Apply By: Friday, August 22, 2025 11:59 pm EDT

Senior Planner

Job ID:

232611

Posting status:

Open

Organization:

Ministry of Natural Resources

Division:

Niagara Escarpment Commission

City:

Georgetown, Owen Sound

Position(s) language:

English

Job term:

2 Temporary assignment/contract for up to 12 months, with the possibility of extension

Job code:

12106 - Community Planner 4

Salary:

$1,485.01 - $1,871.11 Per week*
*Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.

Are you an experienced Planner looking to take the next step in your career, and apply your passion for the environment? Consider taking on this new challenge as a Senior Planner with the Niagara Escarpment Commission, where you will lead and implement planning within one of Ontario's most unique and environmentally significant landscapes.

Learn more about the Niagara Escarpment Commission.

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:

• a defined benefit pension plan
• comprehensive health plan
• life and disability insurance
• flexible work arrangements
• collegial and professional work culture
• career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• on-the-job training to support your success in the role

About the job

In this role, you will:

• provide strategic support, technical and planning expertise, guidance and advice to program development and delivery related to the Niagara Escarpment Commission's mandate
• provide team leadership and coordination to an integrated team of technical and professional staff in the evaluation and processing of permit applications and the review of other land use planning approvals
• develop and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of organizations, other levels of government, Indigenous communities and organizations, landowners and stakeholders
• lead and represent the Niagara Escarpment Commission's interests through various meetings on planning matters, as well as through hearing tribunals and representation on committees

What you bring to the team

Mandatory:

• You must have a valid class 'G' driver's licence or equivalent, as recognized by the Province of Ontario. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's licence upon being hired.

Technical knowledge:

You have:

• experience in land use and environmental planning and management, with demonstrated ability to interpret and apply knowledge of related policies, principles, processes, practices, standards and guidelines to analyze and evaluate land use and development proposals for conformity with requirements
• knowledge of legislation and planning relevant to the Niagara Escarpment, as well as other applicable provincial policies and legislation
• demonstrated knowledge of the Ontario planning system, related legislation, policies
• proven ability to apply knowledge of the impacts of environmental change, human stress and development on the environment in order to evaluate development applications, recommend approaches to mitigate impact and site remediation/restoration approaches

Interpersonal skills:

You have:

• demonstrated ability to proactively nurture positive relationships/partnerships and lead consultations with a variety of contacts, such as: applicants, clients, stakeholders, municipalities and agencies, as well as Indigenous communities and organizations
• successful track record of reaching consensus among differing viewpoints and facilitating resolution of issues

Organizational skills:

You can:

• coordinate implementation of a program as well as internal involvement in land use planning initiatives, in a manner that effectively manages deadlines, a high volume of workload, stakeholder expectations and client business needs
• work under pressure and respond to unexpected changes or modifications to priorities and deadlines on short notice
• motivate other team members to achieve objectives within timelines

Communication skills:

You can:

• prepare reports and planning documents, draft briefing notes and correspondence
• clearly and articulately convey technical information, provide subject matter expertise and guidance
• tactfully discuss issues with other ministries, other levels of government, stakeholders and landowners
• deliver compelling presentations and provide expert evidence before hearings and tribunals

Analytical skills:

You have:

• demonstrated ability to actively engage in issues management and high priority, high profile complex initiatives, including developing strategic approaches to addressing situations, resource implications, processes and associated issues
• demonstrated ability to make meaningful contributions in the development of strategic directions and effective delivery of programs

Computer skills:

• You are proficient with computer software, including word processing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spreadsheets and databases, in order to access information, conduct analysis of data, and prepare reports and presentations.

Don't meet every qualification?

If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!

How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility

We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.

Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:

• diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• accessibility
• Anti-Racism Policy

Additional information:

Apply by:

Friday, August 22, 2025 11:59 pm EDT

Position details:

• 2 English Temporary, duration up to 12 months, 232 Guelph St, Georgetown, Central Region or 1450 7th Ave E, Owen Sound, West Region

Compensation group:

Ontario Public Service Employees Union

Work hours:

Schedule 3-A

Category:

Consulting and Planning

Posted on:

Friday, August 1, 2025

Note:

• N-NR-232611/25(2)

How to apply:

• You must apply online.

• Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume, review the Writing a Cover Letter and Resume: Tips, Tools and Resources.

• Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job. We rely on the information you provide to us.

• Read the job description to make sure you understand this job.

• OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.

• If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please Contact Us to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact you within 48 hours.

Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.

Exigences en matière de langue et évaluation:
Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (FPO) sont affichées en français et en anglais. Consultez la section « Langue du ou des postes » en haut de chaque offre d'emploi pour connaître les exigences linguistiques. Pour tous les postes, les candidats sont évalués en anglais, la langue d'affaires de la FPO. Si le poste est bilingue (anglais/français), vous devrez également passer un test de compétences linguistiques en français.

Strengthening Ontario, together