Policy Planner

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Department: Community Planning
Reports to: Manager of Planning Policy
Effective Date: October 26, 2001
Positions Supervised: 0
Revised Date: October 2025

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides professional planning support for the County’s long-range planning/land use policy program, including conducting and/or assisting with: policy research, development, consultation, and report writing; Official Plan Reviews and amendments; secondary plans; policy related zoning updates; policy related area/special studies etc.

Provides professional planning advice and direction to County and Area Municipal Councils/staff and other stakeholders on a broad range of Provincial and Municipal land use policy considerations (e.g. growth management/housing, natural and built environment, agriculture, cultural heritage etc.). May also assist with development review, including the review and processing of development applications made under the Planning Act and Condominium Act, as required.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides strategic advice and direction to Area Municipal CAOs and/or Councils with respect to a full range of land use planning matters and related considerations (e.g. financial/economic, environment, social, legal, strategic, political etc.).
Pepares reports for, and attends, meetings of County and area municipal councils to present report recommendations, provide expert planning advice, and answer questions pertaining to a broad range of land use planning related legislative, policy, and other matters.
Provides expert planning advice, information, and direction to the County and Area Municipalities (i.e. Councils, Committees, and staff), and a broad range of external stakeholders, with respect to Provincial and County planning policies and related legislation, by-laws, guidelines, and processes.
Prepares and presents professional planning evidence and opinions at court proceedings, the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), and other administrative tribunal hearings in relation to planning policies and regulations.
Conduct and/or assist with various planning research projects and/or policy development to ensure that County and Area Municipal policies, by-laws, guidelines, procedures, and processes related to planning and development are current and effective. This may involve project management, data analysis (both spatial – GIS and non-spatial); report writing and public consultation.
Coordinates and participates in public consultation meetings and public engagement strategies, pertaining to planning policy and/or development matters and present various planning initiatives to interest groups, stakeholders, and the public.
Under the direction of the planning leadership team, initiate and manage various complex, multi-disciplinary consulting projects and studies to evaluate and address a broad range of land use planning and development related matters (e.g. growth management, housing, social, cultural and economic sustainability, demographics, environmental and resource management etc.), as required. This includes all aspects of project management (i.e. preparing study outlines, arranging for expressions of interest and proposal calls, recommend consultant selection, acting as the primary contact for the project, participating in Technical Advisory Committees, and overseeing the completion of project deliverables, including the oversight of the project budget).
Monitor and provide feedback on proposed changes to Federal and Provincial legislation and policies related to land use planning and provide support for related County advocacy efforts.
Support the County’s programs and services by promoting and supporting the County’s Strategic Plan, Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan, best practices, internal policies and applicable legislation to meet service excellence standards and uphold Oxford’s vision, mission, and values.
Ensure that new growth and development is consistent with the goals and objectives of the County and Area Municipalities and ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of all planning related services provided to the area municipalities by the Community Planning Office.
Represents the County and the Planning Office or Area Municipality on various committees and external bodies.
Maintains continuous professional learning requirements and contributes to the planning profession through attending conferences and seminars, sharing experience and project outcomes with other planners, participating in professional working groups and public education.
Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Post-secondary education in Land Use Planning, Geography, or related field.
Registered Professional Planner, or eligible for full membership, with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and Canadian Institute of Planning.
Demonstrated land use planning experience in a municipal environment.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Highly developed research and analytical skills and report writing capability.
Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, negotiation and presentation skills.
Demonstrated knowledge of Ontario Land Tribunal policies, practices, and decisions.
Ability to work effectively within a team environment and independently.
Ability to interact professionally and diplomatically with the public, development industry, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
Knowledge of and experience using Microsoft Office and Geographic Information System software or applications.
Valid Ontario driver’s license and the ability to travel as required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS:

Ability to demonstrate the required core and leadership competencies for this position in alignment with Oxford County’s competency framework.
Core competencies include teamwork, communication, innovation, service excellence, accountability and integrity, and inclusivity.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works in an office environment.
Sitting for extended periods of time.
Attends public meetings and open houses, outside of standard office hours, as required.
Occasional to regular travel to other offices throughout the County.