Reporting to the Supervisor of Development Approvals, the Senior Planner will review and process large-scale and complex development applications including official plan amendments, zoning by-law amendments, site plans and site plan amendments, and draft plans of subdivision and condominium. The Senior Planner will also prepare implementing development agreements; prepare staff reports and make formal presentations to Committees, Council and the public on development applications; facilitate and present at Public Open Houses; and addresses inquiries and complaints from residents, applicants, developers, staff and Council.
Job Duties
Processes complex, large scale, and controversial development applications including official plan amendments; plans of subdivision/condominium and related agreements; zoning by-law amendments; site plan applications, site plan amendments and related agreements.
Prepares various development agreements, including but not limited to, site plan, subdivision, shoring, crane swing, construction administration and encroachment agreements.
Prepares and/or assists with the preparation and/or amendment of municipal guidance documents, such as by-laws and/or guidelines.
Performs site visits/field investigations to gather information/data relevant to the development review process and/or verify that development projects comply with approved plans.
Provides in-depth analysis and reports and correspondence and confidential advice/recommendations to Council, CAO, Directors and other Town staff.
Prepares staff reports and public presentations to Community Affairs and Planning Committee, General Government Committee, Council and advisory committees.
Educates members of Council, Committees, and public stakeholders on applicable legislative statutes that govern Planning decisions and recommendations.
Provides evidence at Ontario Land Tribunal Hearings as a qualified expert witness, other tribunals, or at Divisional or Superior court including preparing logical, cogent and defensible witness statements and/or affidavits.
Works directly with legal counsel to coordinate tactical, judicious, and defensible legal strategies for complex files involving litigation.
Qualifications/Skills
Four (4) year University degree in Planning or a combination of education and experience deemed equivalent.
Registered Professional Planner (RPP).
Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP), the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (RPP).
Experience providing expert testimony before the Ontario Land Tribunal.
Minimum five (5) years relevant and current work experience.
Experience in the broader public sector.
Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Work, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Bluebeam, and AMANDA.
Strong knowledge and demonstrated implementation of legislative requirements under the Planning Act and Provincial policy framework, including but not limited to, the Provincial Policy Statement, Growth Plan, and Greenbelt Plan.
Excellent organization, time management, project management, public consultation and planning skills.
Excellent ability to think logically and consistently – ensure that decisions are not arbitrary and based on a rational approach to solving the issue at hand based on sound planning principles.
Highly developed communication skills: necessary for public presentations and appearing before meetings of Council and Committees; accurate, error free and effective written communication required in report writing, preparation of planning policies, drafting of agreements, e-mails, etc.
Excellent interpersonal skills: acting in a persuasive, tactful and diplomatic manner; working collaboratively with consultants, residents, agencies, staff and other departments with competing interests.
Strong mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
What We Offer to Staff
Rate of pay: $96,982 - $107,757 per year
Work hours: This is a non-union position that works 35 hours per week. The hours of work are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Benefits: The Town offers full-time staff a comprehensive benefit package with paid sick, vacation and personal leave days; Employee & Family Assistance Program; Health & Wellness Program, Town of Ajax Fitness Centre membership; plus a defined benefits pension (OMERS pension).
How to Apply:
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please go to the Town of Ajax website at www.ajax.ca/careers. Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Town of Ajax is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and accessibility within the workplace where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. The Town embraces diversity and gender expression through policy, staff training and providing positive spaces. The Town encourages applications from all qualified candidates. If selected for an interview, please inform Human Resources staff of any accommodation you may require during the process.
The Town of Ajax, situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, is an innovative municipal sector leader that provides a variety of services to one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario. With over 130,000 residents, Ajax's rich heritage and culturally diverse community make it a great place to work and live.
