Job Description

Posted on: Dec 22, 2025
Posted by: City of Fort Saskatchewan
Summary
Reporting to the Deputy City Manager of Infrastructure & Planning Services, the Director of Planning & Development is a member of the Senior Management Team, overseeing the Planning & Development department. The Director provides leadership and direction for the department and provides support and strategic advice to the Deputy City Manager of Infrastructure & Planning Services, the Leadership Team and members of Council. The Director oversees services primarily related to community development and revitalization ensuring development is responsible, enduring, and beneficial to the community.
Key Responsibilities
Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Coach and mentor staff within the department and across the organization, promoting a work environment committed to continuous improvement, fun, and other values outlined in the City's Strategic Plan.
• Provide timely, well-organized and coherent information, assistance, and advisement to decision makers, including Council and the Leadership Team, on matters pertaining to Planning & Development.
• Design, develop and implement both short- and long-term strategies that align with the City's strategic goals, guiding the department's workplan and operational investments.
• Build relationships with local and regional community builders, interested parties, inter-municipal and regional partners.
• Prepare and oversee the department's annual budget ensuring responsible financial practices within the department.
• Develop and maintain long-range resourcing plans that anticipate staffing needs based on projected application volumes.
• Establish and monitor targeted cost recovery ranges for specific services (e.g. safety codes services).
• Oversee planning, development and building codes functions to support the development of high-quality, safe communities that are valued by both residents and the business community.
• Continuously evaluate and improve departmental processes to maximize community benefits, enhance efficiency, and adapt to evolving priorities and emerging technologies.
• Represent City on various standing professional, inter-municipal, and interagency committees.

Requirements
The successful candidate will have a university degree in urban, regional or environmental planning and membership with the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP). A master's degree in urban and regional planning or a related field (e.g. urban studies, geography, public administration) or an MBA would be considered an asset. The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of six years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience within a complex organization, including demonstrated ability to supervise both union and non-union staff. They will possess thorough knowledge of planning legislation, planning principles, planning application processes, urban design, and safety codes, as well as a solid understanding of generally accepted project management, accounting, budgeting, and financial procedures. The candidate will have experience preparing, presenting, and implementing planning documents and bylaws; navigating complex engagements with respect and empathy; and reviewing existing processes to identify efficiencies and develop effective resourcing plans. Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to deliver impactful presentations and prepare high-quality reports and proposals, along with an acute understanding of Provincial Acts and Regulations related to municipal planning and development. Experience in a municipal environment is considered an asset. The incumbent will demonstrate strong decision-making, interpersonal, and supervisory abilities, supported by clear communication, sound judgment, and the adaptability required to perform effectively in a fast-paced, evolving work environment.
Hours of Work: 37.5 hours weekly, Monday - Friday

Skills Required