County of Lambton

Position Description

Position Title: Senior Planner                              Division: Infrastructure & Development Services

Group: Non-Union

Immediate Supervisor: Senior Planning Official

Position Summary

The Senior Planner provides services and advice to local municipalities and the County, deals with government officials and the public on planning matters and mentors planners supporting land use development for the County of Lambton and for local municipal clients, as outlined in the Planning Act. The role acts for the Senior Planning Official in their absence.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Provision of Planning Advisory Services:

• Prepare Official Plans, zoning by-laws, special studies and other related planning documents for municipal councils and administration.
• Provide planning advice to local councils, administrations, committees and the public on various developments and planning applications.
• Facilitate public participation in the planning process and liaise with the public, attending various council and statutory public meetings/open houses, advising councils on planning matters at such meetings and making recommendations.
• Review and analyze proposals for conformity and compliance with various planning documents and adherence to proper planning principles, carrying out site inspections, balancing provincial mandates (e.g.: Provincial Policy Statement) with local concerns, and performing all functions within the technical framework of the Ontario Planning Act.
• Prepare and negotiate agreements (subdivision, condominium, severance, site plan, etc.).
• Deal with inquiries from developers and the public on all planning-related matters.
• Mediating local minor land use conflicts.
• Act as an expert witness before various courts and tribunals, as required.

Ontario Land Tribunal Hearings:

• When municipal or County decisions are appealed, may be called to present expert testimony under oath and are cross-examined before this quasi-judicial body as an expert witness.
• Prepare for the hearing by working with lawyers, gathering information for all parties, and preparing evidence booklets and exhibits.
• May be asked to testify in Provincial court in relation to zoning infractions.

Human Resources Management:

• General oversight of planning section staff in performance of their duties, answer questions, check quality of work and report to the Senior Planning Official on personnel problems.
• Direct and supervise Junior Planners including assignment of duties, performance reviews, and incorporating changes as necessitated ensuring all work is completed in accordance with the Planning Act and the County’s policies and procedures.
• Assign workload to Junior Planners, providing coaching, mentoring, training, health and safety, etc.
• Participate in the recruitment, selection, and onboarding of Junior Planners as well as disciplining and assisting in the termination of employees.

Communication:

• Prepare and present reports to Council and Committees, advising of County/County-wide planning initiatives.
• Liaise with applicants, municipalities, external agencies and ministries on planning issues

General:

• Incumbents must keep up-to-date on all relevant legislation, collective bargaining agreements, County Policies and Procedures, etc. ensuring that these are implemented as prescribed
• Incumbents must possess the physical ability to meet the duties and responsibilities of the job description and/or the requirements identified within the position's Physical Demands Analysis

These describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents in this classification. They are not an exhaustive list of all job duties in the classification. Other duties may be assigned.

Supervision Requirements

Direct Supervision: Summer and Co-Op Students, Junior Planners

Indirect Supervision: None

Functional Authority: Provides direction, consultative services and advice on planning/technical issues and services to the Junior Planners, Planners, Planning Technician, 9-1-1 Addressing Technician, Summer Students and Casual Staff as well as direct supervisory duties and responsibilities of Junior Planners.

Credentials Required

Minimum Formal Education

• University Degree from an accredited post-secondary school institution, in Planning, Environmental Studies or a related discipline, or a combination of education and experience in a relevant discipline that is related to areas of service provision.
• Full membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute.
• Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation.

Experience

• Approximately 6 years of experience in practical planning in a municipal setting, consulting firm or provincial ministry.
• Three years of demonstrated leadership or mentoring experience.
• Ability to obtain other professional planning designations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the general public, local Councils and Staff, architects/engineers, and developers.
• Good organizational, report writing, interpersonal, and mediation skills.
• Familiarity with word processing/data processing to the level of accessing data, preparation, and approval of letters and reports.

A valid Ontario driver’s license and use of a personal vehicle are required.