Senior Policy Planner (5-year contract)

Senior Policy Planner (5-year contract) 
Location: Ajax, ON (Hybrid options to be discussed) 
Reference No. CG-8052

The Town of Ajax, situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, is an innovative municipal sector leader that provides a variety of services to one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario.  With over 130,000 residents, Ajax's rich heritage and culturally diverse community make it a great place to work and live. Meridia is excited to partner with the Town of Ajax in their search for a Senior Policy Planner (5 year contract) to join their team in Ajax, Ontario. 

The Senior Planner is an integral member of the Planning Policy Team and initiates, participates in, analyzes, and coordinates specialized, complex and controversial planning projects including: policy planning initiatives and planning studies; official plan amendments and review, and zoning by-law amendments, and the preparation of secondary plans; environmental
assessments; environmental impact studies; heritage impact assessments; community improvement plans; and/or other planning related initiatives and studies. The primary responsibility for this position will be to act as the project manager for the Town’s upcoming Official Plan Review.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducts research, long range planning and undertakes special projects related to land use and policy matters including, Town initiated changes to Official Plan policies, secondary plans, environmental matters, housing policy, development regulations, heritage conservation, development related municipal finance tools (i.e. parkland dedication by-law), and the establishment and administration of Community Improvement Plans.
• Prepares and/or assists with the preparation and/or amendment of municipal guidance documents, such as by-laws and/or guidelines.
• Prepares and/or comments on terms of reference, prepares project plans, consults with stakeholders, prepares formal and technical reports and other documents that are clear, defensible, realistic and practical.
• Prepares or assists in the preparation of various agreements, such as CIP rebates/grants, lease agreements, or affordable housing agreements.
• Facilitates, coordinates, implements and monitors land use, urban design, housing policy, heritage conservation, policy and environmental studies/guidelines and initiatives.
• Provides in-depth analysis and reports and correspondence and confidential advice/recommendations to Council, CAO, Directors and other Town staff.
• Provides planning information and professional planning advice to Council, Department Heads, agencies, landowners, advisory committees, the general public and the development industry.
• Manage and provide direction to external consultants, including but not limited to, monitoring performance, and taking remedial action if required to ensure project timelines and expectations are achieved. 

Significant Qualifications

• Four (4) year University degree in Planning or a combination of education and experience deemed equivalent.
• Registered Professional Planner (RPP).
• Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP), the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (RPP).
• Minimum five (5) years relevant and current work experience.
• Experience in the broader public sector.
• Experience providing expert testimony before the Ontario Land Tribunal.
• Strong knowledge and demonstrated implementation of legislative requirements under the Planning Act and Provincial policy framework, including but not limited to, the Provincial Policy Statement, Growth Plan, and Greenbelt Plan.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Bluebeam, and AMANDA.
• Committed to quality customer service and innovation to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Strong mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong problem-solving ability: proactively developing workable and creative options to project related issues.
• Strong ability to work within a multi-disciplinary environment to effectively manage and coordinate planning projects.
• Strong organizational, time management and planning skills.
• Demonstrates a high level of ethics and professionalism, as required under municipal and professional codes of ethics.
• Ability to provide a current criminal reference check that is satisfactory to the Town.

What is Offered to Staff

• Hourly rate of pay is commiserate with experience. 
• Hours of Work: This is 5-year contract, non-union position and 35 hours per week. The hours of work are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Town Perks: The Town offers temporary full-time staff a comprehensive benefit package with paid sick and vacation days; Health & Dental benefits coverage; Employee & Family Assistance Program; Health & Wellness Program; Town of Ajax Fitness Centre Combo membership; plus a defined benefits pension plan (OMERS pension).
• Hybrid Work Program: The Town offers a Hybrid Work Program. Arrangements for work from home will be discussed during the interview process.