Senior Land Use Planner, Land Use Planning Department

Application Deadline: OPEN

Position Status: Full-Time, Permanent

Position Type: Existing Vacancy

Estimated Start Date: May 2026

Compensation: $90,000 - $135,000

Hours of Work: Based on 40 hours per week

Work Location: Peterborough, Ontario

Hiring Contact

For questions about this position or the recruitment process, please contact:

Dakotah Herron, Human Resources Business Partner

Email: dherron@dmwills.com (mailto: dherron@dmwills.com)

Reporting to the Planning Department Manager, the Senior Land Use Planner is responsible for leading a broad range of statutory and delegated land use planning functions and services. They lead the land use planning process, manage projects and consultation with stakeholders and complete reporting for land use planning projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and lead moderate to complex land use planning projects involving a range of fields, including but not limited to residential, commercial, and industrial development, and resource planning.
• Prepare and lead proposals for a variety of land use planning projects for public and private clients.
• Coordinate work with interdepartmental staff and sub-consultants.
• Oversee the preparation of land use planning project reporting/documentation for municipal approval.
• Consult and liaise with project stakeholders including clients and government agencies and maintain open, transparent communication, answering inquiries and addressing concerns, as required.
• Lead and support the interdepartmental staff and project managers in carrying out land use planning projects.
• Lead, coordinate, develop and oversee the preparation of consultation plans/open houses in support of planning applications and projects.
• Provide senior level subject matter expertise related to land use planning.
• Attend pre-consultation meetings, committees, and council meetings on behalf of clients.
• Participate in Ontario Tribunals, as required.
• Problem-solve where issues have been identified (i.e., field operational constraints, scheduling conflicts, unforeseen issues, competing priorities, etc.).
• Oversee administrative duties, including but not limited to, preparing proposals, project work plans, scheduling spreadsheets, and budget and cost estimates.
• Liaise with internal and external contacts, including attending and participating in project-related meetings, recording meeting notes, providing progress reports on deliverables, and other duties.
• Initiate and lead efforts to promote the reputation of the firm, securing new clients and projects whenever possible.
• Participate in the short and long-term priorities and objectives including specific department business development initiatives.

Significant Qualifications

• 4-year degree in Urban and/or Regional Planning, Geography, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience providing the essential duties and responsibilities noted above.
• Full member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute with RPP designation.
• Participation in professional associations.
• Negotiation skills with government agencies, public stakeholders, proponents, etc., to come to a feasible solution.
• Extensive knowledge of principles and practices of land use planning, RFP, and RFQ submissions.
• Extensive knowledge of principles and practices of project management. project budget development and cost control.
• Extensive knowledge of other legislation and regulations related to department functions, and local and provincial policies and legislation.
• Extensive knowledge of current and emerging planning issues, various disciplines relevant to watershed planning, natural hazard management, environmental management, and ability to communicate with professionals in related fields.
• Extensive understanding of land use planning process as it pertains to the land development sector with relevant application experience.
• Ability to prepare professional reports and presentations.
• Extensive analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent work ethic and ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Excellent time management skills to meet timelines.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to provide excellent customer service during consultation process by keeping stakeholders informed and responding to inquiries in an informed and timely manner.
• Strong knowledge of the Ontario Health and Safety Act.

Work Culture

At Wills, we build partnerships with our team members, clients and community rooted in respect and fostered through a work environment that is committed to supporting, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We form partnerships with our staff, our clients, and the public to create solutions that work for today’s complex problems.

We believe what we do has a significant impact on our community and the communities where we work.

We value smart work and promote a work-life balance for team members with flexible work options including hybrid work (in office/remote). We provide a social and professional environment to support your personal and professional goals.

Why this Job Matters

The work we do has a direct impact on how communities are shaped for our friends, families, and the people of Ontario. This is a responsibility that we take very seriously. Our projects and the decisions made by our various teams have a direct impact on the people, environment, and economy, both locally and provincially, making it important to hire top talent.

What You Will Gain

As a Senior Land Use Planner, you will maintain and build on the great reputation of the company and Planning team. You will have the opportunity to apply your land use planning skills to a variety of projects.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

In accordance with Ontario legislation, applicants are advised that artificial intelligence may be used to support aspects of the recruitment process, such as application screening or scheduling.

Wills offers a competitive compensation package with comprehensive benefits and merit-based bonuses for performance and tenure. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

If you are a goal oriented, highly motivated individual who is looking to join a successful team, Wills is interested in speaking with you.

We sincerely thank all candidates for their interest, however, please note that only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Throughout the selection process, accommodations are available to candidates upon request, please advise us if you require accommodation.