Employment Opportunities

Description

Position Description:
A regular full-time opportunity is currently available for an experienced Senior Development Planner who: (1) is familiar with evaluating and processing major development applications including multifaceted Official Plan Amendments, Zone Change Applications, Site Plans, Subdivisions, and Condominiums; and (2) specializes or has expertise in major intensification sites and developments of a complex nature, with significant urban design components.

Accountabilities:

• Review, analyze, assess and report on development applications of a highly complex nature, including necessary research, review, evaluation and analysis of supporting documentation, and formulating professional recommendations
• Provide professional urban planning advice to Council, the Corporation, advisory groups, and the community 
• Provide and contribute towards innovative design and planning solutions for development proposals
• Develop, implement and apply urban design policies, standards and guidelines, including the provision of design guidance related to built form, streetscape and site planning for a wide range of complex development applications
• Strong project management skills to independently lead projects forward, while working collaborately with others in a team environment
• Conduct research and comprehensive analysis related to complex land use planning, intensification and urban design matters
• Prepare and deliver exceptional professional planning reports, correspondence, and presentations 
• Write zoning regulations, urban design provisions, draft plan conditions, and development agreements 
• Negotiate to resolve conflicts between applicants, interested parties and stakeholders on a variety of planning and urban design related matters
• Represent the Planning Division on special studies and projects, both internal and external to the City
• Prepare and present professional urban planning advice and evidence at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) on behalf of the City of Waterloo as an expert witness
• A strong representative and ambassador for the City, promoting urban planning excellence
• Other projects as assigned by the City’s Manager of Planning Approvals or Director of Planning

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Planning with a minimum of three (3) years of land use and development planning experience. Equivalent combinations of experience and education may be considered.
• Full Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute is an asset
• Demonstrated understanding, knowledge and skills in the application and interpretation of the Planning Act and other relevant legislation, policies, regulations and guidelines
• Ability to evaluate major development applications of a complex nature in the context of applicable law, principles of good planning, and design excellence
• Experience and understanding of contemporary urban design practices, including a strong understanding of built form, public realm, community design, intensification, sustainability, and architectural best practices
• Experience with developing and applying urban design policies, standards and guidelines
• Able to successfully negotiate and liaise with stakeholders, agencies, developers, consultants, and the community using strong communication, interpersonal, customer service and leadership skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to work independently and within a multi-disciplinary team
• Proven ability to prioritize, organize, coordinate and manage a variety of projects simultaneously while being adaptable to deadlines, time constraints and changing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions, formulate planning recommendations and urban design recommendations, and exercise discretion, tact and sensitivity
• Able to deal harmoniously and diplomatically with the general public, colleagues and elected officials
• Strong computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Local municipal planning experience and knowledge of the City of Waterloo is an asset
• Ability and willingness to travel between worksites, as necessary, utilizing reliable, safe and efficient methods of transportation is required to perform the job
• A Police Criminal Record and Judicial Matters check satisfactory to the City is required as a condition of hire

Application Process

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter in one document through the online application process. For posting and application details please visit:  www.waterloo.ca/careers

Job Eligibility

All qualified City of Waterloo employees may apply, however during the selection process there is a specific sequence that will be followed. Members of the City of Waterloo Staff Association who have completed their probationary period in their most recent position will be considered first for this posting.

Be You @ Waterloo

At the City of Waterloo, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. All interested and qualified candidates, including Indigenous persons, Black persons, non-Black racialized persons/persons of colour, women, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ and those interested in joining our team are encouraged to apply.

Accommodation

The City of Waterloo is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace that is welcoming, inclusive, and barrier-free. Accommodations in accordance with the Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation are available throughout all stages of the recruitment process. For accommodation during the application process, applicants are requested to make their needs known via email at recruitment@waterloo.ca, quoting the position and competition number. Applicants advanced through to subsequent stages of the recruitment process will be provided with additional opportunities to make their needs known.

We’ve Got You Covered

The City of Waterloo strives to be an employer of choice for strong talent dedicated to serving our community, and offer the following:

• Flexible work schedules to support and nurture work-life balance;
• Competitive wages and a fulsome employer paid benefits package, including paid sick leave, long-term disability, OMERS pension and an Employee and Family Assistance Program;
• A staff team dedicated to fostering and advancing action to support the organization’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous Initiatives, Anti-Racism, Accessibility and Equity;
• Substantial internal and external training and development opportunities;
• Compassionate and caring organization that promotes and embraces a culture of health, safety and wellness;
• Strong commitment to providing and maintaining a psychologically safe workplace that is respectful, inclusive, and where all individuals are valued;
• Paid vacation and personal days, paid float holiday(s), and the ability to bank overtime;
• Employee Purchase Programs (Corporate Cell Phone plans, Computer Purchase Plan, etc.);
• Dress-down Fridays,  and optional Wednesdays in partnership with the United Way fundraising campaign;
• City of Waterloo Staff Recreation Pass;
• Anniversary milestone gifts, starting at 5 years of service for regular part-time and full-time staff; and,
• So much more!