Planner II

Halifax Regional Municipality is accepting applications for one permanent full-time position and one term up to 12-month position of Planner II within the Regional and Community Planning Division.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Reporting to the Principal Planner, the Planner II is knowledgeable in a broad range of planning matters, has some specialized expertise, provides intermediate-level professional planning services, and leads a wide variety of professional planning services or projects. The incumbent demonstrates specialized knowledge in one or more areas of expertise such as Development Review, Community Planning, Regional Planning, Urban Design, Heritage & Cultural Planning, Infrastructure Planning, Transportation Planning, Environmental Planning and Socio-Economic Research.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads and performs intermediate-level professional work and provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public related to a broad range of planning matters
• Acts as liaison between citizens, government agencies, developers and elected officials on planning matters as may be assigned
• Evaluates and processes development applications for compliance with land use by-law, subdivision by-law development agreement requirements and heritage property regulations
• Evaluates and processes variances, site plans, development agreements, and land use by-law amendments and other planning applications
• Prepares and may support the preparation of detailed reports and recommendations and presents on planning proposals to Boards, Committees and Council
• Conducts field evaluations and assessments
• Investigates violations of planning regulations
• Acts as witness in legal proceedings as necessary and provides expert advice at the Utility and Review Board and Court
• Advises and makes recommendations on business unit policies and procedures related to land use planning and development programs or strategic corporate initiatives
• Represents the business unit or the municipality as a team member, or independently, on assigned planning matters
• Facilitates public meetings representing the business unit on a variety of planning matters
• Designs and facilitates customer-focused strategic planning, education and consultation processes as required
• Researches, analyzes, and compiles information and statistical data and trends on a variety of planning matters
• Identifies emerging planning trends, policies and best practices from other jurisdictions and makes recommendations on business unit policies and planning initiatives to address community problems
• Monitors effectiveness of existing planning policies, business processes and regulations and makes recommendations for improvements as necessary
• Researches, analyzes, and supports the preparation of reports, terms of reference, request for proposals, policies and procedures, correspondence and briefs for Planner III, Principal Planners and senior management
• Leads or supports the development of, in partnership with stakeholders, policy options, analysis and reports on planning issues and participates as a team member for multidisciplinary projects in varied areas of expertise (i.e., Development Review, Community Planning, Regional Planning, Urban Design, Heritage & Cultural Planning, Infrastructure Planning, Transportation Planning, Environmental Planning and Research & Forecasting)
• Prepares, presents, and maintains comprehensive regional and community plans, land use by-laws, the Subdivision By-law and other regulations regarding development control
• Makes decisions on assigned complicated permit, site plan, variance and subdivision applications when appointed as a Development Officer by Council pursuant to the Halifax Charter
• Mentors Planner I
• May perform other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• University degree from an accredited planning program and three (3) years of professional planning experience OR
• University degree from a non-accredited but related program (such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban, Human or Economic Geography, and Geographic/Spatial Information Systems) and five (5) years of professional planning experience
• Candidacy as a Licensed Professional Planner (LPP) or equivalent Provincial or International designation is considered an asset
• Experience working in a municipal government environment is considered an asset.
• A valid driver's license is required

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities

• Well-developed knowledge of the principles and practices of planning including cross-functional knowledge involving other disciplines
• In-depth knowledge of one or more areas of planning specialization, such as community development, urban design, heritage conservation, housing, parks and recreation, transportation planning or environmental/natural resources planning
• Knowledge of relevant provincial and federal government regulations and programs
• Knowledge of standard office software and technology including Microsoft Office Suite, Internet applications, GIS and other similar systems and technology related to the business unit
• Thorough knowledge of the Municipal Government Act, the HRM Charter, the Heritage Property Act, the Heritage By-law, the Subdivision By-law, various HRM Municipal Planning Strategies and Land Use By-laws, and other relevant legislation and municipal by-laws related to construction approvals, engineering specifications, and planning applications, including a clear understanding of their interrelationships
• A broad knowledge of the legislative framework under which land use planning law operates and the ability to interpret and draft by-laws and contracts which affect the rights of landowners, neighbourhoods, and communities
• Superior written and verbal communications and strong interpersonal and facilitation skills
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well- defined practical problems
• Ability to review plans to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment
• Ability to attend to details while also applying big-picture goals

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please Note: Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates who are selected for testing may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.

COMPETENCIES: Valuing Diversity, Analytical Thinking, Communications, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Organizational Awareness, Teamwork & Cooperation, Organization & Planning.

WORK STATUS: Permanent, full-time.

HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, 35 hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours and hybrid may be available.

SALARY: $42.50 per hour (Level 9), in accordance with the NSGEU 222 Collective agreement.

WORK LOCATION: 3rd floor Duke Tower (5251 Duke Street, Halifax).

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

This is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview / testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews, independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of their qualifications, including, but not limited to, educational credentials, professional licenses, and relevant certifications.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link;

Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax

(position # 72283837, 72292159)