Senior Planner (Policy) - Temporary

Municipal Affairs
Location: HALIFAX
Temporary
The Department of Municipal Affairs is dedicated to working with municipalities to build healthy vibrant and safe communities throughout Nova Scotia. Municipal Affairs provides programs grants and funding opportunities for municipalities and community groups. The Department also provides services and guidance to municipalities in many areas including land use planning budget planning and finance infrastructure development policy and program development.

As a Senior Planner you have an important role in shaping policies and providing expert guidance on a wide range of complex and sensitive issues from municipal land use planning and provincial policy to heritage property protection. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape sustainable development and community growth while collaborating with government officials municipalities and community stakeholders to support sustainable growth and preserve the provinces unique character.
As the Senior Planner you will lead and provide expert advice on land use policy and municipal planning across Nova Scotia. Advising municipalities and consulting with planning officials on municipal planning documents and concerns.
Conducting official reviews of municipal planning documents for alignment with provincial legislation/regulations and making recommendations to senior officials.
Representing the department on committees and interdepartmental projects
Leading research on demographic trends jurisdictional scans and community impact to inform provincial strategies.
Managing educational initiatives on land use planning and supporting municipal staff professional development.
Preparing briefings correspondence and legislative proposals for senior officials.
Overseeing consulting projects and providing expert advice at meetings and workshops.

A Bachelors degree in Planning (or other related field) with at least six (6) years of relevant experience or a Masters degree in Planning with at least four (4) years of relevant experience is required. An equivalent combination of education training and experience will also be considered.

Eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) is a strong asset.

In-depth knowledge of municipal land use planning particularly Parts 8 and 9 of theMunicipal Government Act.
Proficiency in relevant computer applications (MS Office Suite)
An understanding of provincial planning and subdivision regulations
Strong interpersonal written and verbal communication skills to effectively liaise with government officials municipalities consultants and the public.
Strategic thinking and solid problem-solving skills to address diverse planning challenges.
A commitment to integrating equity diversity and inclusion into planning practices.

Additional assets include:
Certifications in project management or conflict resolution
Familiarity with theHalifax Regional Municipality Charterand theHeritage Property Actis an asset.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools written submissions standardized tests oral presentations interview(s) and reference checks.
We recognize equivalent combinations of training education and experience providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Based on the employment status and union agreement the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan Health Dental Life Insurance General illness Short and Long Term Disability Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Most of your work is spent in a comfortable office environment. Some travel may be necessary in this role to attend site visits as required as such a valid drivers license and the ability to travel is necessary.

This is a TEMPORARY employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of April 30 2026. The appointment status (term temporary or casual) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

Career Development where you have access to career guidance tools resources and ongoing training for every stage of your career
Engaging workplace: our Employees feel valued respected connected and tuned in we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
Department specific flexible working schedules

Employment Equity Statement:
Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative at all job levels of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from Indigenous People African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons Persons with Disabilities and Womenin occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office employees must apply correctly via this link:

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Senior IC