Job Posting

HRM is inviting applications for a permanent full-time position of Planner II with the Heritage Team within Planning and Development.

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 Principal Heritage Planner, the Planner II is knowledgeable in a broad range of planning & heritage matters, has some specialized expertise, provides intermediate-level professional planning/heritage services and leads a wide variety of professional planning/heritage services or projects. The incumbent demonstrates specialized knowledge in Heritage Planning.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads and performs intermediate-level professional work and provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public related to a broad range of planning matters, including heritage conservation.
• Acts as liaison between citizens, government agencies, developers and elected officials on planning & heritage matters.
• Evaluates and processes development applications for compliance with land use by-law, development agreement requirements and heritage property regulations.
• Evaluates and processes a variety of planning and heritage applications.
• Prepares and may support the preparation of detailed reports and recommendations and presents on planning/heritage proposals to Boards, Committees and Council.
• Conducts field evaluations and assessments.
• Acts as witness in legal proceedings as necessary and provides expert advice at the Utility and Review Board and Court.
• Advises and makes recommendations on business unit policies and procedures related to heritage and land use planning and development programs and initiatives.
• Represents the business unit or the municipality as a team member, or independently, on assigned planning matters.
• Facilitates public meetings representing the business unit on a variety of planning & heritage matters.
• Designs and facilitates customer-focused strategic planning, education and consultation processes as required.
• Identifies emerging planning trends, policies and best practices from other jurisdictions and makes recommendations on business unit policies and planning initiatives to address community problems.
• Monitors effectiveness of existing planning/heritage policies, business processes and regulations and makes recommendations for improvements as necessary
• Researches, analyzes and supports the preparation of reports, terms of reference, request for proposals, policies and procedures, correspondence and briefs for Planner III, Principal Planners and senior management.
• Leads or supports the development of, in partnership with stakeholders, policy options, analysis and reports on planning issues and participates as a team member for multidisciplinary projects.
• Administers the municipal heritage grants program.
• Handles heritage related inquiries from the public and provides advice to heritage property owners.
• Mentors the Planner I and Heritage Researcher positions.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience:

• University degree from an accredited planning program and three (3) years of professional planning experience OR
• University degree from a non-accredited but related program (such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban, Human or Economic Geography, and Geographic/Spatial Information Systems) and five (5) years of professional planning experience.
• Candidacy as a Licensed Professional Planner (LPP) or equivalent Provincial or International designation is considered an asset.
• Experience working in a municipal government environment is considered an asset.

Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Well-developed knowledge of the principles and practices of planning and heritage conservation including cross-functional knowledge involving other disciplines
• Knowledge of relevant provincial and federal government legislation, regulations and programs, including the Heritage Property Act of Nova Scotia, and the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada.
• Knowledge of standard office software and technology including Microsoft Office Suite, Internet applications and other similar systems and technology related to the business unit
• Thorough knowledge of the Municipal Government Act, the HRM Charter, the Heritage Property Act, the Heritage By-law, various HRM Municipal Planning Strategies and Land Use By-laws, and other relevant legislation and municipal by-laws related to construction approvals, and planning applications, including a clear understanding of their interrelationships.
• A broad knowledge of the legislative framework under which land use planning law and heritage protection operates and the ability to interpret and draft by-laws and contracts which affect the rights of land owners, neighbourhoods and communities.
• Superior written and verbal communications and strong interpersonal and facilitation skills.
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well- defined practical problems
• Ability to review plans to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment
• Ability to attend to details while also applying big-picture goals.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

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, Communications, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Organizational Awareness, Organization and Planning, Teamwork and Cooperation, Valuing Diversity

WORK STATUS: Permanent, full time

HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, 35 hours per week

SALARY: NSGEU222, Level 9, $42.50 per hour

WORK LOCATION: 3rd floor Duke Tower (5251 Duke Street, Halifax)

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59PM on Wednesday, July 2, 2025

This is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an 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.

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 #72282473)