Senior Planner

Fonction publique de l'Ontario; Owen Sound; On-site; CAD 77,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefit pension plan

Maternity and parental leave top-up

Comprehensive health plan

Life and disability insurance

Flexible work arrangements

Career growth and development

On-the-job training

Job summary

Ontario Public Service seeks an experienced Senior Planner to lead planning within the Niagara Escarpment Commission, guiding program development and team delivery. This role requires strong environmental planning expertise and stakeholder engagement across diverse groups.

You will oversee evaluation of land use applications, build collaborative relationships with governments and Indigenous communities, and represent the Commission at hearings and meetings. A valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in land use and environmental planning and management.
• Knowledge of Niagara Escarpment planning, policies and legislation.
• Ability to interpret and apply planning guidelines to development proposals.
• Proven ability to manage complex issues and reach consensus.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic support and planning guidance to program development.
• Lead and coordinate an integrated team evaluating permit applications and land use approvals.
• Build relationships with governments, Indigenous communities, landowners and stakeholders.
• Represent the Commission through meetings, hearings and committees.

Skills

Strategic planning

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

GIS

Data analysis

Tools

GIS

Word

Excel

Databases

Job description

Apply By:Thursday, September 17, 2026 11:59 pm EDT

$1,485.01 - $1,871.11 Per week*
*Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.

Are you an experienced Planner looking to take the next step in your career, and apply your passion for the environment? Consider taking on this new challenge as a Senior Planner with the Niagara Escarpment Commission, where you will lead and implement planning within one of Ontario's most unique and environmentally significant landscapes.

Learn more about theNiagara Escarpment Commission .

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:

• a defined benefit pension plan
• maternity and parental leave top-up benefits which includes adoptive parents
• comprehensive health plan
• life and disability insurance
• flexible work arrangements
• collegial and professional work culture
• career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• on-the-job training to support your success in the role

About the job

In this role, you will:

• provide strategic support, technical and planning expertise, guidance and advice to program development and delivery related to the Niagara Escarpment Commission's mandate
• provide team leadership and coordination to an integrated team of technical and professional staff in the evaluation and processing of permit applications and the review of other land use planning approvals
• develop and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of organizations, other levels of government, Indigenous communities and organizations, landowners and stakeholders
• lead and represent the Niagara Escarpment Commission's interests through various meetings on planning matters, as well as through hearing tribunals and representation on committees

What you bring to the team

Mandatory:

• You must have a valid class 'G' driver's licence or equivalent, as recognized by the Province of Ontario. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's licence upon being hired.

Technical knowledge:

You have:

• experience in land use and environmental planning and management, with demonstrated ability to interpret and apply knowledge of related policies, principles, processes, practices, standards and guidelines to analyze and evaluate land use and development proposals for conformity with requirements
• knowledge of legislation and planning relevant to the Niagara Escarpment, as well as other applicable provincial policies and legislation
• demonstrated knowledge of the Ontario planning system, related legislation, policies
• proven ability to apply knowledge of the impacts of environmental change, human stress and development on the environment in order to evaluate development applications, recommend approaches to mitigate impact and site remediation/restoration approaches

Interpersonal skills:

You have:

• demonstrated ability to proactively nurture positive relationships/partnerships and lead consultations with a variety of contacts, such as: applicants, clients, stakeholders, municipalities and agencies, as well as Indigenous communities and organizations
• successful track record of reaching consensus among differing viewpoints and facilitating resolution of issues

Organizational skills:

You can:

• coordinate implementation of a program as well as internal involvement in land use planning initiatives, in a manner that effectively manages deadlines, a high volume of workload, stakeholder expectations and client business needs
• work under pressure and respond to unexpected changes or modifications to priorities and deadlines on short notice
• motivate other team members to achieve objectives within timelines

Communication skills:

You can:

• prepare reports and planning documents, draft briefing notes and correspondence
• clearly and articulately convey technical information, provide subject matter expertise and guidance
• tactfully discuss issues with other ministries, other levels of government, stakeholders and landowners
• deliver compelling presentations and provide expert evidence before hearings and tribunals

Analytical skills:

You have:

• demonstrated ability to actively engage in issues management and high priority, high profile complex initiatives, including developing strategic approaches to addressing situations, resource implications, processes and associated issues
• demonstrated ability to make meaningful contributions in the development of strategic directions and effective delivery of programs

Computer skills:

• You are proficient with computer software, including word processing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spreadsheets and databases, in order to access information, conduct analysis of data, and prepare reports and presentations.

Don't meet every qualification?

If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!

How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility

We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.

Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:

• diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• accessibility
• Anti-Racism Policy

Thursday, September 17, 2026 11:59 pm EDT

Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.