Planning & Development Officer

Job Type: Policy / Planning / Research

Closing Date: Sep 7, 2025

Job Description

Role Overview

Reporting to the Director of Community & Protective Services, the Planning & Development Officer is responsible for:

• Reviewing and making decisions on development permit applications

• Providing interpretations and advice on Land Use Bylaw (LUB) regulations

• Administering Athabasca County’s Land Use Bylaw

• Offering planning and development expertise to stakeholders

• Assisting with daily operations and initiatives

Key Responsibilities

• Provide development-related information and expertise to departments, ratepayers, developers, contractors, architects, the public, and other municipalities

• Accept, assess, and process applications for development, subdivision, compliance, information requests, and bylaw amendments

• Participate in the development and revision of planning legislation (e.g., LUB, Municipal Development Plan, Inter-Municipal Development Plans)

• Investigate complaints and follow up appropriately

• Issue compliance orders under the LUB and Municipal Government Act

• Present to the Municipal Planning Commission, Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, LPRT, and Council

• Participate in open houses and public engagements related to land development and plan amendments

• Follow records retention policies and ensure proper documentation

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Skills

• Post-secondary education in Land Use Planning or related discipline

• Minimum 1-year experience in a municipal government framework

• Knowledge of rural community planning and County operations

• Understanding of government legislation (e.g., MGA, LUB, Municipal Development Plan)

• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to maintain positive public relations

• High attention to detail and accuracy

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant software

• Equivalencies in education and experience may be considered

• Valid Class 5 driver’s license

#LI-DNI

Application Return: Planning@athabascacounty.com

Education : Bachelor’s degree

Experience : 1 year to less than 2 years