Intermediate/Senior Planner - Contract

Job summary

The planner will project manage and review mid to large scale development applications, including official plan amendments and zoning by-law changes. They will also conduct research, prepare staff reports, and provide expert planning evidence at hearings.

Job details

Located within the traditional land of the Anishnaabek, Haudenosaunee and Wendat-Wyandot-Wyandotte peoples, the Town of The Blue Mountains is a four-season community with stunning natural features, including the Niagara Escarpment, Beaver Valley and the Georgian Bay shoreline. Internationally recognized as a four-season tourism destination, The Blue Mountains offers a high-quality lifestyle that caters to families looking to build a solid foundation, adventurers looking to go off the beaten path and relaxation seekers taking in and experiencing the very best the area has to offer. The Town of The Blue Mountains is a proud municipal employer located in Grey County. The Town provides services for more than 9,300 full-time residents and has a diverse staff of more than 170 full and part-time employees. The Town is also home to an extensive part-time and seasonal population, welcoming more than 2.5 million visitors annually. We're looking for people who share our commitment to building a sustainable community and our values of Accountability & Transparency, Leadership, Stewardship, Respect, and Collaboration. Come gain a unique experience in the 2nd fastest growing municipality in Canada! Position summary: Reporting to the Manager of Community Planning, the Intermediate/Senior Planner is an Intermediate Planner or Senior Planner role, the level of which will be based on possession of a professional designation as an MCIP and RPP. The Intermediate Planner position has the ability to move into a Senior Planner role upon fulfilling full status as a MCIP and RPP. The Intermediate/Senior Planner will project manage and review mid to large scale development applications including amendments to the Official Plan, Zoning By-law, consents, proposed plans of subdivision and condominium, site plan control, minor variances, Niagara Escarpment Development Control Permits, removal of part lot control and deeming by-laws. The Intermediate/Senior Planner will conduct research, prepare and present Staff Reports and provide input on policy projects and programs. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Coordinate and participate in the on-going monitoring of the Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement, Town of The Blue Mountains Official Plan, County of Grey Official Plan and other relevant legislation and interpret and apply the forgoing with respect to planning applications. Undertake and coordinate the review of development applications, conduct research and prepare and present Staff Reports, draft official plan and zoning by-law amendments including the mapping components associated therewith. Apply professional knowledge that is consistent with prevailing legislation and good planning principles to applications for official plan and zoning by-law amendments, plans of subdivision, condominium plans, part lot control by-laws, etc. Facilitate the resolution of conflict, identify and pursue the resolution of key issues. Monitor the dynamics of corporate, department and division policies, procedures and practices to identify and resolve problems before they become chronic. Provide advice and information on planning and development policies, legislation, procedures and applications to a wide range of organizations and people who represent various points of view and interests. Provide support and advice to the Economic Development Division on economic development initiatives and new business starts within the municipality. Manage public and agency notification and meeting processes and hold/facilitate special meetings as required to engage the public on development application of particular interest or complexity. Undertakes and reviews special planning and development studies (e.g. parking strategies, parks planning, natural heritage studies and urban design guidelines as assigned. Provide support and leadership to Division staff, Departments and others who may be engaged in planning and development activities on behalf of the Town. Maintain effective and co-operative liaison with developers, public, consultants, Council, Town staff, provincial ministries and agencies, ratepayers’ groups and the general public. Attend, provide information and make presentations at meetings of Council, Council Standing Committees, including public meetings and other committees as assigned. Prepare and present professional planning evidence at Local Planning Appeal Tribunal hearings and act as an expert witness. Participate in inter-agency and cross-department policy coordination initiatives to represent the interests of the Town. Conduct site inspections. Promotes a high standard of customer service to the public as well as to all internal customers. Comply with all health and safety practices as it relates to the work, standard operating guidelines and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Performs other duties as required. What you will need: Requires a 4-year University degree in Urban & Regional Planning or related discipline. Requires membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and registered as a professional planner. Candidates actively engaged in candidacy towards full membership may also be considered at the discretion of the Director of Planning & Development Services. Minimum of five years of planning work experience including relevant municipal experience. Strong organization and time management skills. Exceptional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills with an emphasis on customer service. Ability to work independently or as part of a team. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Effective attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy. Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills. A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills. Strong problem identification and problem resolution skills. Knowledge of federal, provincial, and municipal regulations. What we offer: This is a 12 month full-time contract opportunity at the Town to fill a leave of absence. The annual salary range for this role is $84,293.20 – $121,231.94 (2026 Rate). The Town also offers the following to our employees: Perks & Discounts Wellness Programs Health & Dental Benefits* full-time & 12 month + contracts only OMERS Work / Life Flexibility Professional Development & Education Opportunities Remote work – available up to 2 days per week The submission deadline for applications is 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) please advise the Human Resources Department to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated throughout this process. Personal information provided by the applicants is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001 and will be used for the purpose of candidate selection. We thank all candidates for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

What you’ll do

The planner will project manage and review mid to large scale development applications, including official plan amendments and zoning by-law changes. They will also conduct research, prepare staff reports, and provide expert planning evidence at hearings.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a 4-year university degree in Urban & Regional Planning or a related discipline. Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute is required, along with at least five years of relevant municipal planning experience.

Benefits

• Perks and discounts
• Wellness programs
• Health and dental benefits
• OMERS pension plan
• Work/life flexibility
• Professional development and education opportunities
• Remote work

Listed skills

• Project management · Preferred
• Conflict Resolution · Preferred
• Negotiation · Preferred
• Customer service · Preferred
• Time management · Preferred
• Mapping · Preferred
• interpersonal skills · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Project management
• Urban planning
• Regional planning
• Policy analysis
• Conflict resolution
• Negotiation
• Report writing
• Public speaking
• Customer service
• Time management
• Analytical thinking
• Mapping
• Zoning by-law interpretation
• Planning Act compliance
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem solving
• Site Inspection
• Community Planning
• People Management
• Accountability
• Analytical Thinking
• Tourism
• Diplomacy
• Legal Hearings
• Planning
• Research
• Customer Service
• Conflict Resolution
• Cooperation
• Development Studies
• Economic Development
• Occupational Safety And Health
• Expert Witness
• Leadership
• Interpersonal Communications
• Problem Solving
• Legislation
• Project Management
• Microsoft Office
• Planning Permission
• Presentations
• Regional Planning
• Time Management
• Urban Design
• Verbal Communication Skills
• Coordinating
• Prioritization
• Teamwork
• Detail Oriented

Job areas

• Government & Public Sector
• Environmental & Sustainability
• Management & Leadership
• Consulting
• Planner
• Media Planner / Buyer
• Buyers
• Public Relations Specialists

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