Working within the Planning Department of the Engineering Planning and Environmental Division, the Planner I provides intake review and analysis of various Planning Act applications and supports policy-based projects, at the direction of the Manager of Planning. This position will be responsible for maintaining planning information systems including intake of applications, entry of planning data, updating, extraction and reporting, as well as report preparation. Work related to research and review of land use planning, development trends, and / or policy issues to support the departmental initiatives will also be involved. As assigned, this position may undertake field examinations, map and literature research, and assist in preparing reports or memoranda recommending courses of action. The Planner I will respond to planning enquiries from the general public. Accordingly, the Planner I must have knowledge of planning issues in the County, understanding of the Planning Act, and have strong oral and written communication skills.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (not listed in order of priority)
1. Intake & Review of planning applications
- Receive and review planning applications circulated to the County based on criteria set by the Manager of Planning
- Analysis of a wide variety of land use planning factors and determination of interrelationships, including impact on County interests.
- Apply County, provincial, and local municipal planning policy.
- Review of mapped and written information related to natural features and functions and other planning matters.
- Provide written comments on planning applications, as assigned.
- Prepare staff reports for consideration by the Director, Executive Management Team, Committee of Council, or County Council, as required.
- Respond to telephone, written, or in person inquiries of the Planning Department
- Where warranted and directed, field examinations of subject sites and surrounding lands may occur.
- Consultation with applicants, local municipalities, Ministries, other private and public agencies, County staff, and general public, on various land use planning applications, as assigned.
2. Maintain planning information system(s) and support use within department
Regularly update planning application information within core planning database(s).Provide support to County staff in the daily use of planning information systems and intake of information.Prepare technical information / summaries and coordination preparation of maps for use in staff reports for the Planning Department.As directed by the Manager of Planning, liaise with member municipalities on development application intake information, confirmation of planning data, and ensure tracking and upkeep of shared information in the planning information system.3. Assist in research and data compilation for planning studies, including :
Prepare policy research, as directed / required.Assist senior staff in the completion of various County policy initiatives or special projectsCompile or research background documents for the preparation of County Official Plan amendments, or other matters as directed by the Director of Planning.4. Work with corporate GIS to ensure planning related data is current and accurate within the enterprise GIS system
Maintain necessary integration data points between planning information systems and enterprise GIS.Process draft plan and final documents and spatially reference utilizing GIS tools, upload to the planning information system and ensure information is available to planning staff in a timely manner.Interact with corporate GIS staff to ensure planning related spatial data is current, accurate and complete.5. Respond to telephone, written, or in-person inquiries of the Planning Department, including :
Advise of the status of planning applications or projects, in consultation with Manager of Planning.Compile, prepare, and provide information pertaining the planning data, housing data, development approval status, and statistics / trends as may be prepared by the County.6. Perform other duties as assigned, including redeployment in emergency situations.
7. Comply with provincial and County occupational health and safety legislation, regulations, policies and procedures.
8. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
CORPORATE COMPETENCIES
Acts with the Customer in MindContinuously Seeks to Improve Work ProcessesCommunicates with ImpactEDUCATION, TECHNICAL SKILLS AND CERTIFICATION
A bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning. This job may be considered for educational equivalency in accordance with County Policy.Eligible for membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (Full or Candidate).Knowledge of basic principles of land use planning in Ontario.Experience utilizing current GIS tools (ESRI ArcGIS) and experience maintaining informational products and detailed databases would be an asset.Ability to analyze the inter relationships of land use planning considerations in order to reach conclusions and make recommendations regarding a planning application.Ability to organize workload for self to coordinate the intake and review of planning applications and related matters within specific time deadlines.Strong communications skills, interpersonal and written.Ability to work effectively with personnel at all levels of the organization and with external contacts.Ability to work with minimal supervision and to use independent judgment where warranted.Demonstrated experience working in a Windows environment and associated Office software including specific knowledge of Excel for data manipulation and summarization.Able to handle confidential information discreetly.Criminal records check that is less than 6 months old at time of hire.Class G2 Driver’s License in good standing and reliable vehicle to use on corporate business.EXPERIENCE
One (1) to Two (2) years experience in related field is preferred.EFFORT
Ability to weigh conflicting demands of applicants / landowners and their agents, provincial and municipal staff, and others within strict time lines.Ability to work with numerous interruptions in a busy office environment.Listening and mental attentiveness in dealing with contacts, political bodies.Concentration while preparing analysis and recommendations on complex planning matters.WORKING CONDITIONS
A normal office environment, with Hybrid work possibleMandatory travel within Simcoe County.Sitting for extended periods of time.Frequent periods of computer work.Occasional emotional contact with applicants and others.Salary Grade
$32.08 - $37.74
Union
CUPE 5820.01
The County of Simcoe thanks all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, but please note that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Personal information provided is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act (2001) and will be used to determine eligibility for employment.
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