Job Description

Job Posting
Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the permanent fulltime position of Heritage Planning Researcher in Planning & Development.
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 application.
Reporting to the Principal Planner, the Heritage Planning Researcher is a heritage professional with expertise in the built environment. Their role is to support the heritage planning team in their ongoing policy and applications work including the identification and designation of heritage properties, sites and conservation districts. Primarily, the Heritage Planning Researcher will be tasked with research and preparing reports to municipal committees and Council on potential heritage properties and sites. The position will also be responsible for organizing and maintaining heritage files, data and undertaking data analysis in support of strategic policy projects.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This position will conduct and lead research, compile, analyze, and prepare information, produce documents, tables, and visual materials that progresses and supports projects within the Business Unit and the Municipality by:
• Identifying, analyzing and cataloguing potential heritage properties and sites, as well as properties within proposed heritage conservation districts, with specific emphasis on cultural history, architectural typology and past ownership.
• Undertaking detailed historical research in support of heritage applications, and to support major projects and initiatives within the business unit as necessary with minimal supervision.
• Professionally cataloguing and organizing heritage property files and information in either digital and print formats.
• Preparing detailed reports and recommendations on heritage planning proposals to Boards, Committees and Council.
• Conducting field evaluations and assessments and undertaking site visits and meetings with applicants in support of heritage research projects and applications.
• Representing the business unit or the municipality as a team member, or independently, on assigned planning matters.
• Supporting and facilitating public meetings representing the business unit on assigned application or planning project matters.
• Researching, analyzing and compiling information on a variety of heritage matters and overseeing information sharing, production of educational materials and open data.
• Supporting the development of policy options, analysis and reports on heritage issues and participating as a team member on multidisciplinary projects in varied areas of expertise such as Urban Design and Cultural Planning.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience:

• A degree in urban planning or architecture from an accredited program with additional post-secondary education or work experience in a heritage related field; or A degree in history, architectural history, archaeology, or related heritage field with experience in heritage planning.
• Experience undertaking primary historical research, preparing comprehensive reports and presenting the results to an employer or client.
• Experience working in a municipal government environment and general knowledge of the development industry are considered assets.
• Knowledge of national and local built heritage conservation standards, legislation and best practices.
• Membership, or eligibility for membership in the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals or as a Licensed Professional Planner as per the NS Professional Planners Act is considered an asset.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge & Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of research and data collection, and experience in multiple research methods, with emphasis on title searching and archival research.
• Knowledge of standard office software and technology including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Suite, Internet applications including Nova Scotia Property Online and other similar systems and technology related to the business unit.
• The ability to organize and maintain large amounts of data and records, including both digital and print material.
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well- defined practical problems.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• Ability to attend to details while also applying big-picture goals.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping skills are considered an asset.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal and facilitation skills are required.

SECURTIY 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, Communication, Flexibility, Initiative, Teamwork and Cooperation, Valuing Diversity
WORK STATUS: One (1) full-time permanent position.
HOURS OF WORK: Monday - Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, 35 hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours and hybrid may be available.
SALARY: NSGEU Local 222, Level 8, $39.63/hour
WORK LOCATION: 3rd Floor of Duke Tower (5251 Duke Street, Halifax, NS)
CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm on Monday, December 1, 2025
This is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates.
Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview / testing will be contacted.
To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of their qualifications, including, but not limited to, educational credentials, professional licenses, and relevant certifications.
During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link;
(position # 78627972)

Skills Required