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Planner I, Development Planning and Permits (2)

EMPLOYER: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
LOCATION: Vaughan, ON
DEADLINE DATE: August 18, 2022

Position Details:

  • Current rate of pay: Band 8, $72,410 - $78,505
  • Vacancies: 4
  • Employment type: 2 FT and 2 Contract (one year)
  • Hours of work:  35 hrs/week
  • Work location: Head Office
  • Division: Development and Engineering Services
  • Business unit: Development Planning and Permits
  • Travel: Yes
  • Remote Work: Hybrid
 

About TRCA:

With more than 60 years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario, created to safeguard and enhance the health and well-being of watershed communities through the protection and restoration of the natural environment and the ecological services the environment provides.

TRCA works to protect the integrity and health of the rivers and creeks in the jurisdiction, develop a system of green and natural spaces that sustains local ecosystems, and advance sustainable practices that improve people’s lives within our growing region.
 

How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team

Under the direction of the Associate Director/Senior Manager and reporting directly to the Senior Planner, the Planner I is responsible for reviewing and coordinating comments on applications under the Planning Act and applications pursuant to the Conservation Authorities Act, Ontario Regulation 166/06 (O. Reg. 166/06) Development Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses regulation, which is a core mandate of the Conservation Authority.  This position provides effective project management for minor to standard files and provides excellent customer and client service.  The Planner I is the primary contact with the general public for each team and responds to inquiries providing information to the public and the development community.   Overall, this position contributes to ensuring professional delivery of services related to Land Use Planning and Regulatory functions and ensuring the objectives of the Planning Act and TRCA Living City Policies are met.

 

Major Responsibilities

Project Management – Planning Act and Permit Applications

  • Coordinate the review of minor and standard concept plans, screening letters, Site Plans, Minor Variances, Consents, and Zoning Amendments in accordance with requested municipal deadlines.
  • Evaluate municipal planning and development applications, documents and studies and identify how they are affected by Authority regulations, policy and program interests.
  • Provide professional planning advice and recommend appropriate action to the municipality or applicant with the assistance of the Planner / Senior Planner as required.
  • Respond to property inquiries and development inquiries by providing advice to property owners and other clients as they relate to the Living City Policies, Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation, municipal Official Plan policies, Clean Water Act, and other program interests based on professional judgement and technical advice.
  • Coordinate internal technical review and produce detailed correspondence to municipal partners and permit applicants based on the principles of good planning and technical recommendations.
  • Attend and respond to pre-consultation and development application review meetings.
  • Communicate with municipal partners and external agencies to confirm submission requirements, coordinate site visits, and ensure consistency with TRCA permitting process.
  • Conduct site inspections to identify and assess site characteristics and constraints on development and undertake field stakings to delineate the feature and/or top of bank.
 

Planning Advisory Services

  • Work with homeowners and proponents of small-scale development.
  • Ensure client is fully aware and made clear of submission requirements, fees, and timelines.
  • Keep municipal planners, councillors, and Provincial and Federal agencies (as needed and under guidance/direction of Planner / Senior Planner) informed as appropriate.
  • Attend walk-ins/front counter duty on a regular schedule.
 

Policy and Procedure Review and Input

  • Review and provide input on corporate policy and procedures, when applicable (Living City Policies, technical guidelines, and procedures, etc.).
  • Ensure a comprehensive analysis of the level of effort needed to process the file takes place before determining the appropriate fee, in consultation with Planner / Senior Planner or other senior staff as necessary.
 

What will you need to succeed:

  • Completion of a post-secondary education in planning or a related discipline with a core focus on land use, regional, watershed, environmental planning or site design.
  • Valid Ontario “G” Driver’s License in good standing.
  • Eligibility and working towards membership in Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) and Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP).
  • Minimum two (2) years’ experience related to Major Responsibilities.
  • Knowledge of statutes and regulatory controls affecting land use planning and development, including the Conservation Authorities Act and regulations, TRCA Living City Policies, Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement 2020, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, Greenbelt, Places to Grow, Clean Water Act, etc.
  • General understanding of the role of TRCA in the broader municipal and provincial planning context.
  • Knowledge of Official Plan, Zoning, Site Plans, Consent and Variance and other development review processes.
  • Ability to multi-task in a high paced, high volume work environment.
  • Demonstrated problem solving abilities with a solutions-oriented approach.
  • Good analytical and oral and written communication skills.
  • Good customer service skills.
  • Ability to read and interpret construction plans and drawings. 
  • Demonstrated good interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with the general public in a positive, courteous and respectful manner.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and with a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Working knowledge of computer software applications, such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, ArcGIS; and ability to learn new applicable software.
 

What TRCA has to offer you:

As part of a progressive team, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact to preserving and protecting nature, while maintaining a balance between the natural environment and built environment. Working with experts within our field, you will join a team of colleagues that are committed to TRCA’s core values of integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect, and excellence (icare).
 

You will be part of a diverse and inclusive organization that:

  • Makes a positive difference in the communities we serve.
  • Fosters high performance and collaborative teams.
  • Provides continuous learning and development opportunities.
  • Offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits program (including Defined Benefit Pension Plan – OMERS/OTPP).
  • Provides unique TRCA Perks.
  • Pregnancy & Parental Leave Top-Up Program.
  • Provides flexible work arrangements.
  • Offers potential for career growth and advancement.

To apply to this posting, click here. Please submit your resume and cover letter prior to midnight on August 18, 2022.

 

All new hires are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as a precondition to being hired by TRCA.  TRCA will comply with its obligations pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code and any other applicable legislation. 

While the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) thanks all applicants for their interest, only those under consideration will be contacted for interviews. Please be advised that successful incumbent(s) may be required to undergo a vulnerable sector screening and/or driver’s abstract check as a part of the final step in the hiring process.

TRCA is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and TRCA Policies, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to the TRCA. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.

Personal information you provide through the TRCA recruitment, selection and onboarding process is collected under the authority of the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27. Collection of this personal information is necessary for the proper administration of this recruitment process for employment and volunteer positions with TRCA. Personal information is protected from disclosure pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.  Any questions regarding this collection activity should be directed to the Supervisor of Records, 101 Exchange Avenue, Vaughan, Ontario, L4K 5R6, (416) 661-6600 extension 5216.