Planning Technician Position Available

Under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and the guidance of the Junior Planner, the Planning Technician provides general information on planning applications, planning processes, zoning inquiries and circulations. The Planning Technician is responsible, as the first point of contact for the Planning Department, to respond to inquiries from the public related to planning files and will assist with undertaking site visits associated with planning applications. The Planning Technician assists with the preparation of public notices, zoning certificates and compliance letters while utilizing planning related mapping services (GIS). The incumbent will complete all duties related to the function and operation of the Secretary-Treasurer to the Committee of Adjustment.

• Act as a first point of contact for the Planning Department and provide general planning information to the public, property owners, and development professionals.
• Receive and respond to requests for zoning information from property owners, development professionals, and the public in a timely manner.
• Receive and review all matters of planning applications for completeness in accordance with departmental policies and procedures and follow up with applicants for any required information.
• Act as a Commissioner for Taking Affidavits on behalf of the Municipality for planning applications.

• Provide planning research and technical support to various Departments as required.
• Provide administrative support to the Planning Department.
• Provide administrative support to the Building and Bylaw Departments as it relates to the Short-Term Rental Licensing program.
• Assist with undertaking site visits when planning applications are received.
• Assist the Junior Planner and/or Municipal Planner in the preparation of planning reports and documents.
• Assist the Building Department with zoning compliance review for building permits and refer to Junior Planner if necessary.
• Assist with necessary preparations for circulation of all necessary meetings i.e. mailing list preparations, send out notifications, follow up with notice of Council decisions, etc.
• Assist with the digitization and filing of completed planning applications.
• Accept and carry out special projects and other duties as assigned by the CAO or senior planning staff, including research, mapping, providing technical expertise and data collection and analysis for special projects within the Municipality.
• Provide Geographic Information System (GIS) information to the planning department and any other departments as required. Update zoning by-law schedules with recent amendments and consolidate past exceptions for inclusion in the by-laws.
• Subject to the approval of the CAO, attend courses, seminars, conferences, and other educational opportunities, and complete any required reading, to maintain up-to-date knowledge.

• Assume the statutory duties of the Secretary-Treasurer to the Committee of Adjustment under the supervision of the CAO and guidance of the Junior Planner.
• Schedule meetings, site visits, and prepare and coordinate posting and mailing of all statutory notices.
• Schedule meetings and site visits, prepare agendas and minutes for said meetings, and liaise with applicants, their agents, professionals, and other staff.
• Assist with the onboarding and training for new Committee of Adjustment members as needed.
• Maintain Committee of Adjustment records and compile file for Ontario Land Tribunal purposes, if required.

• Assist with entering information into the software system and files in Property system to track applications and inquiries.
• Assist with preparations and updates of land use planning related forms, guides, notices, reports, policies and by-laws. Works in conjunction with the Junior Planner as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Working knowledge of provincial and municipal land use planning policy and regulations, with an emphasis on rural planning.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage deadlines and prioritize important, time-sensitive work and projects.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills with an emphasis on customer service to explain and guide the general public through complex planning policies and processes.
• Proficiency in computer applications (including but not limited to Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point) and GIS programs with a familiarity of web-based programs and database management.
• Strong numeracy and analytical skills, including but not limited to the ability to read and review building plans, site plans and plans of survey.
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including negotiation and mediation skills.
• A team-focused attitude with the ability to work independently.

• Post-Secondary education with a discipline in land use planning, geographic information systems, or a related field of study.  Completion of OACA’s Primer on Planning, is an asset.
• Membership in the Canadian Association of Certified Planning Technicians, is an asset.
• Valid Class “G” Drivers License

• Minimum of two (2) years of related experience in land use planning in an office environment

• Work is performed in a climate-controlled office environment. Standing for short periods of time at the counter. Ability to sit for long periods of time reviewing or inputting information into the computer system. Incumbent has the ability to move freely to reduce fatigue.
• Position requires visual and metal concentration with regular interruptions from co-workers and the public.
• Occasional exposure to inclement weather to complete site inspections.
• Physical activity includes lifting and bending for file maintenance. Site inspections involve walking on varied terrain with suitable footwear.
• Attendance at meetings when required.
• Standard office hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional extended hours for meeting attendance or to handle emergency situations.
• Exposure to predetermined deadlines, interruptions and setting priorities.
• Deals with difficult customers occasionally.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of items weighing less than 30 lbs (i.e., office supplies)