Director of Planning & Development Services
About the role
THE OPPORTUNITY
We have an amazing opportunity for a Director of Planning and Development Services to shape the future of the Town of High Level. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Director of Planning and Development Services will provide professional leadership and direction for the Town’s planning and development functions, guiding statutory planning, land use regulation and development approvals while advancing Council’s strategic priorities. The Director will oversee key initiatives, including housing development, downtown revitalization and intermunicipal planning, while leading a small team and collaborating with external planning consultants. The Director will also serve as an advisor to the CAO and Council, offering expert guidance on planning policies, bylaws and development matters, and fostering strong relationships with regional partners, provincial agencies, developers and residents.
THE ORGANIZATION
The Town of High Level is a vibrant northern community of approximately 4,000 residents, serving as the regional service and trading centre for a surrounding population of more than 30,000 people. Located in the northwest corner of Alberta, High Level is strategically positioned at the intersection of Highways 35 and 58, providing critical access to northern industries and communities.
The Town is recognized as a hub for healthcare, education, retail, construction, transportation, and resource development. Its strategic location and regional role provide unique opportunities and challenges for municipal service delivery, including protective and emergency services.
Vision
High Level, an inclusive and vibrant community, with a strong and resilient economy that offers an active and healthy lifestyle.
Mission
We foster a thriving community that enhances our quality of life through sustainable planning, economic prosperity, and inclusion.
For more information, please visit their website: www.highlevel.ca
To view their strategic plan, please click here.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Municipal Planning
- Lead and prepare the development of Municipal Development Plans, Land Use Bylaws, Area Structure Plans, Area Redevelopment Plans, and related amendments.
- Process, review and/or provide comments on applications for plans of subdivision, amendments to Land Use Bylaws, development permits and related matters.
- Oversee planning and special projects or studies related to population, land use, development trends, municipal zoning, parks and recreation zoning and location, environmental, economic development, strategic planning, and related matters.
- Respond to research requests and inquiries from municipalities, academic institutions, and other levels of government.
- Develop and/or revise policies and regulations for municipal planning documents and as required, prepare associated reports.
- Create, oversee, and maintain agreements with developers and tenants leasing Town-owned land.
- Lead, facilitate and develop reports on in-person, virtual and online public and stakeholder engagement activities related to planning initiatives, special projects, and Bylaw amendments as required.
- Develop and manage planning-related spatial and inventory datasets (i.e. civic addressing, roadway, dwelling, infrastructure, land leases, temporary accommodations, and attribute feature data for asset management system).
Development Control
- Responsible for the administration of the Land Use Bylaw.
- Supervise the Community Planner and Development Clerk in the execution of their urban planning and development duties (i.e., Land Use Bylaw amendments, Municipal Development Planning, GIS functions and mapping, urban and economic development).
- Ensure applications for development and safety codes permits are processed in a timely manner while ensuring compliance with provincial statutes and regulations, the Land Use Bylaw and associated development regulations.
- Assist applicants with completing required development applications, including preparation of all required information.
- Issue application notices, decisions, and permit approvals on permitted and discretionary use development applications.
- Monitor development, planning and safety code educational requirements and arrange for required training.
Human Resource Management
- Provide leadership and supervision to the Community Planner and Development Clerk, ensuring clarity of roles, effective workload distribution, and professional growth.
- Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate staff in the Planning & Development department.
- Oversee performance management, scheduling, and development opportunities for staff.
- Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture aligned with organizational values and HR policies.
Financial Management
- Assist with preparation and management of the department’s annual operating and capital budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure fiscal accountability.
- Provide input into long-range financial planning related to planning and development initiatives.
- Prepare and present financial and statistical reports related to departmental operations.
Administration
- Maintain a working knowledge of the Municipal Government Act, and other relevant legislation and regulation, and the Town of High Level bylaws, policies, procedures, contracts, and agreements.
- Prepare and submit to the CAO the annual capital and operating budget for the Planning and Development department.
- Procure equipment and supplies for the Planning and Development department, and ensure that such material is in a state of good repair, practical and functional.
- Meet with, prepare correspondence for, and make presentations on planning and development matters to councils, committees, boards and other authorities or groups.
- Attend Council meetings and meetings of committees or taskforces as required.
- Prepare and submit internal and external reporting as required.
- Maintain professional affiliations and demonstrate a comprehensive current knowledge of applicable legislation, new trends and literature.
- Effectively represent the municipality in public and landowner/applicant meetings.
- Develop monthly and annual department reports for Council.
General
- Confer and cooperate with Town of High Level departments, staff, and volunteers, and with local, regional, government and other relevant agencies to ensure the Town’s goals and objectives are met and this position’s duties are completed.
- Perform any duties as assigned or required by the Director of Emergency Management or CAO during an emergency response by the Town of High Level.
- Perform other related duties within the scope and authority of the position, as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- University degree in Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, or a related discipline.
- Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation, or eligibility and willingness to obtain.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in municipal planning environment, with direct experience in leading and mentoring a team.
- In-depth knowledge of statutory planning, land use bylaws, development and subdivision approval processes.
- Strong understanding of the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and the planning framework and hierarchy commonly used in Alberta.
- Demonstrated ability to handle subdivision and development permitting and appeals.
- Strong computer capabilities, including geographic information systems (GIS).
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings related to planning and development, land use, and subdivision applications.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to foster teamwork, trust, accountability, and cultural renewal.
- Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and analytical abilities, exercising sound judgment under pressure and in complex situations.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively to Council, staff, and the public.
- Skilled in building collaborative relationships with Indigenous partners, community stakeholders, regional/provincial agencies, and intermunicipal organizations.
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity in managing confidential and sensitive matters.
- Commitment to modernizing systems, processes, and governance to enhance organizational transparency, efficiency, and service delivery.
- Political and cultural acumen, with sensitivity to northern, rural, and intercultural contexts.
- Expertise in statutory planning, land use bylaws, development approvals, and safety codes.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
SANDY JACOBSON | T: 780.944.1327| E: sandy.jacobson@richardsonsearch.ca | www.richardsonsearch.ca
Director of Planning & Development Services
About the role
THE OPPORTUNITY
We have an amazing opportunity for a Director of Planning and Development Services to shape the future of the Town of High Level. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Director of Planning and Development Services will provide professional leadership and direction for the Town’s planning and development functions, guiding statutory planning, land use regulation and development approvals while advancing Council’s strategic priorities. The Director will oversee key initiatives, including housing development, downtown revitalization and intermunicipal planning, while leading a small team and collaborating with external planning consultants. The Director will also serve as an advisor to the CAO and Council, offering expert guidance on planning policies, bylaws and development matters, and fostering strong relationships with regional partners, provincial agencies, developers and residents.
THE ORGANIZATION
The Town of High Level is a vibrant northern community of approximately 4,000 residents, serving as the regional service and trading centre for a surrounding population of more than 30,000 people. Located in the northwest corner of Alberta, High Level is strategically positioned at the intersection of Highways 35 and 58, providing critical access to northern industries and communities.
The Town is recognized as a hub for healthcare, education, retail, construction, transportation, and resource development. Its strategic location and regional role provide unique opportunities and challenges for municipal service delivery, including protective and emergency services.
Vision
High Level, an inclusive and vibrant community, with a strong and resilient economy that offers an active and healthy lifestyle.
Mission
We foster a thriving community that enhances our quality of life through sustainable planning, economic prosperity, and inclusion.
For more information, please visit their website: www.highlevel.ca
To view their strategic plan, please click here.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Municipal Planning
- Lead and prepare the development of Municipal Development Plans, Land Use Bylaws, Area Structure Plans, Area Redevelopment Plans, and related amendments.
- Process, review and/or provide comments on applications for plans of subdivision, amendments to Land Use Bylaws, development permits and related matters.
- Oversee planning and special projects or studies related to population, land use, development trends, municipal zoning, parks and recreation zoning and location, environmental, economic development, strategic planning, and related matters.
- Respond to research requests and inquiries from municipalities, academic institutions, and other levels of government.
- Develop and/or revise policies and regulations for municipal planning documents and as required, prepare associated reports.
- Create, oversee, and maintain agreements with developers and tenants leasing Town-owned land.
- Lead, facilitate and develop reports on in-person, virtual and online public and stakeholder engagement activities related to planning initiatives, special projects, and Bylaw amendments as required.
- Develop and manage planning-related spatial and inventory datasets (i.e. civic addressing, roadway, dwelling, infrastructure, land leases, temporary accommodations, and attribute feature data for asset management system).
Development Control
- Responsible for the administration of the Land Use Bylaw.
- Supervise the Community Planner and Development Clerk in the execution of their urban planning and development duties (i.e., Land Use Bylaw amendments, Municipal Development Planning, GIS functions and mapping, urban and economic development).
- Ensure applications for development and safety codes permits are processed in a timely manner while ensuring compliance with provincial statutes and regulations, the Land Use Bylaw and associated development regulations.
- Assist applicants with completing required development applications, including preparation of all required information.
- Issue application notices, decisions, and permit approvals on permitted and discretionary use development applications.
- Monitor development, planning and safety code educational requirements and arrange for required training.
Human Resource Management
- Provide leadership and supervision to the Community Planner and Development Clerk, ensuring clarity of roles, effective workload distribution, and professional growth.
- Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate staff in the Planning & Development department.
- Oversee performance management, scheduling, and development opportunities for staff.
- Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture aligned with organizational values and HR policies.
Financial Management
- Assist with preparation and management of the department’s annual operating and capital budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure fiscal accountability.
- Provide input into long-range financial planning related to planning and development initiatives.
- Prepare and present financial and statistical reports related to departmental operations.
Administration
- Maintain a working knowledge of the Municipal Government Act, and other relevant legislation and regulation, and the Town of High Level bylaws, policies, procedures, contracts, and agreements.
- Prepare and submit to the CAO the annual capital and operating budget for the Planning and Development department.
- Procure equipment and supplies for the Planning and Development department, and ensure that such material is in a state of good repair, practical and functional.
- Meet with, prepare correspondence for, and make presentations on planning and development matters to councils, committees, boards and other authorities or groups.
- Attend Council meetings and meetings of committees or taskforces as required.
- Prepare and submit internal and external reporting as required.
- Maintain professional affiliations and demonstrate a comprehensive current knowledge of applicable legislation, new trends and literature.
- Effectively represent the municipality in public and landowner/applicant meetings.
- Develop monthly and annual department reports for Council.
General
- Confer and cooperate with Town of High Level departments, staff, and volunteers, and with local, regional, government and other relevant agencies to ensure the Town’s goals and objectives are met and this position’s duties are completed.
- Perform any duties as assigned or required by the Director of Emergency Management or CAO during an emergency response by the Town of High Level.
- Perform other related duties within the scope and authority of the position, as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- University degree in Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, or a related discipline.
- Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation, or eligibility and willingness to obtain.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in municipal planning environment, with direct experience in leading and mentoring a team.
- In-depth knowledge of statutory planning, land use bylaws, development and subdivision approval processes.
- Strong understanding of the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and the planning framework and hierarchy commonly used in Alberta.
- Demonstrated ability to handle subdivision and development permitting and appeals.
- Strong computer capabilities, including geographic information systems (GIS).
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings related to planning and development, land use, and subdivision applications.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to foster teamwork, trust, accountability, and cultural renewal.
- Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and analytical abilities, exercising sound judgment under pressure and in complex situations.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively to Council, staff, and the public.
- Skilled in building collaborative relationships with Indigenous partners, community stakeholders, regional/provincial agencies, and intermunicipal organizations.
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity in managing confidential and sensitive matters.
- Commitment to modernizing systems, processes, and governance to enhance organizational transparency, efficiency, and service delivery.
- Political and cultural acumen, with sensitivity to northern, rural, and intercultural contexts.
- Expertise in statutory planning, land use bylaws, development approvals, and safety codes.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
SANDY JACOBSON | T: 780.944.1327| E: sandy.jacobson@richardsonsearch.ca | www.richardsonsearch.ca