Senior Planner

The Municipality of Central Elgin; St. Thomas; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency in Ontario is seeking a Senior Planner to establish their planning department and drive community development initiatives. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of municipal planning experience, strong knowledge of land use principles, and excellent communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits

OMERS pension

Flexible work arrangements

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years’ municipal planning experience.
• Strong understanding of land use principles.
• Ability to read blueprints and surveys.

Responsibilities

• Establish and develop the planning department.
• Manage complex development applications and advise stakeholders.
• Conduct research on emerging planning issues.
• Organize public meetings and respond to inquiries.
• Manage multiple projects and collaborate with teams.
• Foster a collaborative team environment and guide junior staff.

Skills

Municipal planning experience

Critical thinking skills

Teamwork abilities

Project management and staff resources

Knowledge of relevant legislation

Technical proficiency with planning software and GIS

Relationship management and communication skills

Education

University degree in Urban or Rural Planning

RPP designation

Job description

The Municipality of Central Elgin was formed in 1998 through the amalgamation of the Township of Yarmouth with the Villages of Belmont and Port Stanley. Central Elgin is a vibrant community located in the heart of Elgin County, with a population of nearly 15,000 people, in close proximity to the City of St. Thomas and the City of London. The community comprises several unique neighborhoods, each offering its own charm and attractions.

With a combined operational and capital budget of over $47.5M and over 200 full and part-time employees, Central Elgin is committed to meeting the needs of residents and a thriving business community by delivering efficient and effective services.

Of significant interest is the expected future growth in Central Elgin’s commercial, industrial, and residential sectors due to Volkswagen's recent announcement to build the world’s largest electric-vehicle battery plant in the region.

Supporting Community Growth through an in-house Planning Team

To support future growth, Central Elgin plans to establish an in-house planning department. This move will facilitate planning processes through closer coordination with other departments, maintain responsiveness to residents, and ensure planning decisions align with the community’s needs, strategic priorities, and municipal goals, supporting the vision of building vibrant, sustainable communities through thoughtful development.

Your Opportunity to Make a Difference

As a Senior Planner, you will play a pivotal role in establishing the planning department's foundation, driving strategic initiatives, and providing expert guidance on complex planning matters. You will develop and implement policies that support Central Elgin's vision for sustainable growth and community development.

Key Responsibilities :

• Strategic Department Development & Leadership : Identify and recommend innovative planning solutions; participate in strategic planning initiatives; develop policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Expert Planning Advice & Development Management : Manage complex development applications; review proposals for compliance; advise Council and stakeholders; negotiate with developers.
• Policy Development & Implementation : Conduct research on emerging issues; develop and implement planning policies and by-laws; prepare reports and presentations.
• Public Engagement & Consultation : Respond to inquiries; organize public meetings; present information to Council and Committees.
• Project Management & Collaboration : Manage multiple projects; coordinate with internal and external parties.
• Mentorship & Team Development : Foster a collaborative team environment; guide junior staff.
• Compliance & Best Practices : Stay updated on legislation; ensure adherence to laws and standards.

Ideal Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years’ municipal planning experience, with a strong understanding of land use principles.
• Critical thinking skills to analyze complex issues and develop solutions.
• Proven teamwork abilities.
• Experience managing projects and staff resources.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Technical proficiency with planning software and GIS; ability to read blueprints and surveys.
• Excellent relationship management and communication skills.
• University degree in Urban or Rural Planning or related field; RPP designation.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, benefits, and OMERS pension.
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work up to 40%.
• Opportunities for professional growth.
• The chance to influence community development.
• A vibrant community with engaged citizens.

How to Apply

Please apply via email to CE-Se nior Planner. For more information or to receive a detailed description, contact Amy Oliveira at 416-214-9299 x4 or J on Stungevicius at 416-214-9299 x1.

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for interviews will be contacted. All information will be handled in accordance with privacy laws.