Career Center

City of Hamilton is building our team of professional and creative planners to address contemporary urban issues through policy and action.  Join our engaged and passionate team to work on innovative solutions to challenging planning issues.  Our team applies creativity to advance planning and growth approaches on intensification, development of sustainable new communities, transit supportive land use initiatives, and housing objectives.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Reporting to the Senior Project Manager, Policy Planning & Municipal Comprehensive Review, the Planner 1 undertakes research, writing reports and presenting material on provincial and municipal planning policy for both the rural and urban areas.  Researches evidence, best practices and theory for the application in Official Plan policy and other policy initiatives. Leads community consultation processes and supervises project consultants. Provides policy interpretation, makes presentations, develops partnerships, acts as a departmental representative on projects and responds to inquiries.  

GENERAL DUTIES

Leads components of the City’s Municipal Comprehensive Review and Official Plan Review for approval by Council.

Co-ordinates and participates in other policy planning initiatives including research studies and land use planning studies.

Develop study framework and prepare terms of reference for projects; such as policy initiatives and other land use/development planning related matters to be undertaken by staff or consultants.

Undertake project management tasks for projects, including establishing and directing project teams in task coordination and project deliverables; monitor and report on projects.

Undertake and/or coordinate research, surveys and studies by collecting, evaluating, summarizing and reporting on data; compile and analyse information from various sources; identify and evaluate alternatives, formulate conclusions to balance competing interests including planning and municipal objectives; prepare and present recommendations for consideration by Committees and City Council.

Conduct site inspections; take notes and photographs to ensure accurate assessments of sites/areas.

Coordinates multi-disciplinary teams, develops inter-departmental partnerships, and builds commitment.

Develop, coordinate and/or lead public engagement processes such as public information meetings, open houses and stakeholder meetings. Summarize and report on the outcomes of the public engagement process.

Liaise and develop positive working relationships with applicants, developers, the public, elected officials, other departments, community groups and/or government agencies on planning related matters; analyse and report on information received and maintain sources such as key contacts and information sources.

Review, provide comments and recommendations on reports, studies, proposals, planning policy documents and federal, provincial or municipal planning documents to evaluate impacts on planning and development in the City of Hamilton;

Compose correspondence such as memorandums, letters on planning related matters to management, other staff, area residents, elected officials, public agencies, developers and consultants.

 Provide planning support and expertise to junior planners as required.

Periodically oversees and provide planning support and expertise to students; recommend the hiring of and evaluate students working in Sustainable Communities section.

Prepare, coordinate and present evidence as an expert witness at hearings, such as Ontario Land Tribunal hearings.

Prepare and make presentations regarding planning related matters to Committees of Council, corporate and departmental teams, the public, other departments and staff teams and local organizations.

Act as the Department’s representative to provide planning support and expertise at meetings such as technical steering committees, advisory Committees of Council, meetings with other planning staff, senior management, developers, clients, other departments and the public regarding the Official Plan, amendments and/or other planning- related initiatives.

Receive and answer written and verbal inquiries from staff, the public, elected officials, other departments, agencies municipalities, other levels of government, developers and from community groups and outside agencies including receiving and answering inquiries at a counter, in accordance with Departmental and corporate procedures.  Record and monitor the frequency of inquiries.

Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.

Performs other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS

Honours Degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a directly related field with a minimum of three years of professional experience in a relevant area of land use, planning.

Must be a Full Member with the Canadian Institute of Planners or the Ontario Professional Planners Institute.

Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Knowledge of Official Plans, secondary plans, zoning by-laws and major City-wide initiatives in planning.

A high level of skill in research, problem solving, oral and written communications, and interpersonal relations.

Strong customer service skills with the demonstrated ability to receive and answer inquiries from staff, public, other departments, agencies, developers, public and Council on development related matters.

Excellent analytical abilities with a thorough knowledge of analytical research methodologies and computerized analytical techniques.

Ability to express ideas effectively, orally and in writing.

Familiarity with government and the political environment and relevant Provincial policy and legislation, notably the Planning Act.

All interested applicants are to apply to this position on our website by Wednesday April 19^th at 11:59p.m at www.hamilton.ca/careers and reference Job ID #19515.

About City of Hamilton

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully.

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