Senior Planner - Development

We are currently seeking a Senior Planner – Development to join our Planning and Development Services team, on a full-time term basis. (term of 18-months) Reporting to the Manager of Planning Services, the Senior Planner is responsible for a diverse portfolio of regional planning projects and services that ensure growth and development align with the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS), Official Community Plans (OCPs), Local Area Plans (LAPs), and the long-term strategic vision of the CVRD. The position supports community objectives for sustainable, well-planned built environments through policy development, development review, and stakeholder collaboration.

The Senior Planner role requires a high degree of professional judgment, and the ability to manage sensitive, multi-stakeholder planning processes. The primary responsibilities of this role include :

• Evaluating major land use and development proposals for compliance with land use planning principles, adopted policies, and the long-term strategic vision of the Regional District Board.
• Coordinating, managing, and leading complex and sensitive policy initiatives and bylaw amendments from inception through to adoption and implementation.
• Preparing comprehensive staff reports, briefing materials, and presentations, and making professional recommendations to senior leadership, various committees, and the Board on complex and potentially politically sensitive planning matters.
• Initiating, designing, and facilitating public consultation processes, including statutory public hearings, meetings, workshops, and open houses related to OCPs, LAPs, zoning bylaws, and other land use matters.
• Collaborating and maintaining effective working relationships with Board members, elected officials, First Nations, provincial and federal agencies, member municipalities, developers, consultants, community groups, and other stakeholders to ensure perspectives and needs are identified and considered.
• Conducting detailed technical research and studies on emerging and complex land use and policy issues; obtaining legal and professional advice as required and preparing findings for senior management and the Board.
• Responding to public, stakeholder, and community inquiries, complaints, and suggestions in a professional and timely manner, ensuring accurate and clear information is provided.
• Providing senior-level technical planning guidance, mentorship, and periodic direction to other planners and staff, assisting with interpretation of regulations and resolution of complex planning issues.

Remaining current with changes to municipal, provincial, and federal legislation, bylaws, policies, case law, and planning best practices by attending training, conferences, and professional development activities, and sharing knowledge with colleagues.

Our ideal candidate is :