Job Description

Job Posting
Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for one (1) permanent full-time Planner I position within the Urban and Rural Planning Applications department of Planning and Development. This position will be work directly with both the Urban Enabled Applications team and the Rural Policy and Applications team, and under the direction of the Principal Planner for the Rural Policy and Applications team.
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 Planner I is knowledgeable in a broad range of planning matters, provides entry-level professional planning services, and undertakes or participates in a variety of assigned professional planning services or projects. The incumbent may support and participate in projects of studies in one or more areas of expertise such as Development Review, Community Planning, Regional Planning, Urban Design, Heritage & Cultural Planning, Infrastructure Planning, Transportation Planning, Environmental Planning and Socio-Economic Research.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs entry-level professional work and provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public regarding the administration of planning and development programs;
• Acts as liaison between citizens, government agencies, developers and elected officials on planning matters as may be assigned;
• Evaluates and processes development applications for compliance with land use by-law, subdivision by-law, development agreement requirements and heritage property regulations
• Evaluates or assists in the evaluation of variances, site plans, development agreements, land use by-law amendments and other planning applications
• Supports and may prepare detailed reports and recommendations on planning proposals to Boards, Committees and Council
• Conducts field evaluations and assessments
• Investigates violations of planning regulations
• Acts as witness in legal proceedings as necessary
• Advises and makes recommendations on business unit policies and procedures related to land use planning and development programs or strategic corporate initiatives
• Represents the business unit or the municipality as a team member, or independently, on assigned planning matters
• Supports and may facilitate public meetings representing the business unit on assigned application or planning project matters
• Supports and may facilitate customer-focused strategic planning, education and consultation processes as required
• Researches, analyzes, and compiles information and statistical data and trends on a variety of planning matters as directed
• Supports the development of policy options, analysis and reports on planning issues and participates as a team member for multidisciplinary projects in varied areas of expertise (i.e., Development Review, Community Planning, Regional Planning, Urban Design, Heritage & Cultural Planning, Infrastructure Planning, Transportation Planning, Environmental Planning and Research & Forecasting).
• Supports the preparation of comprehensive regional and community plans, land use by-laws, the Subdivision By-law, and other regulations regarding development control
• Makes decisions on assigned simple permit and subdivision applications when appointed as a Development Officer by Council pursuant to the Halifax Charter.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:

• University degree from an accredited planning program; OR
• University degree from a non-accredited but related program (such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban, Human or Economic Geography, and Geographic/Spatial Information Systems) and two (2) years of professional planning experience.
• Candidacy as a Licensed Professional Planner (LPP) or equivalent Provincial or International designation is considered an asset.
• Experience working in a municipal government environment is considered an asset.
• A valid driver's license is required

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Well-developed knowledge of the principles and practices of planning including cross-functional knowledge involving other disciplines.
• Thorough knowledge of the Municipal Government Act, the HRM Charter, the Heritage Property Act, the Heritage By-law, the Subdivision By-law, various HRM Municipal Planning Strategies and Land Use By-laws, and other relevant legislation and municipal by-laws related to construction approvals, engineering specifications, and planning applications, including a clear understanding of their interrelationships.
• A broad knowledge of the legislative framework under which land use planning law operates and the ability to interpret and draft by-laws and contracts which affect the rights of land owners, neighborhoods and communities.
• Superior written and verbal communications and strong interpersonal and facilitation skills.
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well- defined practical problems.

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, Communication, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Organizational Awareness, Organization and Planning, 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 Sunday, November 9, 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 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.
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 recruiter when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link;
(position # 78640505)

Skills Required