing Date: Friday, January 9, 2026 at 4:30 PM

Purpose and Scope

As a member of the Engineering and Development Services Department, reporting to the Manager of Policy Planning, the Principal Planner is responsible for analyzing complex planning policies, managing special studies and long-range projects, and preparing reports for Council and related Committees. The role also involves supporting the City’s Community Improvement Plan, engaging with key stakeholders, providing strategic planning advice, and assisting with development applications as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional advice and strategic input to management and Council.
• Develop planning strategies that balance growth, economic development, community well-being, and environmental sustainability.
• Manage complex, multi‑disciplinary projects and studies such as Official Plan reviews, corridor studies, and other long‑range plans.
• Lead a variety of the City’s Community Improvement Plans, which include areas such as housing, brownfields, and downtown revitalization.
• Build and maintain relationships with provincial ministries, Indigenous communities, neighbouring municipalities, and the development industry stakeholders.
• Support corporate initiatives that involve research, policy development, and changes to business practices or service delivery.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and participate in discussions with staff, agencies, developers, and elected officials.
• Assist staff of the Approvals Section in processing development applications for zoning amendments, site plans, subdivision and condominiums, consents and minor variances when required.
• Implement the Council‑approved planning decisions and initiatives.
• Act as the Manager, if required.

Note: the above duties and responsibilities are not to be construed as all-inclusive.

Education/Training/Specialized Skills

Minimum Qualifications:

• Undergraduate Degree or higher in Planning, Geography or a related discipline
• Full membership or eligibility for membership in Canadian Institute of Planners and Ontario Professional Planners Institute with a Registered Professional Planner designation (MCIP, RPP)
• Demonstrated thorough understanding of the Planning Act, and other relevant legislation
• Demonstrated expert knowledge of Official Plans, Provincial Policy Statements, and Provincial Plans
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check (“CRC”) prior to commencing work at the City of Belleville.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven ability to synthesize, evaluate and interpret highly complex planning issues, towards developing clear and concise planning recommendations
• Strong organizational, analytical, policy and data analysis skills
• Demonstrated leadership and project management experience
• Ability to effectively train, direct, mentor and supervise staff
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to respond to public concerns in a professional manner and maintain effective working relationships within the corporation and the broader community
• Negotiation/conflict resolution skills, problem identification and resolution in response to a wide variety of policy and development initiatives within a dynamic, fast‑paced, multi‑stakeholder environment
• Demonstrated proficiency with a variety of software applications
• The ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to facilitate discussion and exercise judgment in a rational and informed manner appropriate to the situation with awareness of consequences.

Work Experience

Required Qualifications:

• Four (4) years of experience required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Four (4) years of experience within municipal environments.
• Two (2) years supervisory experience.
• Experience at Local Planning Appeal Tribunal/Ontario Municipal Board.

Note: A combination of relevant work experience and education may be considered.

What’s In It For You

• Competitive market salary
• Competitive employer‑paid extended health benefits
• OMERS Pension Plan
• Opportunity to enter a hybrid work arrangement subject to applicable policies and approvals, following the successful completion of the probationary period.
• Live, work, and play in the beautiful city of Belleville and experience all that it has to offer.

How To Apply

Visit www.belleville.ca/careers

We thank all applicants who apply but advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please be advised that the City of Belleville uses email to communicate with their applicants for open job postings. It is the applicant’s responsibility to include an updated email address that is checked frequently and accepts emails from unknown users. As we send time‑sensitive correspondence regarding recruitments via email, it is imperative that applicants check their email regularly. If we do not hear back from applicants, we will assume that you are no longer interested in the job posting.

The City of Belleville is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive, barrier‑free recruitment and selection processes and work environments. We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please advise the Human Resources Division to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated throughout this process.

Personal information and any supporting material will be administered in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).