Planning Technician

Job S****tatus: Temporary Full-Time

Pay & Grade: $60,097 to $74,649 Annually Grade/Band**:** 6 (under review)

Hours of Work**:**35 Hours per week

Initial location: Kitchener City Hall

**Posting period:**September 2, 2025 to September 12, 2025 (at 6:00pm)

Overview

The Planning Technicians are part of a collaborative team that creates and implements innovative approaches to urban planning, housing and community engagement. The planning technicians are responsible for developing in-depth knowledge of Kitchener’s zoning, sign and fence bylaws to process a range of applications and to respond to related customer inquiries. They support positive customer experiences through their knowledge, empathy and clear communication. They are team players and support continuous improvement to find more effective ways to deliver our services.

Responsibilities

• Processes a variety of development applications with a particular focus on zoning certificates, zoning review of building permits and business licenses, sign permits, letters of compliance, and curb cut permits.
• Responds to inquiries in-person, by phone and email regarding zoning, sign and fence bylaw and application-related matters from the public as well as the development and sign industries and act as a Commissioner of Oaths for committee of adjustment applications.
• Participates in internal working groups for the preparation of general amendments to the zoning, sign or fence by-laws, or to establish or update other planning policy and implementation documents.
• Conducts site visits and inspections related to assigned applications and sign permits.
• Supports customer experience and efficient workflows, including initiating and supporting process improvements for various aspects of core service.
• Supports proactive community education, including participation in preparing plain language communications or making presentations to the public regarding zoning, fence and sign-by-law information and processes (e.g. starting a food business, building a backyard home).
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Requirements

• Minimum 2-year post-secondary diploma or 2-year specialized post-secondary program with training in land use planning or related field.
• Minimum of 1 year planning work experience, including working with planning policies and zoning bylaws.
• Working understanding of City, Regional, and Provincial planning regulations, guidelines, policies and standards (e.g., Official Plan, Zoning By-law, Sign Bylaw, Fence Bylaw, Planning Act, Municipal Act) as well as a general understanding of how other disciplines relate to development applications such as building, engineering, transportation etc. to form professional opinions.
• Demonstrated analytical and mathematical skills to verify zoning conformity through review of site plans and architectural drawings, bylaws, property research and by conducting calculations to verify conformity with bylaw regulations (e.g., parking calculations, lot coverage).
• Strong demonstrated oral and written communication skills to explain complex information like zoning in plain language as well as de-escalation skills for difficult customer interactions.
• Applied and adaptable computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, AMANDA, Adobe Pro, On-Point, Bluebeam).
• Effective time management skills to process multiple files and customer inquiries concurrently.
• Ability to support and project values compatible with the organization.
• Reliable with a good attitude and employment record.

**Department/Division:**Development Services, Planning & Housing Policy

**Group:**CUPE 791

Competition Number**:** 2025-126B3

Job Code: 1486

Number of positions**:** 1

Why work at the City of Kitchener