Senior Land Use Planner

Senior Land Use Planner

Upper Canada Consultants, a land-use planning and civil engineering firm in St. Catharines, ON, is seeking a Senior Land Use Planner. This key role is designed for a seasoned professional with a strong land development background, particularly as it relates to policy and strategic planning within a development context. The successful candidate will lead in managing a diverse array of development projects from start to finish, coordinating effectively with specialized sub-consultants and internal teams to ensure the compilation of complete Planning Act applications, including the preparation of Planning Justification Reports.

In this position, you will manage projects through their approvals process and witness your plans' transformation and implementation into real-life neighbourhoods, significantly contributing to the community. Ideal for individuals with at least five years of experience in Municipal or Development Planning, this role demands proficiency in policy interpretation, strategic initiatives, and the ability to multitask in a dynamic setting. While knowledge of Environmental Assessments is an added advantage, it's the ability to provide guidance to junior staff that truly sets this role apart, fostering a learning environment and enhancing the team's overall capabilities.

Key Qualifications:

• Degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related field.
• Registered Professional Planner with an active membership with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and Canadian Institute of Planners.
• Demonstrated expertise in policy interpretation and strategic planning within the land development industry.
• Exceptional communication skills, with a proven ability to present at Municipal Council and Committee of Adjustment meetings.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, with an emphasis on leveraging tools to facilitate project success. Proficiency in Adobe Suite, AutoCAD, and ARC GIS is an asset.
• Strong skills in relationship building, policy interpretation, multitasking, and operating under pressure, complemented by political acumen.
• A Type G Driver’s License and access to a vehicle.

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation and management of Land Use Planning applications, crafting comprehensive Planning Justification/Rationale Reports.
• Secure necessary Municipal approvals and effectively represent land use applications before public entities.
• Manage multiple projects efficiently, meeting project milestones and client expectations in a fast-paced environment.
• Provide strategic guidance to junior staff, mentoring them in best practices and contributing to their professional development.

Work Schedule:

• Standard office hours are from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with occasional requirements for meetings outside these hours (Municipal Council and Committee of Adjustments).

Compensation:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications; bonus based on performance.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including Medical & Dental Benefits and RRSP Matching.