Invites applications for a Permanent, Full-Time
Planning Officer
The MD of Foothills encompasses a diverse rural landscape in which leadership and planning support a strong agricultural heritage, vibrant communities, a balanced economy and the stewardship of natural capital for future generations. We are a rural municipality located adjacent to and immediately south of the City of Calgary. The MD covers an area of approximately 3,600 square kilometres in area, located in the foothills of sunny southern Alberta. It surrounds the Towns of Okotoks, High River, Turner Valley, and Black Diamond, the Village of Longview, and the Eden Valley Indian Reserve.
We are seeking a hands-on team player to join our planning and development team, whose primary role is to manage applications for ASP’s, Outline Plans, land use bylaw amendments, subdivision and development permits. Reporting to the Municipal Planner, the Planning Officer is responsible for overseeing multiple concurrent applications and providing information to elected officials, the public and other stakeholders on land use and subdivision regulations of the Municipal Government Act, Municipal Development Plan, the Land Use Bylaw and other statutory documents.
To prepare for this position, your post-secondary education and minimum of 3 years work experience have provided you with the proven ability to thrive in a fast paced deadline oriented work environment where the provision of excellent service to the public is a top priority. You are eligible to for membership with the Canadian Institute of Planners and you demonstrate a broad understanding of Provincial and Municipal land use planning legislation as it pertains to the development and subdivision of land. If you would like the opportunity to showcase your exceptional organizational skills, can-do attitude and the desire to learn all aspects of Municipal Planning, we invite you to apply for this position.
The MD of Foothills offers competitive salary and benefits commensurate with the scope and challenge of this important position. To explore this exciting career opportunity please submit your resume and cover letter to opportunities@mdfoothills.com no later than 1:00 p.m., April 5, 2013.
For additional information regarding this opportunity, and to view the full job description, please visit the MD of Foothill's website at www.mdfoothills.com.
We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Municipal District of Foothills No. 31
Job Description
Job Title: Planning Officer
Department: Planning
Reports to: Municipal Planner, Department Supervisor
Date Prepared: October 2011
SUMMARY
The Planning Officer’s primary role is to manage and process applications for ASPs, Outline plans, land use and subdivision. As part of the Planning and Development Team, the Planning Officer is responsible for overseeing multiple concurrent applications and providing the necessary information to the various groups involved, including elected officials, Provincial departments, boards and committees, private consultants, business organizations and the public.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In addition to their role above, the Planning Officer is responsible for other duties within the Planning Department including:
Provide advice to the public, Council and other stakeholders on land use and subdivision regulations of the Municipal Government Act, Municipal Development Plan, the Land Use Bylaw, other statutory documents, plans, policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulations;
Draft reports for the purposes of analyzing planning applications as they pertain to the guidance found within Municipal and Provincial policy and legislation;
Develop and give presentations regarding planning applications at public hearings of Council, and for the SDAB, the MGB, other committees and Boards, and to the public;
Represent the Municipal District to various committees and Boards;
Research best practices in planning and prepare reports for the Department and for Council;
Assist with the development and delivery of communications regarding Department policy and procedure;
Undertake the duties and responsibilities of a Development Officer, Road Closure Technician, and/or Economic Development Officer when assigned by Council to do so;
Support the function of the Department, including filing, photocopying, issuing letters of compliance and zoning, assisting landowners with their inquiries, undertake special projects and other tasks as assigned;
Undertake inspections and analysis of property as required in the formation of presentations to Council for planning applications;
Draft and ensure correct execution of various required documents and agreements such as Development Agreements as required for the management of file.
SKILLS NECESSARY FOR THE POSTION
The Planning Officer must possess the following skills and abilities:
Broad understanding of Provincial and Municipal land use planning legislation as it pertains to the development and subdivision of land;
High level of interpersonal skills, diplomacy and professionalism including strong oral and written communication competence;
Sound judgement and decision-making, effective problem-solving abilities, time management and above average organizational skills are required;
Ability to drive MD vehicles to undertake inspections of land. This may require hiking in various weather conditions, navigating unfamiliar terrain and avoiding confrontation with unfriendly dogs/farm animals/wildlife.
Proficient with Microsoft Office, some adobe applications and familiar with GIS applications such as Arcview.
QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Post secondary education in the area of planning or a related field;
Minimum 3 years experience in a fast paced, deadline oriented work environment where the provision of excellent service to the public was considered top priority;
Demonstrated exceptional work ethic, can-do attitude, the desire to learn and be part of a team.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
Eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners;
Valid class 5 Driver’s Licence.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must be able to reach for and lift fairly heavy land files;
Must be able to drive to remote locations in various weather conditions;
Must be able to hike on lands with unfamiliar terrain and obstacles.
Salary Range $47,495 - $70,128
Foothills No.31, M.D. of
Box 5605, 309 MacLeod Trail
High River, Alberta
Canada T1V 1M7
