Job Description

PLANNER

Basic Function:

To provide professional planning analysis and advice on land use planning matters having regard to the Planning Act, and other related Legislation, Regulations, Policy and planning principles.

Position Description:

Provide planning services, primarily related to the processing of development applications under Planning Act Evaluate development proposals through the use of professional judgment ensuring compliance with the requirements of affected agencies, planning principles and the interpretation of Provincial, County and other relevant land use policy and regulations Maintain and foster corporate goals by ensuring public access to and participation in the planning process Prepare and administer development related agreements Provide analysis and recommendations on planning applications including, official plan amendments, zoning by-law amendments, site plans, severances and minor variances To prepare documents including official plan amendments and various by-laws Check land ownership using assessment roll numbers including the production of labels for circulation purposes Site inspections To undertake special projects and other duties as assigned

SENIOR PLANNER

Basic Function:

To provide professional planning analysis and advice on land use planning matters having regard to the Planning Act, and other related legislation, regulations, policy and planning principles. Responsible for assisting the Manager, Planning Services in reporting and providing advice on land use planning matters. Responsible for independently managing planning projects, conducting studies and preparing and presenting reports for County Council. Undertakes data collection, maintenance and analysis, advises individuals and organized bodies on planning matters, provides evidence at hearings, represents the Planning and Realty Services Department before the Council and committees, and directs the work of others in carrying out these duties.

Position Description:

Facilitation and completion of development planning applications including assistance and support for Committee of Adjustment, and all other types of applications including a focus on draft plan of subdivision, condominium, official plan and zoning bylaw amendments To evaluate development proposals through the use of professional judgement ensuring compliance with the requirements of affected agencies, planning principles, and the interpretation of Provincial and County land use policies and regulations and to prepare planning reports and appropriate recommendations To assist in key long-range policy planning projects including, but not limited to Official Plan Updates, provincial policy conformity projects, land use and design plans, growth management studies To provide guidance and information to County staff, Council, developers and citizens regarding Norfolk County's planning process, Official Plan policies, Zoning By-law and relevant provincial policy and regulations To oversee the day to day management/supervision of major planning development projects, reports and studies as assigned by the General Manager, Community and Development Services or the Director, Planning and Realty Services Responsible for the processing and consolidation of recommendations related to planning applications including official plan amendments, rezoning applications, site plans, committee of adjustment, subdivisions/condominium and land division To provide analysis and recommendations on planning applications including official plan and zoning by-law amendments, subdivision, condominium, site plan and Committee of Adjustment applications To attend Council and other meetings, as required, to represent the Planning and Realty Services Department on planning interests of Norfolk County To coordinate and/or participate in County/Divisional initiatives including the periodic review and update of the County's Official Plan and Zoning By-law(s) To attend Committee of Adjustment meetings in rotation with other Senior Planners To review site plans under Section 41 of the Planning Act To maintain and foster corporate goals by ensuring public access to and participation in the planning process To prepare Official Plan Amendments and land use by-laws such as zoning, holding, interim control, part lot control, temporary use and site plan for consideration and approval by the County and subsequent approval by the Ministry of Affairs, if required To prepare and administer site plan agreements and other such agreements as deemed necessary for related development applications, in accordance with Norfolk County process and standards Coordinate public meetings pertaining to planning matters Present studies, policies and applications at Public Meetings, Public Information Sessions, and Committee meetings To act as a Departmental representative / Liaison on Committees as needed Mentor, coach and provide leadership to planners, planning students and department co-op students Working after hours for Public Meetings, Council Meetings, Committee Meetings, and other Public Open houses on a project by project basis and when deemed necessary to meet deadlines and deal with crises To undertake special projects and other duties as assigned

Requirements

PLANNER

Knowledge and Experience:

Minimum four-year post-secondary degree in Land Use Planning or related field such as Geography or Urban Studies Over two, up to and including three years related experience Candidate Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners and/or Canadian Institute of Planners required GIS experience and quantitative skills/ statistical analysis is an asset

Skills and Abilities:

Working knowledge of Ontario planning legislation and process Knowledge and ability to interpret and apply policies and regulations of the Planning Act, the Provincial Policy Statement and other applicable municipal and provincial legislation Well established writing skills with extensive experience in report writing Sound interpersonal skills with the ability to negotiate effectively Proven organizational skills Excellent computer and analytical skills Excellent communication skills in presenting information to individuals as well as larger audiences, e.g. OMB and/or public hearings Valid Ontario G class driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle including the ability to provide a drivers abstract when requested during the recruitment process Computer expertise required in corporate standard software and department specific software including CityView or comparable software Must be aware of safe work practices as they relate to job responsibilities and work environment, and have the basic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act

SENIOR PLANNER

Knowledge and Experience:

Minimum four-year Honours post-secondary degree in Land Use Planning or related field Over four up to and including five years' experience in land use planning Full Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners in good standing Registered Professional Planner is an asset GIS experience and quantitative skills/ statistical analysis is an asset Experience in project management would be an asset

Skills and Abilities:

Solid understanding of municipal government with a well-developed ability to interpret and apply policies and regulations of the Planning Act, the Provincial Policy Statement and other applicable municipal and provincial legislation including but not limited to the Condominium Act, the Municipal Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the Heritage Act Thorough knowledge and understanding in all types of development planning including Committee of Adjustment, Official Plan Amendments, Zoning Amendments, draft plan of subdivision, draft plan of condominium Expertise in writing and presenting development application related reports to Council including public hearings and recommendations to Council Knowledge and understanding in the facilitation and leadership of long range and policy related planning projects, including but not limited to official plan review, secondary plans, master plans, and population projection projects are a benefit Knowledge and understanding in areas such as heritage planning, transportation planning, environmental planning, or brownfield planning, would be considered an asset Thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant planning and land use related legislation and policy Thorough understanding of planning policy matters and development approval process Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to negotiate effectively Unquestionable confidentiality regarding topics including Archaeological resources, Species-at-Risk data and development proposals The ability to work effectively in a team environment and the ability to work with members of the public Well established and refined writing skills with extensive experience in planning report writing with demonstrated ability to convey issues and concepts in a convincing manner Excellent communication skills and experience in presenting information to individuals as well as larger audiences, including Council, Committees and various public meeting forums Excellent evaluation and analysis/ judgement skills Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills Ability to provide credible expert testimony at Ontario Municipal Board hearings and other legal proceedings Commitment to personal and professional development by actively pursuing further planning knowledge and skills Demonstrated ability to exercise significant discretion and sensitivity Demonstrated ability to manage multiple files and/or projects with changing priorities and levels of complexity Valid Ontario driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle Computer expertise in corporate standard software (Microsoft Office) and department specific software to data search and entry and to create and modify word processed documents Must be aware of safe work practices as they relate to job responsibilities and work environment, and have the basic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act

Benefits

The Planning and Realty Services Department is looking to fill one vacancy into the positions outlined below depending on qualifications:

Position / Wage:

Planner - $52.54 per hour (less $1 per hour for the probationary period)


Senior Planner - $56.95 per hour (less $1 per hour for the probationary period)

Status:

Permanent Full Time

Division:

Community and Development Services

Department:

Planning and Realty Services

Reports To:

Manager, Planning Services

Employee Group:

CUPE Local 4700

Location:

Simcoe, ON (with remote work as required)

Posting Period:

September 19, 2025 - October 6, 2025

How to Apply:

Follow the link below for the application process through Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge:

Ensure the file extension for your resume document is .doc, .docx or .pdf If you are electing to include a cover letter, the cover letter and resume must be uploaded as 1 file. Find out more information about Norfolk County here: Employment at Norfolk County - NorfolkCounty.ca
The Corporation of Norfolk County is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.


Successful applicants are required to provide the Employer with a current Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector where required and verification of education.


Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those to be interviewed will be contacted.