County of Grey
Location
Owen Sound, ON | Canada
Job description
Join us and help make a difference! At Grey County we work together to deliver essential public services that meet the needs of our communities. Grey County isn't just a great place to live; its also a great place to work!
We are proud to offer competitive wages and an attractive total compensation package. We support learning and continuous employee development, and champion career progression for our employees. We value work-life balance, so you can make the most of your career at Grey County, while making the most of your life in Grey County!
Apply now to join our team!
Purpose
To supply a full range of professional planning services related to supporting the County’s planning and development goals and strategies.
Responsibilities
Specific Responsibilities Related to Planning
• Prepares and presents reports to Committee of the Whole regarding plans of subdivision, condominium, County or Local Official Plan Amendments or Niagara Escarpment Plan Amendments.
• Provides technical support and comments to local municipalities on applications including consents, minor variances, zoning by-laws or amendments, and site plans, with respect to County Official Plan conformity and provincial policy, as required under Municipal Plan Review.
• Provides advice and comments to the Niagara Escarpment Commission on development permit applications and Niagara Escarpment Plan Amendments.
• Provides on-going planning advisory service to local municipal Councils, local planners, planning consultants, and the public regarding interpretation of County Official Plan policy, provincial policy, and regulations.
• Coordinates comments from internal departments under the County’s internal ‘One Window’ Planning process.
• Reviews and provides advice on confidential pre-submission development inquiries from the public or the development industry.
• Reviews studies and reports prepared by others in support of development applications (i.e. Environmental Impact Studies, Planning Justification Reports, etc.).
• Represents the County and/or gives planning evidence at various judicial/quasi-judicial tribunals.
• Liaises with County solicitor regarding development applications that have been appealed to tribunals.
• Attends off-site meetings and conducts site inspections.
• Attends and make planning presentations respecting development and land use matters to local Councils, Committees, public meetings/open houses, and the public.
• Represents the County by attending special interest and advisory committees.
• Supports planning research on planning policy matters, special planning studies, or policy updates.
• Assists with planning policy exercises, such as County Official Plan reviews, and special studies i.e. growth management strategy or age-friendly community strategy.
• Engages the public on planning matters, both related to development applications, but also furthering public knowledge and understanding of planning.
Other Duties
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Senior Planner or Director of Planning and Development.
• Provides assistance on an as needed basis with the management of the County’s forests and trails, by providing back-up to the Trails and Forestry Coordinator.
• Provides incidental guidance and advice to the Planner and/or Student Planner.
• Maintains skills at a high level through courses, seminars, and selected reading, as per the Ontario Professional Planners Institute’s Continuous Professional Learning requirements.
• Responsible, as an employee, for occupational health and safety.
Working Conditions
Usual hours of work are thirty-five (35) per week, Monday to Friday. Overtime can be expected to deal with the demands of the position, such as evening meetings that are convened for the public and committees’ convenience, plus normal operational and statutory deadlines, and peak periods.
There is risk to the prospects of emotionally loaded, hostile situations that arise from planning and development recommendation and policies, which must be confronted tactfully and professionally.
Occasional site visits to planning or off-site meetings sites are required. Must have a personal automobile available for travel.
Contacts
Internal Working Relationships
Discusses plans, priorities and receives general policy direction from Senior Planner and Director. Works with staff in other County Departments (Transportation Services, Clerks, Economic Development, Tourism and Culture, Information Technology, Community Services, etc.). Prepares and presents reports to Committee of the Whole.
External Working Relationships
Staff of Provincial Ministries, including Conservation Authorities and the Niagara Escarpment Commission, staff of local municipalities, Quasi-Judicial Boards, solicitors, consultants, developers, consultants, developers, and the general public.
Knowledge and Skill
• Degree in Urban and Regional Planning or related field (e.g. Geography, Environmental Resource Studies, etc.), with 3 years progressive municipal or private planning experience.
• Eligible for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI), and progressing towards, or has achieved, the Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation.
• Good knowledge of and ability to apply expertise in community, rural, environmental, and recreational planning principles, and concepts.
• Good knowledge of planning legislation and processes.
• Ability to respect confidentiality, and to communicate effectively and courteously with staff, external government agencies/authorities, elected officials, the development community, special interest or user groups and the general public.
• Good organizational, analytical, problem-solving, report writing, communication, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Working knowledge of planning application tracking software.
• Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems software or web applications.
• Working knowledge of forestry principles and trail management is an asset.
Impact of Error
Judgement errors could cause potential harm to the public image through failure to exercise diplomacy when dealing with the public or government officials. Errors in judgement, miscommunication and breach of confidentiality would result in unfavourable relations between staff, council, the development industry, and the public and a loss of trust in the County’s planning approval system. A misinterpretation of County policies or provincial guidelines could directly impact public safety or the natural environment.
Technical errors could lead to higher legal and administration costs, including litigation and tribunal costs
Grey County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and promotes a culture of respect where all team members are valued for their unique talents, knowledge and lived experiences.
Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants are encouraged to outline accommodation needs when submitting their application. If alternate methods of application are required, candidates can email [email protected].
While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Any personal information submitted will be managed in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and will be used only to determine eligibility for employment.
Based on the nature of the position, pre-employment screening may be required including but not limited to; Criminal Record Searches, Financial Credit Inquiries; Educational and Credential Verification; Drivers Abstracts; Drug/Alcohol Testing; Pre-Medical Testing and Investigative Employment References
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