Project Lead, Long Range Planning And Special Projects (Nu 27.23) (Pft)

Scope of Position:
Under the Director of Planning, the Project Lead, Long Range Planning and Special Projects is responsible for the coordination and delivery of studies and projects related to a variety of complex planning issues. In particular, the incumbent is responsible for supporting the development and project management of various policy documents including the Official Plan, municipally initiated Official Plan Amendments, Secondary Plans and Zoning By-laws, and non-legislated planning documents such as Urban Design Guidelines. The incumbent prepares policy-planning reports involving research, analysis, evaluation, and the preparation of professional planning recommendations, including providing advice and/or guidance to staff and Council on the broader implications of land use policies as well as organizing and facilitating related community engagement and stakeholder involvement initiatives.
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepares request for proposals (RFP), terms of reference and scoping documents for planning studies and projects, outlining the expected project scope, goals and objectives, schedule and deliverables.
• Identifies and liaises with project stakeholders, interested parties, and technical advisory committees.
• Reviews and formally responds to public and agency comments on County projects.
• Supports the Director of Planning in the development, coordination, and/or preparation of long range plans, policies and special studies to guide the future growth in alignment with the County’s goals and strategic plan.
• Assists in completing departmental work program initiatives.
• Participates other County initiatives as part of technical teams as required.
• Maintains, in collaboration with the Communications Department, a web-based community engagement page for special projects.
• Coordinates, prepares, and/or project manages policy planning projects on a day-to-day basis, with an emphasis on long-range planning congruent with County’s strategic directions and provincial planning legislation and policies.
• Attends Council, Committee, Public Meetings, community/stakeholder and other public meetings as required. Including availability to work evenings and/or weekends as necessary for attendance at Council/Committee meetings, public forums, etc.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Provides expert planning testimony before administrative tribunals such as the Ontario Land Tribunal. Involved in mediation/settlement discussions on behalf of the Township. Assists legal counsel in preparing for legal proceedings (evidence, testimony) and documents.
• Provides interpretations of the policies of the Official Plan, provisions of the Zoning By-law and general regulations regarding planning within the County.
• Monitors the project schedule and budget, and reports to the Director of Planning accordingly.
• Prepares Planning reports and recommendations to Council and management related to long-range land-use, policy and master planning studies such as the Official Plan Review and Zoning By-law Reviews.
• Lead the preparation of plans for specific communities, such as Simcoe, Delhi, Waterford and other areas, including conducting stakeholder engagement. Coordination with infrastructure planning as necessary.
• Conducts planning research and analysis, and provides interpretation of provincial, and local polices and the County’s zoning by-laws.
• Prepares circulation for County-initiated policy planning initiatives and supporting materials to appropriate departments and agencies and other stakeholders, and determines deadlines for comment.
• Undertakes research and specific planning studies related to the development of new policies and/or standards, as directed by Council or Director of Planning.
• Conduct regular research and reviews, understands, and critically analyzes new or pending legislation and regulatory guidelines and prepares comments internal discussion as well as reports for Council and Committees.
• Attends and actively participates in meetings, workshops, and training sessions regarding planning matters including various provincial ministries.
• Prepares and/or oversees the consolidation of Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments.
• Reviews and evaluates project proposals against criteria.
• Prepares and delivers presentations and provides guidance on policy planning projects, municipal growth issues, demographics projections, statistical analysis, long-range land use planning, new or pending legislation and regulatory guidelines, development charges, environmental initiatives, and other planning matters.
• Participates in the selection of and project manages consultants/consulting teams retained by the County to complete specific planning studies within an approved budget with approval/guidance from the Director of Planning .

Requirements
Knowledge and Experience:

• Experience in municipal planning procedures and land development application procedure; a general knowledge of public policy, practices and current issues affecting local government with an understanding of public sector management accountability frameworks
• Knowledge of project management norms and practices and demonstrated ability to plan and coordinate project work and deliverables, including project budget, scope, and timelines.
• Qualified as an expert in planning to provide independent professional opinion before tribunals such as the Ontario Land Tribunal
• Registered Professional Planner including Full membership in the OPPI and the CIP
• Must be aware of safe work practices as they relate to job responsibilities and work environment, and have the basic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Bachelor’s Degree in Land Use Planning or an Honours Degree in a Planning related program
• Understanding of community building and development principles and approaches.
• Proven ability to be flexible and thrive in a demanding environment with frequent and competing deadlines, multiple tasks, and high-performance expectations
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional planning experience in a municipal or public sector environment including experience and responsibilities for policy development and corporate policy planning, interpreting, analyzing, and recommending policy directions/options and project management activities.
• Familiarity with mapping data sources and understanding benefits of a GIS mapping system
• Thorough knowledge of the Ontario Planning Act regulations and procedures, and other Provincial legislative, regulatory and policy framework with demonstrated experience in interpreting and translating legislation into policy and policy options
• Valid Class 'G’ Driver’s License in good standing
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required together with excellent organizational skills analytical and project management skills to engage and build consensus across multiple diverse stakeholder groups.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff at all levels of the organization, including senior management, elected officials, the business community, and other external stakeholders.

Skill and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and tact and maintain a high degree of confidentiality at all times, complying with all applicable privacy legislation and local policies and procedures
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to and build upon a positive and healthy work environment
• Innovative mindset, open to new ideas and able to consider various approaches to challenges and opportunities.
• Extensive experience of presenting and addressing Council, public, stakeholders in various types of situations and engagement platforms
• Computer applications experience with MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, and Power Point), CityView, Bluebeam, and ArcGIS
• Ability to demonstrate initiative consistently with commitment to quality improvement, sharing process improvement initiatives with management
• Demonstrated time-management skills with the ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated customer service skills at a level to develop and maintain cooperative/ collaborative working relationships both within and outside the organization

Benefits
Posting #: NU 27.23
Title: Project Lead, Long Range Planning and Special Projects
Job Code: 4PLPLP
Status: Permanent Full Time
Employee Group: Non-Union
Wage: $84,596 to $105,746 per annum (Under Review)
Division: Community Development
Department: Planning
Reports To: Director of Planning
Location: Robinson Administration Building, Simcoe with remote work as required
Posting Period: May 12, 2023 to May 29, 2023
The Corporation of Norfolk County is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.
Successful applicants are required to provide the Employer with a current Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector where required and verification of education.
Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those to be interviewed will be contacted.