Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the permanent, full-time position of Principal Planner with the Regional & Community Planning team in Planning and Development. This is an exciting leadership opportunity in a period of high growth and change in HRM.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Reporting to the Manager, Regional Planning, the Principal Planner is a senior professional who supervises and directs a team of professional staff and assignments. The Principal Planner leads and participates in highly complex planning and departmental projects.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directs and/or leads the development of, in partnership with stakeholders, policy options, analysis and reports on complex planning issues for the business unit and/or the Municipality
• Supervises and directs a team of professional staff and assignments and provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public on complex and sensitive professional planning assignments
• Acts as liaison between residents, government agencies, developers and elected officials
• Prepares and presents detailed reports and recommendations on planning matters to staff, Boards, Committees and Council and serves as liaison to such committees
• Directs and/or prepares and presents reports, contract documents, terms of reference, request for proposals, policies and procedures, correspondence and briefs for senior management, Committees and Council on various planning-related matters
• Conducts field evaluations and assessments
• Provides input into business unit positions and policies in response to strategic and sensitive issues relating to regional and community planning and development issues
• Represents the business unit or the municipality on various planning-related issues and advises senior management, Committees and Council of same
• Maintains and fosters relationships with other HRM business units, external stakeholders, and community groups, and provides professional planning assistance to communities and community groups on various land use projects
• Designs and facilitates internal or customer-focused strategic planning, training, education and consultation processes as required
• Makes decisions, administers and enforces land use by-laws, development agreements and the subdivision by-law when appointed as a Development Officer by Council pursuant to the Halifax Charter
• Acts as witness in legal proceedings as necessary and provides expert advice at the Utility and Review Board and in Court
• Provides leadership in the development and maintenance of a positive working environment and promotes professional behavior of staff in relationships with clients
• Develops staff through delegation, coaching, mentoring and training by arranging formal training, work assignments and other experiences
• Monitors and evaluates staff performance and makes effective recommendations with respect to training needs, corrective and disciplinary action; brings all related performance issues forward to the Manager
• Serves as witness and fully participates in grievance meetings, workplace rights investigations and other labour relations meetings, as required

QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience:

• A master’s degree in Planning or equivalent, from a university planning program recognized or accredited by the Professional Standards Board for Planning in Canada is preferred, with a minimum of six (6) years of related and progressive experience in a professional planning environment in an urban or regional municipality; OR
• An undergraduate degree from a similarly accredited university planning program may also be considered, with a minimum of eight (8) years of related and progressive experience in a professional planning environment in an urban or regional municipality.
• A Licensed Professional Planner as per the NS Professional Planners Act is required.
• Fully competent in all aspects of the Planner I, II and III positions
• Supervisory experience will be considered an asset.
• Specific knowledge and experience with regional planning matters, including long-range planning and infrastructure planning, will be considered an asset.
• Valid Driver's License is required.
• Graduation from HRM's Aspiring Leaders Program is considered an asset, and completion of the program is equivalent to one year of leadership experience.

Technical/Job-Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of the philosophies, principals, practices & techniques of planning including cross-functional knowledge involving other disciplines, knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management.
• Demonstrated skills in project management, facilitation, conflict resolution and negotiation, conducting presentations, communicating, influencing, and leading group discussions. Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines.
• Superior written and verbal communications skills with the ability to effectively present ideas and recommendations that involve complex and politically sensitive issues to management, decision-making bodies, committees, applicants and citizens while adhering to the intent of regulations and planning policy.
• Advanced knowledge of the the HRM Charter, the Municipal Government Act, the HRM Regional Plan and various HRM Municipal Planning Strategies and Land Use By-laws, HRM Regional Subdivision By-law, the Heritage Property Act, the Heritage By-law, and other relevant legislation and municipal by-laws related to the development process, including a clear understanding of their interrelationships.

**Security Clearance Requirements:**Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check

**Please note –**Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates who are selected for testing may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.

**COMPETENCIES:**Analytical Thinking, Communication, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Developing Others, Valuing Diversity

**WORK STATUS:**Permanent, full-time

**HOURS OF WORK:**Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, 35 hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours & hybrid may be available.

**SALARY:**Non-Union, Level 7 $82,900 - $107,280 annually. Salary will be determined based on relevant experience and qualifications related to the specified pay band & job. Placement above the midpoint of the pay band is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the minimum qualifications, such as those with exceptional experience, specialized skills, or demonstrated achievements relevant to the role. This ensures fair & consistent compensation practices across the organization.

**WORK LOCATION:**3rd Floor of Duke Tower (5251 Duke St, Halifax, NS)

CLOSING DATE:Applications will be received up to11:59 pm on Tuesday, April 7, 2026

**Please note:**We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of their qualifications, including, but not limited to, educational credentials, professional licenses, and relevant certifications.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link;
Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax

(position #72281770)