Career Center

Reporting to the Manager of Development Planning, the Senior Development Planner is responsible for leading in the review and coordination of development approvals, pursuant to provincial legislation, City and Regional Official Plans and other relevant policies and procedures. The Senior Development Planner provides strong leadership, guidance and technical competence with respect to planning analysis and professional recommendation on more complex planning applications, while supervising the daily responsibilities and tasks of the Planner and/or planning student positions.  The Senior Development Planner fulfills a key role in coaching, mentoring and developing planning staff and ensuring the approvals process is customer-focused and streamlined.  

• Supervising and leading the Planner and Student Planner positions in the Development Review section of the Planning Division; ensure efficient/effective organization of work,  development approvals timelines, and Committee of Adjustment written planning reports and Committee report presentations
• Review and author recommended amendments to performance standards and regulations to the Comprehensive Zoning By-law to ensure conformity with provincial policies and plans, legislation, as well as the Regional Official Plan
• Draft, prepare and maintain Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments and schedules
• Monitor and make recommendations on land use planning trends and emerging issues and municipal responses
• Review a variety of planning applications and associated supporting studies in accordance with legislated timelines, including Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law amendments, Plans of Subdivision and/or Condominium, site plan control applications, and Committee of Adjustments applications as required
• Lead public consultation events and activities related to municipally-initiated Zoning By-law amendments and, where applicable, new Comprehensive Zoning By-law
• Receive and address inquiries from the public, staff, internal departments and government agencies in a professional manner
• Evaluate, review and/or comment on Niagara Escarpment Commission Development permit applications
• Review drawing submissions for zoning approval prior to building permit submission and ensure compliance as part of the building permit application approvals process
• Coach and mentor developing staff
• Review/prepare/coordinate the timely processing of planning applications by liaising with other departments and external approval agencies
• Managing the planning approvals process; ensure efficient/effective organization of work and undertake process improvements to streamline the planning service delivery
• Prepare and present reports to Council, the public, and stakeholder groups on complex development proposals
• Participate in interdepartmental and/or Technical advisory committees/working groups/Committees and sub-committees of Council
• Liaise with external agencies, senior levels of government and stakeholder groups
• Assist the Manager of Development Planning, with the development of internal policies for process
• improvements
• Ensure all planning projects, policies, regulations and initiatives are aligned with Council’s strategic priorities
• Maintain planning files, both paper and electronic
• Liaise with external lawyers on matters requiring legal guidance and direction
• Prepare, Administer and coordinate agreements for Subdivision, Condominium and site plan approvals, including development agreements
• Prepare, review and finalize Letters of Compliance/ Zoning Confirmation Letters
• Assist by-law enforcement on matters related to zoning compliance
• Evaluate and comment on property appraisal reports for the purpose of parkland dedication
• Assist the Manager in the review and update to the Tariff of Fees By-law
• Perform site inspections and maintain field notes
• Prepares and attends Ontario Land Tribunal hearings as required
• Comply with all health and safety practices as it relates to the work and the Occupational Health and Safety Act

• 4-year Honours post-secondary degree in Planning or related field; graduate level Master’s degree in Planning or related field is preferred
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively more responsible development planning experience
• Minimum of two (2) years of municipal planning experience is preferred
• Minimum of one (1) year experience in supervising professional staff is preferred
• Extensive knowledge of Provincial and municipal land use planning policies
• Experience with various GIS applications is an asset
• Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and a Registered Professional Planner (MCIP, RPP) is preferred;
• Provisional membership with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) and the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) will be considered, however future Full Membership will be a requirement of an employment contract.

About City of Thorold

Thorold, Ontario is a community rich in history! Our community is home to approximately 22,000 residents and has been recognized for the best weather in Ontario. Thorold has been the recipient of the Prince of Wales Prize for Municipal Heritage, awarded by the National Trust of Canada, one of the most prestigious awards a municipality can receive when it comes to Heritage. Locate centrally in the Niagara Region, Thorold is known for the Welland Canal's twinned flight locks, where ships climb the mountain. Each year, these three (3) locks attract thousands of tourists to our city. Residents enjoy a number of pristine parks including, the Battle of Beaverdams Park, DeCew House Heritage Park and the First Nations Peace Monument. When you are in our area, be sure to visit the Lock 7 Viewing Centre, climb aboard the Port Robinson Ferry, take a walk in our historic downtown and shop locally in our shopping district. Thorold is the perfect place to live, work and play.

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