Reporting to the Manager of Planning Services, the County Planner plays a key role in delivering a wide range of professional land use planning services. This position provides strategic and technical support to the Manager while leading and contributing to activities such as responding to municipal and public inquiries, preparing planning reports and policy documents, reviewing and processing Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments and severance applications, conducting technical analyses, and producing digital mapping to support planning initiatives and development applications.

Responsibilities

Responds to members of the general public and other professionals with professional planning advice on inquiries related to land use planning matters and development proposals under the direction of the Manager of Planning Services.
Prepares background studies , draft official plans, official plan amendments, draft comprehensive zoning by-laws and zoning by-law amendments, and other land use studies as required , under the direction of the Manager of Planning Services.
Performs review of consent and applications, which is considered by the Manager of Planning Services in preparing decisions for applications. Provides technical support to Land Division Secretary as required.
Performs review of subdivision applications and is responsible for tracking subdivision application information, managing on-going correspondence with applicant and commenting agencies, and preparing required documentation for various approval/decision stages of the subdivision process, under the direction of the Manager of Planning Services.
Responsible for maintaining the planning information system and statistical database for the Planning Department.
Educates, informs and updates politicians, municipal staff, members of the public and other interested parties on planning legislation and provincial policy.
Provides planning advice and assistance to local municipalities regarding land use matters and development proposals under the direction of the Manager of Planning Services.
Assists Director, Manager of Planning Services with general administrative duties, as required.
Protects own health and health of others by adopting safe work practices, reporting unsafe conditions immediately, and attending all relevant in-services regarding occupational health and safety. Follows all guidelines for employees and employers as legislated under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act .
Performs the responsibilities of the position within the legislative and regulatory standards set out in the applicable Provincial and Municipal Acts. Performs the responsibilities of the position consistent with the Operational policies of the County of Renfrew.

Qualifications

University degree in Planning or closely related discipline required, preferably at the Masters level.
Minimum of three years of relevant planning experience in municipal planning with an emphasis on rural and small urban environments.
Working knowledge of the Planning Act and related senior government legislation and policies.
Demonstrated excellent computer skills, including the use of word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
Experience working with Geographic Information Systems in a municipal government environment.
Excellent interpersonal, communication and writing skills are required as well as the ability to function as a member of a planning team.
One of the following is required;
Designation as a Registered Professional Planner (R.P.P.) within the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (O.P.P.I.), or;
Progressing to designation as an R.P.P, or;
Eligibility for full membership in Canadian Institute of Planners (C.I.P.).
Private use of vehicle; must have immediate accessible transportation.