Zoning Technician

City of St. Catharines; St. Catharines; Hybrid; CAD 72,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of St. Catharines is seeking a Zoning Technician to review drawings and site plans for compliance with zoning by-laws and municipal regulations. You will interpret by-laws for the public and staff, and coordinate with planners, engineers and developers on various zoning projects.

Qualifications include a college diploma in architecture/planning/engineering and at least two years of relevant experience. Hybrid work, competitive pay, and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Diploma in architecture, planning, engineering or related field.
• Two years’ experience reading detailed construction drawings and site plans.
• Good knowledge of zoning by-laws and ability to interpret for customers.
• Valid Ontario Driver's licence, Class G, with a clean driving record.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and AMANDA system.

Responsibilities

• Examine drawings and comments on site plans and Committee of Adjustment submissions to ensure by-law compliance.
• Provide information and interpretation of zoning by-laws to the public and staff.
• Index, catalogue and certify zoning reports and related documents.
• Liaise with municipal officials, developers, designers and property owners as required.
• Research and prepare correspondence for by-laws compliance and other requests.

Skills

Communication

Report writing

Independence

Customer service

Education

Arch/Planning diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

AMANDA system

Job description

At the City of St. Catharines, you'll find more than just a job - you'll find a place that fits. Here, your work means something - where you can see the impact, feel the pride, and know you're a part of something bigger. You'll be trusted to do your job, backed by people who care, and part of a team that shows up for each other. There's flexibility when it counts, and a real understanding that life doesn't stop when the workday starts. With pay you can count on, great benefits, and a pension that helps you plan ahead - you've got more than a job. You've got the space to grow, the balance you need, and a place that gets it. It feels different - because it is.

About The Role

Under the supervision of the Manager of Plans Examination, the Zoning Technician examines drawings and survey plans submitted for the construction, alteration and change of use of all classification of buildings to ensure compliance with applicable laws including zoning by-laws.

What You'll Be Doing

• Examine and comment on drawings submitted for all commercial and certain industrial properties that require entering into a Site Plan Agreement with the city to ensure compliance with the zoning by-laws and municipal by-laws.
• Examine and comment on drawings submitted to the Committee of Adjustment for compliance with zoning by-laws and other applicable regulations.
• Provide information on and interpretation of zoning by-laws, by-law amendments and other applicable municipal by-laws to the public in response to telephone, counter and written inquiries as well as city staff.
• Analyze unique situations and recommend methods of compliance with zoning by-laws and other applicable municipal by-laws.
• Review and comment on draft zoning by-law amendments, as prepared by the planners in Planning Services, for errors or omissions to ensure compatibility with current zoning by-laws.
• Liaison with all officials, agencies, contractors, developers, designers (architects, surveyors, lawyers, etc.) and property owners, as required.
• Research and prepare correspondence for compliance with zoning by-laws, all requests for mortgage and property sale clearance.
• Indexing and cataloguing approved variances by Committee of Adjustment, approved severances by the Land Division Committee, and register Site Plan Agreements and Subdivision Agreements.
• Certify zoning reports for new business licence applications.
• Report upon alleged infractions of zoning by-laws and related agreements.
• Bring forward for consideration alleged infractions of zoning by-laws and conditions encountered in the performance of the job, which might warrant amendments to zoning and other applicable by-laws.
• Perform other similar and related duties, as required.

What's Required

• Community college diploma in architecture, planning, engineering or related field.
• Two (2) years’ experience reading detailed construction drawings and site plans, preferably in a municipal environment.
• Good knowledge of zoning by-laws to communicate and interpret these matters to customers.
• Ability to communicate effectively, using tact and courtesy, in dealing with public.
• Ability to work alone with a minimum of supervision.
• Good report writing skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and the AMANDA system.
• Valid Ontario Driver's licence, Class "G", with a clean driving record.

Job Details

Job ID: 2026-188

Pay Rate: 72,053.80-80,971.80

Hours: 35 per week

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Location: St. Catharines, ON

Work Mode: Hybrid (less than 50% remote)

Employee Group: CUPE Local 157

Position Type: Permanent, Full-time

Duration: Permanent

Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy

Application Deadline

Jobs with an application deadline will close at 11:59 PM on that date. Jobs listed as 'open until filled' may close at any time.

Other Requirements

Other Position Requirements include: Class G Driver's Licence Candidates selected for the position will be required to complete the Ministry of Labour's Worker Health and Safety Awareness training and provide proof of the educational credentials listed on their resume and job application.

What's In It For You

Curious what it's like to work for the City of St. Catharines? Watch the video and Hear from Our Team.

Here's what you can expect when you join us:

• Great People: Be part of a team that supports you, celebrates your wins, and helps you succeed.
• Make Your Mark: Bring your ideas, drive meaningful change, and leave a lasting impact on our community.
• Learn & Grow: Access training and development funds to take your skills to the next level.
• Competitive Pay: Competitive pay from a certified Ontario Living Wage Employer.
• Secure Future: Join the OMERS pension plan with employer-matched contributions.
• Balance & Benefits: Flexible hybrid work options plus health, dental, and vision benefits for eligible positions.

Additional Information

The City of St. Catharines is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and respectful work environment. We celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. Our community is enriched by people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences - a value reflected in our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.

Don’t Meet Every Requirement?

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and education levels to apply. While specific qualifications may be required for certain roles, we assess each applicant’s overall suitability. Please note that unionized roles are subject to collective agreement requirements.

Accommodation

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].

Application Process

To ensure transparency and fairness, all applications must be submitted online through our application portal. Please keep your contact information up to date and regularly check your spam and junk email folders, as important communications may be directed there.

Interviews and Assessments

Depending on the role, interviews may be conducted via video conferencing or in person. Various tests and/or assessments may be administered as part of the selection process.

Use of AI

The City of St. Catharines does not use artificial intelligence (AI) technology in any part of the recruitment process.