Junior 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: $50,000 - $80,000

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 Junior Land Use Planner is responsible for contributing to a broad range of statutory and delegated land use planning functions and services. They contribute to the land use planning process projects and consultation with stakeholders, support senior staff and complete reporting for land use planning projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and coordinate a variety of land use planning projects.
• Lead minor planning projects and Planning Act applications with support from senior staff
• Support senior staff on medium to complex planning projects, including but not limited to residential, commercial, and industrial development, and resource planning.
• Contribute to the preparation of proposals for a variety of land use planning projects.
• Work with interdepartmental staff and sub-consultants.
• Contribute to the preparation of land use planning applications, and 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.
• Contribute to the development and preparation of consultation plans/open houses in support of planning applications and projects.
• Provide subject matter expertise on land use planning components of in-house projects.
• Communicate and maintain compliance with corporate Health and Safety requirements.
• Maintain high service standards throughout the duration of each project.
• Problem-solve where issues have been identified (i.e., field operational constraints, scheduling conflicts, unforeseen issues, competing priorities, etc.).
• Engage in administrative duties including but not limited to preparing proposals, project work plans, and reports.
• Liaise with internal and external contacts, including attending and participating in project-related meetings, providing progress reports on deliverables, and other duties.
• Stay current and knowledgeable on procedures, policies, requirements, and regulations, staying informed of any changes and the related effects on current and future projects.
• Understand and determine the applicability of relevant local, provincial, and federal government regulations on an individual project basis.

Significant Qualifications:

• 4-year degree Urban and/or Regional Planning, Geography, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience providing the essential duties and responsibilities noted above.
• Has obtained or working towards obtaining membership with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute is an asset.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of land use planning, RFP, and RFQ submissions.
• Strong knowledge of principles and practices of project management.
• Firm understanding of the land use planning process as it pertains to the land development sector with relevant application experience.
• Ability to prepare professional reports and presentations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent work ethic and ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Proven experience with the municipal approval process.
• Ability to read, understand and interpret policy and legislation.

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 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. Depending on your interests and motivation, this job can provide an opportunity for growth within the Land Use Planning Department.

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.