Senior Development Planner (Regional)

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 & 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 for 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, Employee and Family Assistance Program and Maternity/Parental Leave Top-Up;
• 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:

Reporting to the Manager of Development Planning your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Review, analyze, assess and report on development applications of a highly complex nature, 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 
• Assist the City in integrating and undertaking regional-level development planning responsibilities at the local level
• Assist the City in the Bill 23 transition of upper-tier planning responsibilities to the City of Waterloo, including approval processes for subdivisions, condominiums, official plan amendments, and part lot control exemptions
• Provide and contribute towards innovative design and planning solutions for development proposals
• Develop, implement and apply urban design policies, standards and guidelines, including the provision of design guidance related to built form, streetscapes, and site planning for a wide range of complex development applications
• Strong project management skills to independently lead projects through the entire planning process, while working collaboratively with others in a team environment
• Conduct research and comprehensive analysis related to complex land use planning, intensification and urban design matters
• Prepare and deliver exceptional professional planning reports, correspondence, and presentations 
• Write zoning regulations, urban design provisions, draft plan conditions, and development agreements 
• Negotiate to resolve conflicts between applicants, interested parties and stakeholders on a variety of planning and urban design 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 excellence
• Other projects as assigned by the City’s Manager of Development Planning or Director of Planning

What you will bring:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Planning or a related field with a minimum of five (5) years of land use and development planning experience.  Equivalent combinations of experience and education may be considered.
• Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) is preferred
• Knowledge of planning theory, provincial and regional policies and plans, and planning-related legislation
• Experience and proficiency in contemporary upper-tier planning responsibilities and processes is required, with a focus on Regional Development Planning being preferred
• Knowledge in continuous improvement or experience in the lean six sigma process improvement approach is an asset
• Demonstrated understanding, knowledge and skills in the application and interpretation of the Planning Act, the Condominium Act and other relevant legislation, policies, regulations and guidelines
• Ability to evaluate major 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, community design, intensification, sustainability, and architectural best practices
• Experience with developing and applying regional-level development planning policies, standards and guidelines
• 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 urban design 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 regional-level municipal planning experience and knowledge is an asset
• Valid MTO “G” class driver’s license and personal vehicle required; or self-funded alternative means of demonstrated efficient and reliable transportation between required work sites/locations
• 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 qualifications, 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 Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe and Chonnonton 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 2SLGBTQIA+ 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.

Staff Association:  Qualified and eligible City of Waterloo Staff Association applicants will be considered first for this posting.