At the City of St. Catharines, you’ll find more than just a job — you’ll find a place that fits.

Here, your work means something — where you can see the impact, feel the pride, and know you’re a part of something bigger. You’ll be trusted to do your job, backed by people who care, and part of a team that shows up for each other. There’s flexibility when it counts, and a real understanding that life doesn’t stop when the workday starts. With pay you can count on, great benefits, and a pension that helps you plan ahead — you’ve got more than a job. You’ve got the space to grow, the balance you need, and a place that gets it.

It feels different — because it is.

It’s a place that works for you.

What You Will be Doing:

The Planner is a critical position within the Planning team and may be responsible for a wide variety of duties, including but not limited to:

Land Use Policy and Zoning

• Undertake and/or manage required studies to establish land use policies for the City including official plan policies, secondary plan policies, special studies to implement priority land use goals and objectives, and implement zoning by-laws accordingly.
• Measure and monitor relevant data relating to key indicators (population, demographics, jobs, new development etc.) to determine land use policy directions.
• Participate in and inform land use policy initiatives by the Region of Niagara, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Niagara Escarpment Commission and similar agencies with a land use mandate that impacts the City
• Manage the agency circulation and public process on related projects including open houses, information meetings, and presentations and briefings to various internal and external stakeholders, including Council.

Land Development Review and Approvals

• Pre-consultation and determination of all requirements for a complete planning application
• Circulation and coordination of internal and external comments,
• Undertaking public consultation including open houses
• Drafting of information and recommendation reports to Council
• Drafting of amending by-laws to the official plan and zoning by-law
• Draft agreements including site plan agreements, development agreements and servicing agreements
• Review applications to the Committee of Adjustment, coordinate internal and external comments, and draft recommendation reports for consideration by the Committee of Adjustment and presentation of same to the Committee.

Community Improvement Program

• Review and recommend for approval applications for various community improvement financial incentives in accordance with the approved Community Improvement Plan and approved CIP financial incentive programs
• Manage approved CIP applications including preparation of agreements, review and approval of documentation of eligible costs, coordination with Region of Niagara (where the Region is a partner in CIP funding), Financial Management Services and the applicant

General

• Responds to general inquiries relating to the planning mandate
• Routine updating and maintenance of data in the property data management system (AMANDA)
• Provide guidance, support and direction to members of the Planning team, as required
• Keep up to date and informed on new legislation, changing provincial and regional land use policy, emerging trends and best practices.
• Presentations to Council.
• On matters subject to appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), prepare written submissions and presentation oral evidence, if need be.

These responsibilities outline the principal functions of the position and serve as a guiding vision for the role's impact and contribution.

About You:

Qualifications:

• A degree from a recognized University in Planning, or a university degree in a related discipline recognized by the Ontario Professional Planning Institute (OPPI) or the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) (such as Geography, Urban Studies or similar program).
• Membership in the Ontario Professional Planning Institute (OPPI) and the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), preferred.
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning, preferred.
• Current knowledge of the Planning Act, Provincial Land Use policy and other related legislation.
• Knowledge and experience in research and study methodologies.
• Working knowledge of the property data management system, AMANDA, or similar system, and Microsoft Office.

Skills:

• Superior communication skills, both verbal, written, and presentation skills are essential.
• Demonstrated skills in effectively chairing a meeting (meetings with staff, agencies, open houses etc.)
• The ability to formulate and implement policy statements derived from technical reports.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Demonstration of superior customer service skills

Job Details:

Job ID: 2026-135

Pay Rate: $85,940 to $96,569

Hours: 35 per week

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Location: St. Catharines, ON

Work Mode: Hybrid (less than 50% remote)

Employee Group: CUPE Local 157

Position Type: Permanent, Full-time

Duration: Ongoing

Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy

Application Deadline: May 17, 2026

Jobs with an application deadline will close at 11:59 PM on that date. Jobs listed as ‘open until filled’ may close at any time.

Other Requirements:

Other Position Requirements include:

Candidates selected for the position will be required to complete the Ministry of Labour’s Worker Health and Safety Awareness training and provide proof of the educational credentials listed on their resume and job application.

What's In It for You:

Curious what it’s like to work for the City of St. Catharines? Watch the video and Hear from Our Team.

Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

• Great People: Be part of a team that supports you, celebrates your wins, and helps you succeed.

• Make Your Mark: Bring your ideas, drive meaningful change, and leave a lasting impact on our community.

• Learn & Grow: Access training and development funds to take your skills to the next level.

• Competitive Pay: Competitive pay from a certified Ontario Living Wage Employer.

• Secure Future: Join the OMERS pension plan with employer-matched contributions.

• Balance & Benefits : Flexible hybrid work options plus health, dental, and vision benefits for eligible positions.

Additional Information:

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of St. Catharines is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and respectful work environment. We celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. Our community is enriched by people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences—a value reflected in our 2023–2027 Strategic Plan.

Don’t Meet Every Requirement?

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and education levels to apply. While specific qualifications may be required for certain roles, we assess each applicant’s overall suitability. Please note that unionized roles are subject to collective agreement requirements.

Accommodation

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact Human Resources at hrreps@stcatharines.ca.

Application Process

To ensure transparency and fairness, all applications must be submitted online through our application portal. Please keep your contact information up to date and regularly check your spam and junk email folders, as important communications may be directed there.

Interviews and Assessments

Depending on the role, interviews may be conducted via video conferencing or in person. Various tests and/or assessments may be administered as part of the selection process.

Use of AI

The City of St. Catharines does not use artificial intelligence (AI) technology in any part of the recruitment process.

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