Development Officer

The Fundy Regional Service Commission (FRSC) is seeking a Development Officer to join our team to provide administrative and technical support for a variety of functions and duties related to land development for the two communities that receive community planning services from the Commission: Fundy-St. Martins and the Fundy Rural District. The ideal candidate is well organized, detail-oriented, has strong customer-oriented communication skills, and a keen interest in community planning, development and building inspection.

The FRSC is a public service organization serving seven vibrant communities along the Bay of Fundy: Fundy-St. Martins, Grand Bay-Westfield, Hampton, Quispamsis, Rothesay, Saint John, and the Fundy Rural District. We are dedicated to fostering collaborative excellence, building resilient communities, and delivering valuable outcomes across a wide range of services, from solid waste management to regional planning and community development.

Position Summary: Reporting to the Senior Director of Community Planning and Transportation, and working closely with the FRSC's Building Inspector, the Development Officer will work collaboratively with developers, landowners and business owners through the development and planning approval process. You would be an integral part of working in a dynamic small team environment, along with the many internal and external stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Process Applications

• Process and approve applications for permits, subdivision approvals, variances, zoning confirmations and approval of deed descriptions for unincorporated areas and client municipalities to ensure compliance with the Community Planning Act, Rural Plans and related bylaws.
• Carries out field inspections and reports, ensuring all relevant information is included with permit applications.
• Prepares notice of decisions for all permit applications.
• Conduct site visits for the purpose of assessing site suitability for the proposed use or subdivision.
• Ensures follow-up is completed to ensure development permit conditions are met and liaises with in-house building inspector as well as other provincial agencies and authorities to gather appropriate documentation.

Work Collaboratively

• Liaises with and responds professionally and promptly to internal and external customer inquiries regarding planning and development.
• Assist and advise clients to the extent necessary in filling out permits and other applications.
• Provides assistance and information through collaboration with the public to ensure development requirements and processes are known.
• Liaise with municipal administrators and when needed, attend meetings with Rural District officials to receive, give or exchange information.
• Respond to complaints pertaining to non-compliance with rural plans and Provincial regulations under specific by-laws.

Stay Organized

• Develops and maintains a working knowledge of the relevant legislation and regulations in regards to Development including; the Community Planning Act, the Subdivision and related Provincial regulations, Rural Plans and planning studies applicable to the various Communities and Municipalities.
• Participates in the development and revision of plans, bylaws, policies, and agreements relative to planning and development to ensure the Community/Municipality is meeting its current needs regarding planning, development and permitting.
• Keep up-to-date files on subdivisions, permits, construction reports, plans, permit notes, photos, etc.
• Ensure required information is provided to municipal, provincial, and federal government departments.

Enforce

• Investigate and enforce provincial regulations, rural plans and zoning, subdivision, building, and other regulations enacted under the Community Planning Act.
• Issue verbal and written stop-work and compliance orders related to unauthorized land use and construction activities, and deviation from approved plans.
• Make reports relative to bylaw violations.
• Report violations and provide recommendations to provincial and municipal governments with respect to building and zoning violations.

Other

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in a related field (administration, business, engineering, land use planning, etc.)
• A minimum of two years of exceptional customer service experience
• Demonstrated and applicable experience in land development and building inspection is an asset
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
• High proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
• Valid New Brunswick driver's license, a satisfactory driving record, and access to a vehicle
• Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Sound judgment and discretion
• Strong customer service focus including excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Highly organized and meticulous with detail and file administration
• Strong investigative skills and able to work independently
• Strong collaborative rapport and relationship builder
• A keen interest in community planning, development, and building inspection

Additionally, the successful candidate will be eligible to participate in many employee benefits:

• This position falls within the 'Coordinator' pay band: $65,000 and $73,234.
• Comprehensive benefits package
• RRSP with matching contributions
• Professional development opportunities
• Free parking onsite
• This role will be located at the FRSC Uptown Office on Broadview Avenue, Saint John

To apply, submit your resume and cover letter by March 16, 2025, to [email protected].

The Fundy Regional Service Commission is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects our communities