Senior Planner

Job summary

Lead and implement land use planning and permit processing within the Niagara Escarpment Commission's mandate. Provide strategic guidance, manage technical teams, and maintain relationships with government bodies, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders.

Job details

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 • maternity and parental leave top-up benefits which includes adoptive parents • 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 Address: 1 English Permanent, 1450 7th Ave E, Owen Sound, West Region Compensation Group: Ontario Public Service Employees Union Understanding the job ad - definitions Schedule: 3-A Category: Consulting and Planning Posted on: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Note: N-NR-248762/26 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, September 17, 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 and implement land use planning and permit processing within the Niagara Escarpment Commission's mandate. Provide strategic guidance, manage technical teams, and maintain relationships with government bodies, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders.

Requirements

Requires extensive experience in environmental and land use planning with a deep understanding of the Ontario planning system and relevant legislation. Must possess a valid Class G driver's licence and proficiency in GIS software.

Benefits

• Defined benefit pension plan • Maternity and parental leave top-up benefits • Comprehensive health plan • Life and disability insurance • Flexible work arrangements • Career growth and development opportunities • On-the-job training

Listed skills

• Project Coordination · Preferred
• Team Leadership · Preferred
• Conflict Resolution · Preferred
• Stakeholder Management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Land use planning
• Environmental planning
• Policy interpretation
• Stakeholder management
• Team leadership
• GIS
• Report writing
• Conflict resolution
• Issues management
• Public speaking
• Project coordination
• Legislative analysis

Job areas

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