Planning Technician

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has an opening for a permanent full-time Planning Technician in the Planning Services division.

Job description

The Planning Technician supports other members of the planning team, conducting research and analysis, assisting in the implementation of the development approval process, heritage planning and various incentive based programs, and is responsible for components of the civic addressing, developing and maintaining data management and planning information systems, and fulfilling the mapping needs of the department.

Essential responsibilities

• Demonstrate Chatham-Kent’s core values and competencies
• Complete all technical and administrative tasks as required to assist in the processing of development applications
• Produce and maintain planning related maps and mapping resources using GIS
• Conduct research and analysis required for planning related projects and studies as directed
• Input, organize, query and maintain geo-spatial and planning related data
• Conduct GIS analysis and modelling to support municipal and external agency projects as needed
• Review and process Community Improvement Plan Financial Incentive Program applications
• Process Heritage Designations including preparation of notices, by-laws and reports to Council
• Provide support to the Planner on local heritage matters and undertake specific assignments relative to the work of the Heritage Chatham-Kent Committee
• Administer the Heritage Tax Relief Program
• Coordinate, set up and participate at public information centres
• Assist in the preparation of documents for Ontario Land Tribunal cases
• Maintain key planning documents such as the Official Plan and Zoning By-law
• Maintain CityView and / or other land use management systems
• Maintain Planning Services website content
• Coordinate civic addressing in urban areas
• Respond to inquiries from staff, public, other departments, agencies, developers and Council on planning related matters

Essential qualifications

• Possess a college certificate or diploma in an Urban and Regional Planning related field, with an emphasis on GIS, with six months to two (2) years experience
• Experience working in a planning technician related position
• Experience with the development approval process, GIS mapping, and data management (including geo-spatial and planning relate data)
• Experience preparing, updating, maintaining and interpreting Official Plans and Zoning By-laws
• Working knowledge of the Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement, Ontario Heritage Act, Municipal Act and related legislation and regulations
• Experience producing and maintaining planning related maps and mapping resources using GI
• Experience conducting intermediate to advanced level GIS analysis and modelling
• Experience working with geo-spatial and planning related data
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, facilitation skills and presentation skills
• Strong customer service skills
• Proven organizational skills and the ability to work with tight deadlines and competing priorities
• Experience with the following : GIS and CityView (or other similar software programs)
• Strong computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) (or similar software program).

Other qualifications

Municipal experience is an asset

Certifications, memberships, licenses

Possess a current membership or eligible for membership with the Canadian Association of Certified Planning Technicians (CACPT) and / or the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI)

Work environment / hours of work

• This position works mostly indoors.
• This position works weekday hours, with occasional evening and weekend hours.

Working Remotely (Hybrid)

This position has been approved for remote working, at the discretion of the supervisor based on the Working Remotely Policy.

This position may be required to attend on-site meetings in order to complete essential responsibilities of the role. As per the Working Remotely Policy, employees scheduled to work remotely on a certain day may occasionally be called to a municipal onsite work location on short notice.

Employees must remain flexible to accommodate municipal requirements and be prepared to be called in on short notice.

Driver’s licence / vehicle requirements

Because this position would be required to travel, a valid Province of Ontario driver's license with a reliable motor vehicle is necessary.

Background check requirements

Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check prior to commencement of employment. A background check may include the following : Police Criminal Record Check,education / certification verification, and employment reference check.

Essential physical and / or safety requirements

• Sitting : constant sitting in a chair (constant sitting to perform tasks using a computer; occasionally driving a vehicle to attend meetings and perform site inspections)
• Hands : constant mousing (use a mouse constantly when I use a computer to perform tasks)

Benefits

This permanent full-time position has an annual salary of $58,987 to $66,708 and will receive benefits including : participation in the OMERS pension plan (mandatory) as well as sick and vacation entitlements.

Following successful completion of a 3-month waiting period, candidates will also be entitled to a comprehensive group benefits package.