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SENIOR PLANNER

EMPLOYER: City of Markham
LOCATION: Markham, ON
DEADLINE DATE: August 31, 2022

The City of Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 355,000 residents, is Canada’s high-tech capital and most diverse community, enjoying a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. Committed to being a model of public service excellence, with a workforce that is representative of the population we serve, we are looking for people who share our values and are champions of innovative practices. Diversity is one of Markham’s strategic priorities, and we strive to develop and maintain an environment that is inclusive and creates a sense of belonging for all.

We are pleased to be named one of Canada's Best Employers for 2022 and the best City employer by Forbes for the second consecutive year. The City of Markham is ranked in the top two for Government Services and 15th among the 300 employers on the list, advancing from 18th place in 2021.

Applications are now being accepted for the temporary full-time Senior Planner position in the Development Services Commission. To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume online by August 31, 2022 at (https://www.markham.ca/careers) 

Join us and make a lasting difference!
 

JOB SUMMARY
In this role, you will provide professional planning advice on land use policy matters and project manage complex inter-disciplinary land use planning studies. The expected duration of this contract is one year with the possibility for an extension. The Senior Planner reports to the Manager of Policy in the Policy and Research Section.
 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Works as part of a team in undertaking complex policy planning and research studies on a variety of topics; formulates policy, including the preparation of official plan and secondary plan policies; provides interpretation of the official plan; comments on official plan amendment applications
  • Identifies, develops, and negotiates land use, concepts/approaches with internal and external clients
  • Responds to inquiries from internal and external clients, as required
  • Undertakes multiple planning studies/projects within approved budgets and timelines
  • Coordinates or assists in the coordination of the activities of external consultant teams, including but not limited to the hiring of consultants, developing and issuing RFQs, RFPs, pre-qualifications, participation in the evaluation/selection process, and contract award including overseeing budgets and invoicing
  • Prepares and presents formal reports and recommendations to Council and Committees of Council
  • Represents the Department on internal and external committees, relating to land use planning, as required
  • Must be able to attend site meetings at various locations throughout Markham and York Region during and after regular business hours
  • Attend public meetings after regular business hours
  • Facilitates and undertakes public consultation and community out reach
  • Acts as an expert witness at the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal
  • Provides guidance and advice to junior staff, as required
  • Other duties as assigned
 

Qualifications

  • Must have a Degree in Planning, or related discipline, combined with 5 to 7 years of progressively responsible experience in planning policy and research projects
  • Membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute is preferred
  • Valid Ontario Driver's License - Class 'G' is preferred
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
  • Working knowledge of AMANDA Development Applications Tracking Software an asset
  • Thorough knowledge of the Planning Act, provincial policy statements and provincial plans, and local and regional planning responsibilities
  • Superior analytical and written and oral communications skills
  • Superior report writing, presentation and public speaking skills
  • Well-developed team leadership and negotiation skills
  • Well-developed project management skills, including the ability to set priorities, solve problems, and meet deadlines under pressure
  • Excellent customer service skills
 

CORE BEHAVIOURS

  • Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
  • Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
  • Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
  • Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
  • Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
  • Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example
 

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.
 

The City of Markham has established a mandatory vaccination requirement for staff related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, should you be a successful candidate for a position with the City of Markham you will be required to provide proof of 2 Health Canada approved vaccination doses upon a conditional offer of employment. Should you require accommodation in accordance with the Human Rights policy with respect to your vaccine status, you will be required to disclose that at the time of conditional offer so that an accommodation can be developed prior to your start date.

We thank all those applicants who have applied however only those applications selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please respect our scent free area by not wearing scented products when visiting the office.