Development Planner

Why work for the Town of Canmore?

As one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities, our planning landscape includes a unique variety of both natural and manmade considerations that fill our work with rewarding challenges. This is a great opportunity to gain more experience in reviewing complex development and subdivision applications and appearing before public decision-making bodies, including the Planning Commission, appeal boards and Council. If you are a person who thrives working independently, in a fast-paced environment, and on projects both big and small, this may be the job for you!

Our Planning & Development team is a group of dedicated and experienced professionals committed to levelling up our customer service every day while ensuring development progresses in a way that protects our natural environment and supports a community where all residents can thrive.

Position Overview: This position reports to the Manager of Planning and Development and requires the successful candidate to work independently on complex development applications alongside a collaborative cross-departmental team. The Development Planner is responsible for delivering a variety of municipal planning services. The successful candidate(s) will play a critical role in ensuring that day-to-day applications compliment the natural beauty of our community and meet the needs of our residents. You will be responsible for ensuring the provision of a full range of municipal planning services. As a member of the Planning & Development Team at the Town of Canmore (“Town”), this position ensures that development takes place in accordance with the Town’s statutory plans and policies and moves the community to a more sustainable built form.

The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced planning professional who thrives under pressure, is a self-starter with a collaborative work style, and possesses well developed organizational skills, and conflict resolution skills to reach successful planning outcomes in a politically sensitive environment.  

Core Accountabilities: 

• Has extensive knowledge and judgment to explain statutory plans and policies through frequent interactions with the public
• Reviews and provides recommendations to the appropriate approval body on proposed amendments to the Land Use Bylaw, subdivision, road closure, encroachments and similar applications
• Researches and provides recommendations on statutory plans and Town policies related to planning issues
• Researches and drafts reports on special projects as assigned by the Manager
• Performs development permit approvals on large complex applications (e.g. multi-family, commercial, industrial, institutional, etc.) and reviews building permits for compliance as required
• Performs site inspections for compliance with approvals, as required
• Negotiates and drafts Development Agreements
• Reviews and optimizes system processes on an ongoing basis
• Provides information to the general public, Administration, Provincial & Federal Agencies, and other municipalities as appropriate
• Ensures compliance with and enforcement of provisions of the Land Use Bylaw, Municipal Government Act, and Town Bylaws and policies as they apply to the full range of municipal planning services
• Where violations occur, enforces compliance with the provisions of the Land Use Bylaw
• Processes Certificates of Conformance as required
• Provides assistance and liaises with other departments on specific projects as required
• Presents at public meetings (e.g. Council, committees, community engagement)
• Is proficient with CityView software and Microsoft Office 365
• Has knowledge of urban design principles
• Collects data by both quantitative and qualitative survey methods
• Is current with industry best practices and how to adapt them to our organizational, community, and business environment
• Ensures that established policies and procedures are followed for safety, customer service, financial transactions, etc.
• Anticipates sensitive issues and plans an appropriate strategy

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary degree in urban, regional, or municipal planning- required
• Eligible for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners or equivalent - required

Experience:

• Minimum 3 to 5 years’ experience in statutory planning, preparation and review, subdivision and development permitting, and policy development – required
• Strong communication skills – demonstrated listening, negotiation, written and oral abilities – required
• Experience presenting at public meetings (e.g. Council, committees, community engagement) – required
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including MS Office Suite, basic mapping/GIS knowledge – required
• Graphic software skills – preferred
• Experience in reviewing and processing development applications, urban design principles, and land use planning law – required
• Organizational habits to understand, realistically plan for and meet deadlines, while adapting to changing demands and priorities – required

Salary & Benefits

• Hourly Rate: $54.51 to $57.54 per hour to start- Pay rate will be calculated based on successful candidate’s related work experience and education.
• Earned Day Off (EDO) Program: (i.e., Extra Day Off every three weeks!)
• Competitive benefits package, & health spending account 
• Generous RRSP: employer matching program
• Personal development & learning opportunities  
• Positive work culture  
• Work-Life Balance  
• Hybrid Work Eligible Position

Work Schedule: Typically, Monday to Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm- flexibility provided. Schedule hours may vary based on operational needs.

Closing Date for Applications: This posting will remain open until filled.

How to Apply: To apply, please upload your cover letter and resume (PDF or Word) and click the “Apply Now” button below. To help us learn more about you, in your cover letter please clearly detail the following:

1. Why do you want to work as a Development Planner for the Town of Canmore?
2. What skills, experience, and (most importantly) attitude will you bring to enhance the team and enrich our community?

Prior to beginning work, the successful candidate will be required to submit all required certifications and documentation, including driver`s abstract and police records checks.  The Town of Canmore wishes to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.