Planner (Land Use Planning)

Job summary

Lead the review and analysis of complex land-use planning applications, develop options and recommendations, and advise on provincial planning interests and municipal official plans. Identify improvements to planning policies, programs, or legislation, and lead or participate in meetings, workshops, and educational sessions.

Job details

Play a central role in shaping land use planning decisions that influence how Ontario's fastest-growing urban communities evolve. In this exciting land use planning role, you'll guide complex land-use planning files, support evidence-based decision-making, and collaborate with municipalities and partners across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Ontario is growing, and strong land use planning plays a critical role in building safe, strong and sustainable communities. At the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), we work closely with municipalities, Indigenous communities and partners across the province to support effective land use planning, strong local economies and a high quality of life for Ontarians. About the Role As a Planner (Land Use Planning) in the Municipal Services Office – Central Region - Planning Branch, you will work on complex, land use planning files within Ontario's central region, while providing consistent, high-quality analysis and well-reasoned recommendations that support provincial land-use decisions. You will be part of a collaborative, inclusive team environment where shared learning and cross disciplinary collaboration are central to how work is delivered. Our office offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of land use planning in Canada's most populous region. Our leadership team is approachable, kind and dedicated to helping everyone succeed. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to high profile land use planning files and play a meaningful role in shaping Ontario's fastest growing communities, while continuing to build the experience and expertise that support longer-term career growth. Find us here: Follow us on Facebook Join our LinkedIn community About the job In this position, you will: • Lead the review and analysis of complex planning applications, develop options and recommendations to support government decision-making • Identify issues with land use policy programs or legislation and recommend changes or improvements in program structure/delivery • Prepare, present, lead and participate in meetings, seminars, workshops and educational sessions on matters • Provide guidance and advice on provincial planning interests and the development of municipal official plans Please note you will be required to work in the office five (5) days per week. Note: This competition will be used to fill permanent vacancies in four units within the Branch: • Municipal Services Office - Central Region - Planning Branch (Central-North) Unit (1 position) • Municipal Services Office - Central Region - Planning Branch (Central-East Unit) (1 position) • Municipal Services Office - Central Region - Planning Branch (Central-West Unit) (2 positions) • Municipal Services Office - Central Region - Planning Branch (Central-Urban) Unit (1position) What you bring to the team Technical knowledge and experience: You have: • experience in land use planning and demonstrated knowledge of the Ontario planning system, related legislation, policies and Ontario government priorities, policy development and decision-making processes. • strong leadership, organization, and project management skills to work with and lead multidisciplinary teams and multiple projects Research and analytical skills: You have: • strong analytical skills to review data and information, and advise on planning applications and projects to address complex policy and land use related planning issues • proven research skills to undertake complex studies, analyze information and develop models for various planning activities, such as environmental, land use and social planning matters Communication and interpersonal skills: You have: • experience preparing briefing materials and reports using word processing, presentation, data management and spreadsheet software • demonstrated written and oral communication skills to effectively communicate complex information to senior management, and the Minister • effective consultation and negotiation skills to work with other ministries, municipal councils, Indigenous communities and officials, planning groups • ability to collaborate and work with teams, across divisions and ministries. • ability to represent the Ministry as an expert witness at various boards, Tribunals and OLT hearings, etc. 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 What we offer The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for a wide range of ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer: • a career that can grow across ministries and job functions • flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs • many employee networks offering support for and education about underrepresented groups This role comes with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes: • a defined-benefit lifetime pension plan (guaranteed, ongoing inflation-protected income after retirement) • group health, dental, life and disability benefits • a range of vacation and leave options • an Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling services This position is based in a downtown Toronto office, offering convenient access to public transit and proximity to the energy and diversity of the downtown core. Additional information Address: 5 English Permanent, 777 Bay St, Toronto, Toronto Region Compensation Group: Ontario Public Service Employees Union Understanding the job ad - definitions Schedule: 3-A Category: Lands and Resources Posted on: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 Note: Less qualified applicants may be considered on an underfill basis. The information that you provide for the purpose of this competition and the results from this competition may be used to fill other positions. These positions may be of various tenures including short-term assignments. Your information and the results from this competition will be retained for the purpose of filling vacancies in accordance with the applicable collective agreement or policy provisions. T-MA-248996/26(9) 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. Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives. All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment. Remember: The deadline to apply is Thursday, October 15, 2026 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted. We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted. The Ontario Public Service is an inclusive employer. Accommodation is available under the Ontario's Human Rights Code .

What you’ll do

Lead the review and analysis of complex land-use planning applications, develop options and recommendations, and advise on provincial planning interests and municipal official plans. Identify improvements to planning policies, programs, or legislation, and lead or participate in meetings, workshops, and educational sessions.

Requirements

Candidates need experience in land-use planning and knowledge of Ontario’s planning system, legislation, policies, government priorities, and decision-making processes. They should also demonstrate leadership and project management, strong research and analytical abilities, effective communication and stakeholder consultation skills, and the ability to collaborate across teams and represent the Ministry at hearings.

Benefits

• Defined-Benefit Lifetime Pension Plan
• Group Health Benefits
• Dental Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Vacation And Leave Options
• Employee And Family Assistance Program
• Learning And Development Opportunities
• Education And Mentorship Programs
• Employee Networks

Listed skills

• Policy development · Preferred
• Leadership · Preferred
• Data analysis · Preferred
• Team Collaboration · Preferred
• Project management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Land Use Planning
• Ontario Planning System Knowledge
• Planning Legislation And Policy
• Policy Development
• Project Management
• Leadership
• Research
• Data Analysis
• Planning Application Review
• Report Writing
• Briefing Materials Preparation
• Oral And Written Communication
• Consultation And Negotiation
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Team Collaboration
• Presentation Skills

Job areas

• Government & Public Sector
• Environmental & Sustainability
• Management & Leadership

More jobs from Municipal Affairs and Housing / Affaires municipales et Logement