Planner I

Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is accepting applications for full time, term (up to 18-months) Planner I positions with the Housing Accelerator Fund division of Planning & Development. Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application Reporting to the Principal Planner, the Planner I is knowledgeable in a broad range of planning matters, provides entry-level professional planning services, and undertakes or participates in a variety of assigned professional planning services or projects. The incumbent may support and participate in projects of studies in one or more areas of expertise such as Development Review, Community Planning, and Regional Planning DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs professional work and provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public regarding the administration of planning and development programs;
• Acts as liaison between citizens, government agencies, developers and elected officials on planning matters as may be assigned;
• Evaluates and processes development applications for compliance with land use by-law, subdivision by-law, development agreement requirements and heritage property regulations;
• Evaluates or assists in the evaluation of variances, site plans, development agreements, land use by-law amendments and other planning applications;
• Supports and may prepare and present detailed reports and recommendations on planning proposals to Boards, Committees and Council;
• Conducts field evaluations and assessments;
• Investigates violations of planning regulations;
• Acts as witness in legal proceedings as necessary;
• Advises and makes recommendations on business unit policies and procedures related to land use planning and development programs or strategic corporate initiatives;
• Represents the business unit or the municipality as a team member, or independently, on assigned planning matters;
• Provides professional planning assistance to communities and community groups on various land use projects;
• Supports and may facilitate public meetings representing the business unit on assigned application or planning project matters;
• Supports and may facilitate customer-focused strategic planning, education and consultation processes as required;
• Researches, analyzes and compiles information and statistical data and trends on a variety of planning matters as directed;
• Supports the development of policy options, analysis and reports on planning issues and participates as a team member for multidisciplinary projects in varied areas of expertise (i.e., Development Review, Community Planning, Regional Planning, Urban Design, Heritage & Cultural Planning, Infrastructure Planning, Transportation Planning, Environmental Planning and Research & Forecasting);
• Supports the preparation of comprehensive regional and community plans, land use by-laws, the Subdivision By-law and other regulations regarding development control;
• Makes decisions on assigned minor permit and subdivision applications when appointed as a Development Officer by Council pursuant to the Halifax Charter.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

• University degree in Planning from an accredited planning program OR
• University degree from a non-accredited but related program (such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban, Human or Economic Geography, and Geographic/Spatial Information Systems) and two (2) years of professional planning experience.
• Candidacy as a Licensed Professional Planner (LPP) or equivalent Provincial or International designation is considered an asset.
• Experience working in a municipal government environment is considered an asset.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning including cross-functional knowledge involving other disciplines, e.g. engineering and recreational design principles.
• Knowledge of the Municipal Government Act, the HRM Charter, the Heritage Property Act, the Heritage By-law, the Subdivision By-law, various HRM Municipal Planning Strategies and Land Use By-laws and other relevant legislation and municipal by-laws related to construction approvals, engineering specifications, and planning applications
• Knowledge of standard office software and technology including Microsoft Office Suite, Internet applications, GIS and other similar systems and technology related to the business unit
• Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations
• Superior written and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal and facilitation skills are required

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion COMPETENCIES: Analytical Thinking, Communication, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Organizational Awareness, Teamwork and Cooperation, Valuing Diversity WORK STATUS: Temporary, full-time (up to 18-months) HOURS OF WORK: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm, 35 hours per week SALARY: Level 8, $38.48 per hour as per the NSGEU 222 Collective Agreement WORK LOCATION: 3rd Floor Duke Tower (5251 Duke Street, Halifax, NS) CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm on April 29, 2024 This is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) and who require accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Recruiter when invited to the assessment process (Positions # 78640069, 78640070)