Under the direction and reporting of the Director of Planning, the Planning Technician is responsible for carrying out assigned Planning Department duties & responsibilities and overall Department workplan. The Planning Technician provides general information on planning applications, planning processes, zoning enquiries and circulations. The Planning Technician assists with the preparation of public notices, issues zoning certificates & compliance letters, undertakes administrative updates to the Town’s Zoning Bylaw, and provides related mapping updates & services. The position also reviews and prepares reports, agenda, & notices for Committee of Adjustment applications in the role of Secretary-Treasurer, and also for Planning Committee. The position also assists in the processing and preparation of development applications in support of the Planning Department overall functions.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Committee of Adjustment:
Assume all statutory duties of Secretary-Treasurer for the Committee of Adjustment under the supervision of the Director of Planning.
Prepare and/or coordinate the preparation of supporting documents for circulation of all necessary notices, agendas, minutes, & coordination of complete applications to Town Active Planning Applications page.
Proof read planning reports as prepared by/for Director of Planning and/or supporting documentation for the Committee / COA meetings.
Review applications and perform site inspections. Interpret and scale surveys, reference plans, registered plans, etc.
Prepare documents for Ontario Land Tribunal or other Tribunals as required.
Train and support Committee Members, including orientation to new Committee Members.
Schedule Committee meetings and review minutes.
2. Planning Committee (PENHC):
Assume all statutory duties of Secretary for Planning Environmental & Natural Heritage Committee (PENHC) under the supervision of the Director of Planning.
Ensure the duties and obligations for the PENHC are carried out in collaboration with the Director of Planning and/or Committee Chair.
Prepare and/or coordinate the preparation of supporting documents for circulation of all necessary agendas, notices, decisions, & minutes of PENHC.
3. Policy & Long-Range Planning:
Performs various duties as assigned related to a variety of policy and bylaws planning assignments under supervision of the Director of Planning.
Conducts research into various town planning functions such as: housing, rural / farmland functions, economic development, NHS, commercial / industrial, & social issues related to town planning.
Performs research into town planning related influences such as: affordable housing, climate change crisis, housing shortage crisis, natural resources planning, hazard mitigations, other various issues.
Coordinates the work and services of consultants & Town staff who provide support functions (IT/GIS Manager / Town Engineer / Town Solicitor / MLEO) as it relates to Planning Act regulatory changes, Provincial Plans, & Provincial town planning policy matters.
4. Current Operations & Department Planning:
Provides support planning advisory service to the Planning Department & allied staff in other Departments as instructed by the Director.
Reviews and makes recommendations to the Director of Planning on development applications procedures and process related matters.
Coordinates the work and services of consultants & Town staff who provide support functions (IT/GIS Manager / Town Engineer / Town Solicitor / MLEO) as it relates to active Planning Act applications or other municipal bylaw and town planning matters / issues / investigations.
Assists applicants and landowners with development related applications including their consultant planner, engineer, architect, and other allied consultants to support the application process & fulfillment of agreement conditions such as subdivision agreements and site plan control agreements & collection of fees and deposits and securities.
Provides coordination of peer review analyses for Planning Act applications.
Sound knowledge of suburban, rural and community planning principles and concepts.
5. Public:
Provides professional planning assistance to members of the community on a variety of land use and town planning issues and current applications.
Ensures all notices of public meetings, scheduling of public meetings, CoA meetings, PENHC meetings, open houses are prepared, circulated and issued.
Prepares draft bylaws, schedules, agreements and Planning Act related amendments (ZBLA & OPA) are completed for review by Director.
Acts as the first line of contact for any ICI or other economic related enquiries to the Planning Department.
Maintains an inventory of available lands for development whether publicly or privately owned and with a profiles on their respective Official Plan land use designations and Zoning Bylaw land use classifications.
6. Information/ Data & Records Management:
Responsible for records managements functions for Planning Department, including maintaining files and records in accordance with Town records keeping policy / practices as well as per Planning Act requirements & Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act.
Responsible to ensure all Planning Act applications and required town planning documents, notices, & technical comments are uploaded to Town of Mono Website and/or Active Planning Applications Webpages.
7. Zoning Compliance:
Review and prepare zoning certificates in support of building permit applications.
Review and prepare zoning compliance letters.
Identify zoning interpretation issues with the Manager and/or a Senior Planner for discussion and resolution.
8. Handle Customer Enquiries:
Serve as the technical liaison and respond to enquiries from and/or confer with developers, investors, the public, municipal departments, local municipalities, County and Provincial departments, etc. regarding a broad range of planning and land use related matters such as general regulations related to development within the municipality, active files and development activities, and information on policy, applications, processes, and planning matters.
Act as Commissioner of Affidavits for development matters as required by legislation.
Provide front desk and general job coverage/back-up for the Administrative Assistant, Planning or Junior Planner.
9. Preparation of Mapping, Schedules, and Notices:
Provide computer assisted drafting services for division documents such as Development Activity maps, and Zoning By-law and/or Official Plan Amendment schedules.
Assist in processing and preparation of notices for circulation related to development applications and coordination of applications through the various stages of the review and approvals process.
Participate in development tracking and workflow management, within the areas of responsibility associated with the position.
Work in compliance with the Highway Traffic Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, WHMIS, applicable legislation, regulations, statutes and departmental policies/procedures/practices and operational guidelines. Ensure that all necessary personal protective equipment (e.g., safety boots, hard hat, reflective vest, gloves, hearing protection, eye protection, etc.) are used and are maintained in good condition.
Perform other related duties, as assigned, that are in accordance with job responsibilities and/or necessary departmental or corporate objectives.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Diploma in a Planning Technician program or planning-related discipline.
Eligible for full or associate membership with the Canadian Association of Certified Planning Technicians and the Ontario Association of Consent Authorities. Designation as a Certified Planning Technician or an Accredited Committee Secretary-Treasurer an asset.
Three (3) years of relevant experience and experience with Committees of Adjustment under the Ontario Planning Act.
Excellent analytical, report writing, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, together with the ability to use tact and discretion and to deal courteously and effectively with the public and fellow staff members.
Ability to multi-task, cope with interruptions and work under pressure to meet multiple deadlines, exercise discretion and good judgment particularly when handling highly confidential/sensitive information. Possess a high level of initiative and personal integrity.
Thorough working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office applications, ESRI ArcGIS applications, database management, and office equipment. Knowledge of Blue Beam and City View and CityWide software an asset.
Valid Class “G” driver’s license and reliable vehicle to use on corporate business. Ability and willingness to travel within the community as required.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Physical Effort: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical demands require no undue fatigue regarding sitting, standing, and walking. Daily tasks may include operating a computer, meetings, training, concentrated attention to detail during report/release writing, analysis of various information and computer work. Individual must operate office equipment such as computers, copiers, faxes, scanners and adding machines (100%).
Normal hours of work are thirty-five (35) hours per week, usually Monday through Friday, shifts are seven (7) hours plus a one (1) hour unpaid meal break. Flexibility in scheduling is necessary as there may be the occasional requirement to attend to functions outside of normal work hours, change shifts to work evenings or weekends to accommodate high volume periods or for after-hours customer service initiatives, or to work overtime as needed.
Physical Environment: Work is conducted in a standard office environment. (90%) Work involves travelling to other Municipal buildings or off-site, business-related locations, meetings and training held in meeting rooms or conference rooms (10%).
Sensory Attention: Visual concentration and repetitive keyboarding tasks. Ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately when using equipment. Periods of continual visual concentration and must be able to distinguish numbers and characters on an electronic screen. Vision abilities required include close vision and ability to adjust focus. (70%) Requires the ability to prepare and read a variety of reports, letters/correspondence, budgets, etc. The ability to communicate effectively including explaining processes instructions and speaking before groups of people. (30%)
Stress: Moderate mental stress, in normal situations with enhanced pressure where the seriousness of the outcome is significant. (85%) Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress on a regular basis (10%) with some exposure to dissatisfied members of the public. (5%)
Salary
Salary Range: $61,880 to 72,380 (2023 rate)
Application Instructions:
Submit your cover letter and detailed resume in confidence to: david.trotman@townofmono.com — Director of Planning by 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 (this deadline has been extended from Thursday, September 28th, 2023).
Town of Mono is an equal opportunity employer.
We thank all applicants; however, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.
This document is available in alternate formats, or for accessibility, communication supports, on request.
Minimum Education Requirements:
Community College Diploma (2-year or 3-year Diploma) or a relevant University Degree in:
Ontario Land Use Planning Technician Diploma
Graphic Information Systems & Cartography - excellent working knowledge of GIS
Urban & Regional Planning Degree or Town Planning Degree or related Degree
Municipal Administration Diploma
Law & Paralegal Assistant Diploma
AMCT and/or CACPT and/or OACA and/or CIP professional accreditations
Minimum Experience:
Three (3) years of direct experience, including a minimum of two (2) years in a municipal planning department role or planning consultant firm - including planning / administrative support role in both development (current operations) + policy operations procedures + para-legal related duties.
Direct working knowledge of: Planning Act / Municipal Act / PPS / Greenbelt Plan / NEP / ORMCP / Zoning Bylaw amendment process / Official Plan amendment process / consent process / minor variance process / site plan control process / NEP Development Permit System / OLT
The Town of Mono is a dynamic, pro-active community with a population of approximately 9,000 residents.
Mono is best known for its spectacular landscape of escarpment, villages and tree-covered rolling hills. The UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve designated Niagara Escarpment informs the character of town providing breathtaking views.
The Town of Mono is situated in south-central Ontario, Canada, at the south-east corner of County of Dufferin, just north of Caledon and northeast of Orangeville. It stretches from Highway 9 along its southern border to Highway 89 along its northern border. Its border to the west is with the Township of Amaranth and in the east it is bordered by the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio.
