Senior Development Planner

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Department: Community Planning
Reports to: Manager of Development Planning
Effective Date: July 2015
Positions Supervised: 0
Revised Date: June 2025

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Development Planner provides senior level planning expertise in support of the County and Area Municipal development review function. This includes coordination, review, and processing of the full range of development applications under the Planning Act and Condominium Act (i.e. from routine to major/complex) and leading a broad range of planning related projects and initiatives (e.g. CIPs, secondary plans, area studies, zoning review etc.) at the Area Municipal level.

Responsible for oversight of certain development planning functions and assists with supervision of Development Planners, as directed. May also assist with Official Plan policy review and development initiatives, from time to time.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serves in a senior management role/capacity at their assigned Area Municipality(ies) including the provision of strategic level advice and direction to the CAO/Area Municipal Council with respect to a full range of land use planning matters and related considerations (e.g. financial/economic, environment, social, legal, strategic, political etc.).
Oversees various routine to complex area municipal land use planning projects and initiatives (i.e. secondary plans, area studies etc.), as required
Provides expert, professional planning advice and direction to the County and Area Municipalities (i.e. Councils, Committees, and staff) and a broad range of external stakeholders, with respect to all aspects of development planning (including major and/or complex development initiatives) and applicable planning legislation, policies, by-laws, guidelines, and processes.
Acts as a mentor to the Development Planners and provides guidance, support and oversight for certain aspects of the development planning function (e.g. review and/approval of reports, notices etc.), as assigned. Indirect supervisory responsibilities include, coaching, training, mentoring & professional development of Development Planners in conjunction with the Manager of Development, as required.
Addresses media inquiries related to various development applications.
Attends County and Area Municipal Council and Committee meetings to provide professional planning advice and recommendations on various planning and development matters, as required.
Prepares and presents expert testimony for court proceedings and at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and other administrative tribunal hearings. Assists the Development Planners in preparation of documented evidence for OLT hearings pertaining to development applications.
Assist with consultant led project work. Prepare study outlines, arrange for expressions of interest and proposal calls, recommend consultant selection, act as the primary contact for the project, participate in Technical Advisory Committees, and oversee the completion of project deliverables, including the oversight of the project budget.
Leads special planning projects related to development planning under the direction of the Manager of Development, Manager of Planning Policy, and/or the Director of Community Planning, as applicable, including working with other departments 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.
Represents the County and the Planning Office on various committees and external bodies.
Coordinates response of Area municipality and other County departments to inquiries and tasks related to development agreements, subdivision and condominium registration (i.e. registration of easements, clearance letters, road widening blocks, park blocks, and registration of agreements).
Supports 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 the effectiveness and efficiency of all planning related services provided to the Area Municipalities.
Maintains continuous professional learning requirements and contributes to the planning profession through participation in professional working groups, conference/seminar sessions, and public education sessions
Performs other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Degree in Land Use Planning, Geography, or a related field.
Registered Professional Planner, or eligible for full membership in Canadian Institute of Planning and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute.
Demonstrated senior level land use planning and project experience in a municipal environment, including experience with all development related processes and applications under the Planning Act, managing large and/or complex development proposals, and overseeing a range of planning related projects/studies.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines, while managing multiple projects with varying degrees of complexity.
Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, negotiation and presentation skills.
Knowledge of and experience using Microsoft Office and Geographic Information System software or applications.
Valid Ontario driver’s license required 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.