Job Description

Competition # : 47104
Department: Municipal Affairs
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Temporary
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: ?15-Oct-25 ? (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
About Us
The is dedicated to working with municipalities to build healthy, vibrant and safe communities throughout Nova Scotia. Municipal Affairs provides programs, grants and funding opportunities for municipalities and community groups. The Department also provides services and guidance to municipalities in many areas, including land use planning, budget planning and finance, infrastructure development policy and program development.
About Our Opportunity
As a Senior Planner, you have an important role in shaping policies and providing expert guidance on a wide range of complex and sensitive issues, from municipal land use planning and provincial policy to heritage property protection. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape sustainable development and community growth while collaborating with government officials, municipalities, and community stakeholders to support sustainable growth and preserve the province's unique character.
Primary Accountabilities
As the Senior Planner, you will lead and provide expert advice on land use policy and municipal planning across Nova Scotia. A few key responsibilities will include:

• Developing and implementing provincial priorities regarding land use including Statements of Provincial Interest,
• Advising municipalities and consulting with planning officials on municipal planning documents and concerns.
• Conducting official reviews of municipal planning documents, for alignment with provincial legislation/regulations, and making recommendations to senior officials.
• Representing the department on committees and interdepartmental projects
• Leading research on demographic trends, jurisdictional scans, and community impact to inform provincial strategies.
• Managing educational initiatives on land use planning and supporting municipal staff professional development.
• Preparing briefings, correspondence, and legislative proposals for senior officials.
• Overseeing consulting projects and providing expert advice at meetings and workshops.

Qualifications and Experience
A Bachelor's degree in Planning (or other related field) with at least six (6) years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree in Planning with at least four (4) years of relevant experience is required. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will also be considered.
Eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) is a strong asset.
You demonstrate:

• In-depth knowledge of municipal land use planning, particularly Parts 8 and 9 of the Municipal Government Act.
• Proficiency in relevant computer applications (MS Office Suite)
• An understanding of provincial planning and subdivision regulations
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to effectively liaise with government officials, municipalities, consultants, and the public.
• Exceptional facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills to build and maintain relationships.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Sound professional judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate sensitive and complex issues.
• Strategic thinking and solid problem-solving skills to address diverse planning challenges.
• A commitment to integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion into planning practices.

Additional assets include:

• Certifications in project management or conflict resolution
• Familiarity with the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter and the Heritage Property Act is an asset.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools written submissions, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s) and reference checks.
Equivalency
We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• a related 2-year diploma and 8 years of related experience

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application
Benefits
Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a , Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: .
Working Conditions
Most of your work is spent in a comfortable office environment. Some travel may be necessary in this role to attend site visits as required, as such a valid driver's license and the ability to travel is necessary.
Additional Information
This is a TEMPORARY employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of April 30, 2026. The appointment status ('term', 'temporary' or 'casual') is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.
What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules

Pay Grade: PR 17
Salary Range: $3,107.16 - $3,649.33 Bi-Weekly
Employment Equity Statement:
Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.
Accommodation Statement:
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.
This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:
Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.
External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.
Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.

Skills Required