Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for four (4) Planner II positions within the Urban and Rural Planning Applications department of Planning and Development. One (1) permanent full-time position with the Urban Enabled Applications division; and one (1) permanent full-time and two (2) temporary full-time (up to 18-months) positions with the Rural Policy and Applications division.

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 II is knowledgeable in a broad range of planning matters, has some specialized expertise, provides intermediate-level professional planning services and leads a wide variety of professional planning services or projects. The incumbent demonstrates specialized knowledge in one or more areas of expertise such as Development Review, Community Planning, Regional Planning, Urban Design, Heritage & Cultural Planning, Infrastructure Planning, Transportation Planning, Environmental Planning and Socio-Economic Research.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads and performs professional work and provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public related to a broad range of planning matters
• 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 and processes variances, site plans, development agreements, municipal planning strategy amendments, land use by-law amendments and other planning applications
• Prepares and presents detailed reports and recommendations and presents on planning proposals to Boards, Committees and Council
• Investigates violations of planning regulations
• Acts as witness in legal proceedings as necessary and provides expert advice at the Utility and Review Board
• 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.
• Facilitates public meetings representing the business unit on a variety of planning matters
• Designs and facilitates 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
• Identifies emerging planning trends, policies and best practices from other jurisdictions and makes recommendations on business unit policies and planning initiatives to address community problems
• Researches, analyzes and supports the preparation of reports, terms of reference, request for proposals, policies and procedures, correspondence and briefs for Planner III, Principal Planners and senior management.
• Prepares, presents and maintains comprehensive regional and community plans, land use by-laws, the Subdivision By-law and other regulations regarding development control
• Mentors Planner I

QUALIFICATIONS:Education and Experience:

• University degree from an accredited planning program and three (3) years of professional planning experience; 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 five (5) 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.
• Fully competent in all aspects of the Planner I position.

Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Well-developed knowledge of the principles and practices of planning including cross-functional knowledge involving other disciplines.
• Thorough 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, including a clear understanding of their interrelationships.
• A broad knowledge of the legislative framework under which land use planning law operates and the ability to interpret and draft by-laws and contracts which affect the rights of land owners, neighbourhoods and communities.
• Superior written and verbal communications and strong interpersonal and facilitation skills.
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well- defined practical problems.
• Valid driver's license is 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, Organization and Planning, Teamwork and Cooperation, Valuing Diversity

WORK STATUS: Two (2) permanent; and two (2) temporary (up to 18-month), full-time positions

HOURS OF WORK: Monday - Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, 35 hours per week.

SALARY: NSGEU Local 222, Level 9, $41.26/hour

WORK LOCATION: 3rd Floor of Duke Tower (5251 Duke Street, Halifax, NS)

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm on September 30, 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.

(Position #s 72283836, 78625344, 78601284 & 72283835)