Job Description

Senior Heritage Planner

ABOUT US

NPG Planning Solutions Inc. is a multi-disciplinary land use planning and development consultancy delivering strategic planning solutions to both public and private sector clients across Ontario. With offices in Niagara Falls, Hamilton, Toronto, and Kingston, NPG supports a diverse portfolio of work including development approvals, policy planning, heritage planning, urban design, and strategic municipal initiatives.

Our firm is recognized for its collaborative culture, technical rigor, and practical approach to planning. We work at the intersection of policy, development feasibility, and community design, offering staff exposure to a wide range of planning environments, municipalities, and project scales. NPG is committed to mentorship, professional growth, and flexible work arrangements that support long term career development.

At NPG, planners are trusted to take ownership of their work, supported by experienced leadership, and encouraged to grow through meaningful project exposure rather than siloed task assignments.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The

Senior Heritage Planner

is an experienced professional role responsible for leading cultural heritage planning work within a multidisciplinary consulting environment. The position involves independently preparing and reviewing Cultural Heritage Evaluation Reports (CHERs) and Heritage Impact Assessments (HIAs), contributing expert heritage analysis to complex development and policy projects, and supporting files that may be subject to peer review, public scrutiny, or Ontario Land Tribunal proceedings.

The role is suited to an experienced heritage professional who brings sound professional judgment, strong research and writing skills, and the ability to manage heritage projects with a high degree of independence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Senior Heritage Planner will:

Independently lead the preparation, review, and finalization of CHERs and HIAs in accordance with provincial and municipal requirements Manage heritage components of Planning Act and Ontario Heritage Act applications, including Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, Plans of Subdivision and Condominium, Consents, Minor Variances, and Heritage Permit Applications under Parts IV and V of the Ontario Heritage Act Conduct and oversee advanced historical, archival, and contextual research to support defensible heritage analysis Provide heritage expertise on complex or sensitive projects, including files subject to peer review, Council consideration, or Ontario Land Tribunal proceedings Coordinate with approval authorities, municipal heritage staff, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders Contribute heritage analysis and written content to CHERs and HIAs, Urban Design Briefs, Streetscape Studies, and related planning documents Participate in public meetings, advisory committee meetings, and consultation sessions as a subject matter expert Conduct site visits and field investigations as required, following established health and safety protocols Support internal quality control through report editing, peer review, and mentoring of junior staff where appropriate Maintain organized project files and complete weekly timesheet submissions Perform additional duties as assigned in a consulting environment

QUALIFICATION AND CORE COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate will possess:

Education & Experience

Degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Studies, Architecture, Archaeology, Cultural Resource Management, or a related discipline

A post secondary certificate or diploma in heritage conservation, architectural history, or a related field is considered an asset

Minimum

5 years

of professional experience in cultural heritage planning, consulting, or municipal heritage review

Professional Membership with the

Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP) or OPPI / MCIP (RPP).

Technical & Professional Skills

Strong professional writing and editing skills, with experience producing defensible, policy aligned heritage reports

Advanced historical and archival research experience, including interpretation of primary and secondary sources

Experience conducting or supporting title searches is a strong asset

Sound working knowledge of the Ontario Heritage Act, Planning Act, and applicable provincial and municipal heritage policies

Ability to manage heritage components of complex, high profile, or sensitive projects

Experience supporting or preparing materials for peer reviews, Council consideration, or Ontario Land Tribunal proceedings is considered an asset

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Familiarity with graphic, mapping, or design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, AutoCAD, GIS) is considered an asset but not required

Core Competencies

Strong project management skills, including the ability to coordinate tasks, manage timelines, and take ownership of assigned heritage files

High level of attention to detail, with a focus on defensible research and well supported conclusions

Ability to produce work that can withstand peer review, municipal review, and Ontario Land Tribunal scrutiny

Clear written and verbal communication skills suitable for professional, public facing documents

Sound professional judgment and analytical thinking

Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary consulting team

Comfort working in a hybrid environment with accountability for deliverables and deadlines

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Schedule:

Full time (40 hours per week)

Standard Office Hours

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM when working from the office

Location:

Hybrid/In office (Home office locations for this position can be in Niagara Falls, Hamilton, Toronto).

Payroll every two weeks

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Hourly rate: $42 - $55 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications

Performance based incentives

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Hybrid and flexible work arrangements

Structured mentorship from Senior Heritage and Senior Planning staff

Professional membership fees paid by NPG (CAHP and related affiliations)

Vacation entitlements that increase with seniority

Exposure to both private sector development projects and public sector heritage planning initiatives

Clear pathways for continued professional growth and leadership advancement within the firm

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit:

1. Resume
2. Writing samples (e.g., Planning Justification Briefs or Reports, course thesis or major papers, map extracts, project visuals, or GIS work examples) required. Academic or redacted professional samples are acceptable where confidentiality applies. All of which the applicant must be the primary or sole author. A Portfolio is considered an asset.
3. Cover letter outlining heritage related experience and career interests

Contact:

Mr. Fabio Buffa

Business Manager

NPG Planning Solutions Inc.

4999 Victoria Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 4C9

Phone:

(905) 321-6743

Email:

fbuffa@npgsolutions.ca

Artifical Intelligence will not be used in the evaluation of resume submissions. All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of the interview process within 45 days of the final interview. Applicants may be contacted in advance of a formal interview for a screening conversation with a Senior Partner or Manager.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $42.00-$55.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Dental care Employee assistance program Extended health care Flexible schedule Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Niagara Falls, ON L2E 4C9