The Department of Housing, Land and Communities is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our goal is to build a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to promote welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful workplaces that are accessible to all. We welcome all interested individuals including Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, Black, racialized, ethnic and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions. Those looking for more information are invited to visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.

The Planner II is responsible for providing legislative and development planning services for the province with minimal supervision.

This includes:

• Providing recommendations on complex development applications;
• Providing recommendations on municipal official plans and bylaws;
• Developing legislation and policy (which entails research, analysis, monitoring, drafting, and interpretation of planning legislation and policy);
• Developing Divisional programs, procedures, and strategies; and
• Leading public engagement.

They will also be responsible for the Planning Act, Subdivision and Development Regulations, Lands Protection Act, and the Land Identification Program and Regulations which entails providing recommendations, support, and direction to the Manager and Director of Land.

Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Conduct in-depth studies of planning policies, prepare presentations and present findings to the Executive Council, Cabinet Committee on Policy and Priorities, Minister, Deputy Minister, Director, Manager and other senior staff;
• Lead the preparation and recommendation of planning legislation amendments, as required, for the Planning Act, Lands Protection Act, and their accompanying regulations;
• Conduct research into planning issues and concerns that affect the Province;
• Coordinate and collaborate with staff from other Departments to ensure the policies and regulations in the land use plan align with their departmental mandates and objectives;
• Lead and facilitate meetings with special interest groups, municipal officials, First Nations communities, and the general public to explain legislation, solicit opinions on the province-wide land use plan, and to follow up on changes to ensure compliance as required;
• Conduct in-depth studies of best planning and land use practices, reviewing the public engagement feedback and providing recommendations to the group and Executive Council that integrates different and competing goals to achieve the desired results;
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the provincial land use plan based on the resulting land use patterns that have been created over time, focusing on the strengths and weaknesses, and provide recommendations;
• Evaluate complex subdivision, development, and change of use applications for compliance with legislation and sound planning principles, communicate regulatory issues to staff or the proponent and negotiate with the proponent to find creative or innovative solutions that meet regulatory requirements and the proponent’s needs;
• Provide guidance, expertise and interpretation of legislation as it applies to subdivision, development and change of use applications received under the Planning Act Subdivision and Development Regulations;
• Assist with the preparation of planning reports and provide expert testimony for submission to IRAC or Supreme Court;
• Prepare Subdivision and/or Development Agreements to fulfill the requirements of stated subdivision and/or development conditions;
• Conduct site visits to monitor or verify compliance with legislation, agreements or conditions of approval;
• Act as the lead Departmental contact regarding applications made under the Lands Protection Act Land Identification Program;
• Provide guidance, support, recommendation, and direction to the Manager, Director, and Deputy Minister regarding the Land Identification Program, the Land Identification Regulations and the Lands Protection Act;
• Research property histories of lands, and adjacent lands, involved in applications made under the Lands Protection Act, to identify possible land use conflicts and possible mitigative measure that could be taken based on sound planning principles and knowledge, past experience and best practices;
• Provide mentorship to the interns and other planners;
• Review, evaluate, and advise senior management on the granting of ministerial approval of municipal official plans and bylaws in accordance with the Planning Act and associated regulations;
• Provide guidance to elected and appointed municipal officials and municipal staff on all municipal planning regarding their decision-making process;
• Liaise with Municipal Affairs regarding new planning legislation, policies, and programs that will impact municipalities, the Municipal Government Act, and associated regulations;
• Analyze major initiatives from other government departments and agencies that impact the scope of planning responsibilities; and
• Other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A university degree in planning from an accredited planning degree program; a master’s degree is preferred;
• Must be eligible for registration with the Prince Edward Island Institute of Professional Planners as a Registered Professional Planner and the Canadian Institute of Planners. Pre-candidate or candidate membership may be considered for the right candidate;
• The ability to work with minimal supervision, alone or in a team environment, in order to meet tight time deadlines;
• A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation is required;
• Successful applicant must provide a satisfactory criminal record check prior to beginning employment;
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the development of land use planning related legislation or bylaws;
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in public and stakeholder engagement, including the indigenous duty to consult process;
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the development of land use planning related legislation or bylaws;
• Experience in the use of Geographic Information Systems and their application to planning considered an asset;
• Strong communication, public speaking and presentation/facilitation skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills focusing on the ability to communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) with individuals at different levels of government and with the public;
• Strong writing skills and the ability to present information in a clear, concise and accurate manner;
• Highly developed conflict resolution and negotiation skills;
• Demonstrated equivalencies will be considered;
• Thorough knowledge of the Planning Act and associated Regulations and of the Lands Protection Act and associated regulations; and
• Knowledge of provincial, regional, national and international planning issues and their application to Prince Edward Island.

Other Qualifications / Assets:

• Strong skills in reading, interpreting maps, LiDAR and aerial photography;
• Well-developed facilitation, influencing and team-building skills; and
• The ability to balance various interests, think creatively and strategically, and work as part of a team in a complex environment.

This competition may be used to fill future job vacancies

Please Note: Please ensure the application clearly demonstrates how you meet the noted qualifications as applicants will be screened based on the information provided. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

Where possible, submitting an electronic resume or job application is preferred. Otherwise, please return forms to PEI Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 2000, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, C1A 7N8. Applications may be sent by fax to (902) 368-4383.

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT TO CONFIRM RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATION, BY TELEPHONE OR IN PERSON PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE.

Please ensure that the appropriate Posting ID number is stated on all application forms. You can apply online or obtain an application form by visiting our web site at www.jobspei.ca**. Forms may also be obtained by contacting any PEI Government office, ACCESS PEI Centre, Regional Services Centre, or by telephone (902) 368-4080.**

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