Park and Open Space Planner

11288BR

Park and Open Space Planner

Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the permanent full-time position of Parks and Open Space Planner in Strategic Planning & Design with Parks and Recreation.

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 applications.

The Parks and Open Space Planner is a subject matter expert who provides advanced-level professional services related to the acquisition, disposal, and planning of parkland, along with the associated development and implementation of policies, strategies, guidelines, plans, and procedures. These extend from local parks to large wilderness open spaces within urban and rural contexts. This position benefits from multi-disciplinary experience in community and urban planning, parks and open space planning, environmental planning, and real estate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and perform advanced-level professional work and provide technical assistance and information to staff and the public related to a broad range of parkland matters;
• Establish frameworks and methodologies for park and open space acquisitions, disposals, and planning based on empirical evidence, best practices, and community consultation;
• Work closely with staff across all municipal business units on matters impacting municipal parkland and parkland acquisitions;
• Assess lands for their capabilities as parkland through site assessments, case studies, and public engagement;
• Analyse spatial information and prepare mapping and related graphic analysis by working with Geographic Information System (GIS) software;
• Research, analyse, and compile trends, issues, and statistical information relating to parks, open space, and community development trends and best practices;
• Interpret and contribute to planning documents, functional plans and administrative guidelines;
• Act as a liaison between HRM departments, citizens, community groups, government departments and agencies, and elected officials as assigned;
• Prepare and present effective reports and recommendations to staff, committees, standing committees, community councils, and Regional Council, to include recommendations on property acquisitions;
• Complete assignments on time and in accordance with the established scope of responsibilities;
• Implement project management approaches and practices, including the development of project charters;
• Direct and coordinate work within a team environment of peers and technical staff;
• Ensure optimal customer relations by maintaining open and honest communications with clients;
• May perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• University degree in urban and regional planning, geography, landscape architecture, environmental planning, or a related discipline;
• Membership or membership eligibility in a related professional association;
• Minimum three years of experience in urban and regional planning, geography, landscape architecture, environmental planning, or a related field.
• Proven record of progressive experience in preparing and presenting reports to decision-making bodies, with previous municipal experience being an asset
• A valid Nova Scotia driver’s license.

Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of the philosophies, principles, and practices associated with parks and open space planning community, planning, environmental planning, including cross-functional knowledge involving other disciplines;
• Knowledge of current planning trends, residential and community development patterns, environmental conditions, and trends;
• Experience in park and open space planning processes;
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously;
• Ability to mentor teams and lead projects;
• Ability to lead and manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines;
• Advanced skills in the techniques of facilitation, mediation, negotiation, and public participation;
• Superior written and verbal communications skills.
• Superior skills in the areas of research, analysis, writing, evaluation, and presentation.
• Ability to lead stakeholder and public engagement through a variety of formats.
• Ability to anticipate the issues of community groups, councils, other business units, senior management, special interest groups and other stakeholders and be able to think critically and strategically in the resolution of those issues.
• Excellent interpersonal skills which enable credible and effective relationships with people at all levels, including senior management and elected officials
• Use of standard office software and technology including Microsoft Office Suite, internet applications, Adobe Creative Suite, GIS and other similar systems and technology, graphic document design, analysis, and presentation software
• Knowledge of municipal, provincial, and federal legislation including the Municipal Government Act, the HRM Charter, the Subdivision By-law, various HRM Municipal Planning Strategies and Land Use By-laws, and other relevant legislation and municipal by-laws and administrative orders related to property transactions, municipal park management, and planning applications, including a clear understanding of their interrelationships.
• A broad knowledge of the legislative framework under which community planning law operates and the ability to interpret and draft by-laws and contracts which affect the rights of landowners, neighborhoods, and communities.

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, Visioning, Strategic Thinking & Innovation, Teamwork & Cooperation, Communications, Organizing & Planning, Developing Others, Value & Ethics, Customer Service, Risk Management, Valuing Diversity

WORK STATUS: One Permanent Full Time Position

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

SALARY: NSGEU 222 Level 9; $42.50 per hour.

WORK LOCATION: 3rd floor Alderney Gate, Dartmouth

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm on Sunday, May 17th, 2026

This is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates.