The Township of Springwater, located in the heart of Simcoe County, is a mixed urban/rural municipality with growing urban settlements and a prosperous agricultural sector. The municipality is currently recruiting for a permanent, full-time position of Senior Planner, Special Projects.
The Senior Planner, Special Projects is responsible for research and formulation on a broad range of development projects as well as identifying and implementing innovative approaches to address emerging issues and/or accelerate the successful delivery of priority projects including priority land use-projects, priority development applications, applications with economic development connections or focus, and strategic policy studies.
The Township offers flexible work arrangements, including an opportunity for this position to participate in our 4-day work week program.
Position Responsibilities
The usual responsibilities of the position are:
Act as project manager to accelerate the delivery of priority initiatives, secondary plans, studies, and development projects to guide the future growth of the Township.
Manage the activities of consultants carrying out work related to planning projects.
Facilitate public consultation and internal input into long-range plans and special projects.
Maintain current knowledge of emerging planning policy, trends and issues and work with key partners to innovatively address identified strategic initiatives for new policies & or by-laws, improvements and operational efficiencies
Undertake research and identify new and ongoing opportunities and challenges with respect to key priority projects.
Provide policy analysis, review and update on Upper-tier (Province, County) planning initiatives in terms of implications for the Township’s programs and strategic objectives as required.
Provide professional planning advice on matters related to various policy and development projects to customers, including counter inquiries, other Departments, agencies, Senior Management, Council, Committees and other associated boards/committees in accordance with obligations and competencies specified as a professional planner certified to practice in the Province of Ontario.
Provide project management and coordination of all development processes of assigned development projects including participating in pre-consultation meetings, conducting required site visits and monitoring progress of projects targeting delivery of decisions and outcomes as required by the Township policy, By-laws, Provincial legislation and policies.
Prepares and presents planning evidence at Ontario Land Tribunal hearings as directed; prepares evidence for hearings and other legal tribunals under the supervision of the Director.
Undertake representative duties as Senior Planner, Special Projects with the community, Province, County and other municipalities as required/directed; and supports and champions corporate goals and decisions within the community in a courteous, friendly and efficient manner to promote a high standard of customer service and public relations at all times.
Demonstrate commitment to personal and professional development by remaining current with new legislation, regulations, organizational theory and practices relating to the functions of the department in order that professionalcompetence is maintained.
Assist with the enforcement of the Zoning by-law and Site Plan Agreements by conducting site inspections, gathering evidence and providing expert witness testimony in coordination with Building Division staff, By-law Enforcement staff and a solicitor as required.
Represent the Township and Department at various meetings, events and functions to express the Department’s position.
Qualifications and Experience
Successful completion of a University degree in Land Use Planning.
Minimum of 5 to 10 years of direct or related experience in municipal land use planning.
Membership or eligibility for membership in either the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) or the Ontario Professional Planner’s Institute (OPPI).
Knowledge of Ontario Planning Act, related Acts and regulations, Provincial Policy, municipal by-laws and planning processes and best practices.
Experience leading development reviews, official plan reviews and/or secondary plans, including policy development is required.
Excellent analytical, presentation, written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Experience at the Ontario Land Tribunal is an asset.
Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality of information is critical.
Ability to work occasional hours beyond the normal work week, including evenings and weekends to accommodate deadlines or work projects.
A Valid Class G driver’s license in good standing with a satisfactory driving record; travel between offsite locations may be required.
Due to the responsibilities of the position, a police information check satisfactory to the Township of Springwater is required.
Rate of Pay
The Township of Springwater offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive employee benefit plan, including participation in the OMERS pension plan for this position. Compensation for this position is currently $101,311.93 to $118,520.90 per annum (2025 rate).
Hours of Work
This position will work 35 hours per week; however, occasional hours outside of normal business hours, including attendance at evening meetings, will be required.
It's normal to feel unsure about applying if you don't check every box listed in the job posting. While certain qualifications are crucial for some roles, we encourage people from all backgrounds, with different levels of experience and education, to apply. Our recruiters will assess how you match up with the role.
Note: Applications that are not submitted online will not be considered. All applicants must provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Written correspondence pertaining to this recruitment may be sent to the email address provided. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they check their email regularly. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act and is used to determine eligibility for potential employment.
The Township thanks all applicants for their interest. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Accessible Accommodations
As an inclusive employer, we are committed to providing a fully accessible recruitment process. Please contact us at any time during the recruitment process and let us know what accessible supports you may need.
The Township of Springwater, located in the heart of Simcoe County, is a picturesque municipality with year-round recreation. We're conveniently located just 100 km north of Toronto, between the urban centres of Barrie and Wasaga Beach. Our community has easy access to Highways 400, 26 and 93 for transportation and consumer needs.
Springwater's combination of rural and urban communities, with more than 19,000 residents, is one of the fastest growing regions in Ontario. Our eight settlement areas include: Anten Mills, Centre Vespra, Elmvale, Hillsdale, Midhurst, Minesing, Phelpston and Snow Valley.
