Position Summary

Reporting to the Supervisor, Planning and Development, this position serves as a key member of the Planning and Development team.  The Development Officer role requires a collaborative, efficient, and thorough approach in the processing of development permit applications and development inquiries. 

This position requires the individual to demonstrate and draw on expertise acquired from extensive, varied and progressively more responsible levels of experience in the development phase of Planning.

This position will take a lead role in the implementation of policy and the Land Use Bylaw, relating to the Development of properties. The Development Officer will be expected to handle a wide range of duties related to all manner and size of projects, applications, and policies in a variety of land use contextual environments. The Development Officer will work independently or in teams as the situation dictates. Presentations to Council and Boards are an integral component of the scope of duties. The Development Officer will act as a resource person and mentor for Planners and Planning Assistants.

Core Accountabilities

• Through a sound knowledge of the County’s Land Use Bylaw, accurately provides development and building requirements and other related planning information and guidance in relation to the review of development permits and associated work.
• Apply Council plans and policies that impact development, identifying opportunities to implement through development applications.
• Receive, process, recommend and issue decisions on development permit applications in relation to residential, commercial, institutional and agricultural uses.
• Manages process deadlines effectively for applications, including ensuring that:
  1. Updates on files are logged on the County’s planning and project management software
  2. Frequent communication with applicants and customers is maintained.
  3. File tasks are prioritized effectively to ensure efficient workflows.
• Prepares accurate and thorough reports that include reference to all applicable statutory policies and Land Use Bylaw regulations; reviews files with the Supervisor or Manager to determine if the applications are ready for approval and advertisement.
• Lead the review of the decision making associated with these applications, coordinating and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including residents.
• Liase with applicants to provide timely and informative responses to ensure an efficient and effective service delivery.
• Communicate with the public, various public and private agencies and County staff on development activities and proposals.
• Ensure a high standard of accuracy and timelines with the review, processing and closure of files.
• Conduct site inspections related to development permits as well as to recommend the sign off on prior to release conditions, and the release of appropriate securities as development is completed.
• Provide, support and guidance to other departmental members and County departments.
• Identifies and initiates actions regarding conditionally approved Development Permits with expiry dates and works with the applicant to achieve these conditions and successfully issue the Development Permit.
• When required, ensures all Subdivision Development Appeal Board reports are prepared, presents reports at Development Appeal Board Hearings and assures the reports are submitted to administration within the deadlines set for upcoming meetings.
• Meets with Applicants  to discuss their proposals and offers advice and guidance in the Development Permit process.
• Work in accordance with the requirements established by the RVC Health and Safety Program and the Alberta OHS Act, Regulation and Code.
• Take reasonable care to protect their health and safety and other persons at or in the vicinity of the worksite while they are working.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Position Requirements

Completion of qualification in planning or a related field, along with a minimum three years of experience in a planning field.

• Must possess positive public relations and effective oral and written communication skills.
• Must possess a strong ability for attention to detail, accuracy, timing and scheduling of work for this position, with the ability to meet demanding deadlines.
• Is able to interpret the Land Use Bylaw and building construction plans, drawings, site plans, sketches and related documents.
• Must be individually motivated with the ability to act independently within a close team environment, exercising independent judgment within tight timelines.
• Must have a strong ability to act independently within an interdependent team environment, dealing positively with the public and co-workers with tight timelines.
• APPI Regulated members required or preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.

Must possess a valid class 5 Alberta driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation.

We thank applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Applications can be submitted online at www.rockyview.ca/careers

Closing Date: March 23, 2025, or until a suitable candidate is found.