Planner I

Position Reports To: Manager of Planning and Development Services

Position Summary:
The Planner I will provide a wide range of professional and administrative services, within the Planning and Development business area, related to current and long-range planning activities of Wheatland County.

Key Responsibilities:

• Respond to verbal and written enquiries from the public.

• Respond to verbal and written inquiries related to active Planning applications from applicants, internal staff, and members of the public.

• Review and process permitted and discretionary development permit applications.

• Review and process redesignation and subdivision applications.

• Review and process miscellaneous planning applications, such as certificate of compliance requests, road closures, and boundary adjustments.

• Provide Planning input at Planning and Development file review meetings.

• Attend weekly Planning and Development meetings to present application questions for discussion and next steps.

• Write reports related to Planning applications and present items to the Municipal Planning Commission and Council.

• When required, prepare information and attend meetings of the ‘Committee of the Whole’, or informal Planning and Priorities meetings with Council

• Participate in the review and update of the Land Use Bylaw and statutory plans as directed by the Manager/General Manager.

• Conduct site inspections related to Planning applications.

• Conduct research for projects and Planning topics, as required.

• Circulate and advertise Planning applications to internal departments and external agencies, the public and adjacent municipalities as required by Planning legislation and County Planning Policy.

• Circulate Planning applications to engineering consultants, as required; provide review comments to applicants.

• Update GIS and Development Analyst with data related to internal GIS systems and appropriate filing.

• Act as Development Officer for the purpose of signing off on development permits for the County.

• Ensure adherence to all applicable Wheatland County policies and bylaws.

• Ensure compliance with OH&S including attendance at safety meetings, being properly trained in OH&S related topics (e.g., Emergency Management training and exercises), and ensuring work is completed in a safe manner.

• Appropriately, and in a timely manner, complete administrative tasks (e.g., provide weekly and / or monthly work list updates to the General Manager, as requested; prepare presentations, reports and other documentation associated with Planning applications and assigned projects), when required.

• Relate to and communicate with co-workers, management, customers and public sincerely, clearly, tactfully, promptly and courteously; respond to inquiries and complaints promptly and professionally.

• Perform tasks, consistent with the position, including special projects / assignments, as may be required on an ad hoc basis.

• Maintain an up-to-date and progressive professional development program with the County and the APPI / CIP.

Qualifications:

• A degree in Planning recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and a minimum of 2 years of experience; or, a degree in a Planning-related discipline including a minimum of 3 years of related experience; experience in a municipal government setting would be preferred

• Eligible for membership with the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and the Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI)

• Knowledge of applicable Planning legislation and regulatory requirements in Alberta

• Knowledge of the principles of rural, urban and regional Planning

• Proficiency in computer programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills

• Ability to adapt to political, cultural, social and regulatory changes with the realm of Planning

• Critical thinking skills with the ability to consider various aspects / implications when making major decisions

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Effective written communication skills

• Ability to work independently and cooperatively in a team environment

• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality

• Valid Class 5 Alberta drivers’ licence

Working Conditions:

• This position works a 5 day work week, Monday to Friday, with one day off in a 3 week cycle; hours of work: standard 37.5 hour work week

• Hybrid work schedule is available, with a combination of remote and in-office days throughout the work week.

Education : Bachelor’s degree

Experience : 2 years to less than 3 years