Development Planner

*Job Status:  We are currently recruiting for two vacancies: One Regular Full Time and one Temporary Full Time (Up to 36 months). 

Why work with us:

The City of Waterloo is a rewarding place to work. Each day, you will support and/or participate in the delivery of services that impact residents of this city, making it a great place to live, work and play for everyone.

Home to two world-class universities, a top-ranked college, a tech ecosystem, entrepreneurs and small businesses, there is a readiness to do things differently in Waterloo. Our vision is to be a leader in sustainability and to build a future-ready community for all. We are committed to workplace wellbeing and providing an inclusive, safe and enjoyable work environment.

For more information about the City of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan, Vision, Values and Guiding Principles, please click here: City of Waterloo 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.

What we offer:

• Supportive and caring organization that promotes respect, inclusivity, health, safety and wellness;
• Dedication to the organization’s commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion through ongoing training and access to related programs and workshops, opportunities to connect with others around topics of social justice and equity, and opportunities to be involved with the initiatives that guide this corporate journey;
• Certification as a Living Wage Champion;
• Fulsome employer-paid benefits package (extended health and dental care), including paid sick days, long-term disability, life insurance and an Employee and Family Assistance Program;
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan (OMERS) eligibility for all employees;
• Flexible work schedules, paid vacation and personal days, and the opportunity to bank overtime*;
• Substantial internal and external training and development opportunities;
• Opportunities to get involved and give back to the community;
• Employee-wide events, activities, site visits, BBQs, etc.;
• Complimentary FitPass for City of Waterloo employees and family members for leisure, swim, and fitness drop-in programs; and,
• So much more!

 What you will do: 

• Review, analyze, assess and report on development applications, including necessary research, review, evaluation and analysis of supporting documentation, and formulating professional recommendations
• Provide professional urban planning advice to Council, the Corporation, advisory groups, and the community
• Provide and contribute towards innovative design and planning solutions for development proposals
• Lead projects such as Official Plan Amendments, Zone Change applications, Committee of Adjustment applications, Site Plans, Subdivisions, Part Lot Control Exemptions, Condominiums, and Demolition Control applications, all within the statutory requirements of the Ontario Planning Act
• Develop, implement and apply Official Plan policies, zoning regulations, and urban design guidelines related to land use compatibility, built form, streetscape and site planning for a wide range of development applications
• Strong project management skills to independently lead projects forward, while working collaboratively with others in a team environment
• Conduct research and comprehensive analysis related to complex land use planning matters
• Prepare and deliver exceptional professional planning reports, correspondence, and presentations
• Write zoning regulations, Official Plan policies, urban design provisions, conditions for Committee of Adjustment decisions, draft plan conditions, and development agreements
• Negotiate to resolve conflicts between applicants, interested parties and stakeholders on a variety of planning related matters
• Represent the Planning Division on special studies and projects, both internal and external to the City
• Prepare and present professional urban planning advice and evidence at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) on behalf of the City of Waterloo as an expert witness
• A strong representative and ambassador for the City, promoting urban planning and customer service excellence
• Other projects as assigned by the City’s Manager of Planning Approvals or Director of Planning

What you will bring:  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning or related field with a minimum of three (3) years of land use and development planning experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Full Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute is an asset
• Demonstrated understanding, knowledge and skills in the application and interpretation of the Planning Act and other relevant legislation, policies, regulations and guidelines
• Ability to evaluate development applications in the context of applicable law, principles of good planning, and design excellence
• Experience and understanding of contemporary urban design practices, including a strong understanding of built form, public realm, site design, community design, intensification, sustainability, and architectural best practices
• Able to successfully negotiate and liaise with stakeholders, agencies, developers, consultants, and the community using strong communication, interpersonal, customer service and leadership skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to work independently and within a multi-disciplinary team
• Proven ability to prioritize, organize, coordinate and manage a variety of projects simultaneously while being adaptable to deadlines, time constraints and changing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions, formulate planning recommendations, and exercise discretion, tact and sensitivity
• Able to deal harmoniously and diplomatically with the general public, colleagues and elected officials
• Strong computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Local municipal planning experience and knowledge of the City of Waterloo is an asset
• Valid MTO ‘G’ class driver’s license in good standing or access to reliable transportation for business use purposes is required
• A passion for promoting and maintaining a healthy and safe workplace and the ability to work respectfully and effectively in a team environment
• Strong commitment to delivering quality customer service
• Demonstrated commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion

What we will require:

• A Police Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check satisfactory to the City
• Proof of your current and valid certificate(s), licenses and/or educational qualification, if applicable

Be You @ Waterloo (Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging):

The City of Waterloo acknowledges that our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples, and is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.  The City is dedicated to advancing the organization’s commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion and to reducing barriers to employment opportunities. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Indigenous, racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQ+ are encouraged for positions at all levels within the organization. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to self-identify in their application.

Accommodations are available throughout all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation. We encourage applicants to access support(s) that may be needed. To request accommodation during the application process, please email recruitment@waterloo.ca, quoting the position and competition number. Applicants advancing to the next stages of the recruitment process will be provided with additional opportunities to make their needs known.