Planning & Development Officer

Planning & Development Officer

Municipal District of Bighorn

About the Municipal District of Bighorn:

The Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8 is a rural municipality located in a beautiful natural setting. A community of unique communities, the MD is characterized by ranching and other agricultural uses, industrial uses, low impact tourism facilities, hamlets, and large tracts of undeveloped crown land reserved for forestry activities. It is recognized that the quality of life of our residents is tied to a healthy, natural environment and a robust economy.

Summary:
Reporting to the Manager of Planning and Development Services, the Planning and Development Officer is responsible for review and processing of assigned Subdivision, Development Permit, and Compliance Assessment applications, Non-Statutory Plan submissions, and select Statutory Document Amendment applications, guiding Applicants through the planning and development application process, responding to general enquires from the public and applicants regarding the planning and development process, preparing reports and making presentations to the appropriate Approving Authority as required. 

Why work for us?

• Competitive salary 
• Health Benefits
• Pension
• Health & Wellness Spending Account
• Paid vacation and personal days
• Work/Life Balance
• Earned Day Off Program

Hours of Work:  
Monday to Friday, 8:30AM - 4:30PM 

Salary:
Starting at $ 88,646.40

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responds to applicable planning and development public enquires.

• Receive, review, and process Development Permit, Subdivision, and Non-Statutory Plan applications, and select Statutory Document Amendment applications [including the Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw] in a timely, accurate fashion, and make recommendations on application decisions to the appropriate Approving Authority.

• Conducts internal and external referrals on Subdivision, Development Permit, Non-Statutory Plan, and Statutory Document Amendment application files.

• Support investigations on current and historic planning, development, and environment related issues, and demonstrate effective problem-solving techniques to identify viable solutions.

• When required, conduct site visits for Development Permit and Subdivision applications, and other planning related matters as requested.

• Assisting to maintain Subdivision, Development Permit and Building Permit records, including appropriate filing of Land File documents.

• Conducts compliance assessments and issues Compliance Assessment Certificates.

• Actively participate in mentorship provided by the Manager of Planning and Development Services to achieve set professional development goals and improved performance.

• Provide support, coaching, and mentoring to other Planning and Development Services staff such as the Planning and Development Administrative Assistant(s) for continued monitoring and improvement of frontline departmental functions.

• Work with the Manager of Planning and Development Services and the Director of Planning and Development Services in the development of work plans, goals, and optimizing process evaluations to improve service delivery to the public.

• Actively participate in working towards effective and efficient service delivery within the functional areas of Planning, Subdivision, and Development to the public.

• Preparing reports and delivering presentations on assigned applications and files to the Municipal Planning Commission is required.

• Attendance at all Municipal Planning Commission meetings is required.

• When required, assists with the preparation of Municipal Planning Commission packages and the recording of Municipal Planning Commission meeting minutes.

• Preparing reports and delivering presentations to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board for assigned files and applications is required.

• When required, ensures that updates are made to Statutory documents as necessary, following adoption of amending bylaws by Council.

• Assist with research and analysis of regulations, procedures and statistics, and prepares recommendations or reports as directed by the Manager of Planning and Development Services.

• When requested, assist with and actively engage in MD public engagement activities, including but not limited to, attending and facilitating activities at public open house events, managing public engagement surveys, and working collaboratively with third-party consultants.

• As required, liaise with Municipal Enforcement staff to assist with compliance enforcement of the Land Use Bylaw.

• Maintain knowledge of the principles and practices of urban and regional planning, as well as applicable Federal and Provincial legislation and regulatory requirements.

• Provide coverage when team members are absent, and as formal back-up specifically to the Planning Administrative Assistant duties when required.

• Performs the responsibilities and accountabilities as assigned in the Municipal Health and Safety Program.

• Performs the duties assigned in the Municipal Emergency Plan.

• Performs any other duties as assigned by the Manager of Planning and Development Services or the Director of Planning and Development Services.

Qualifications:

• Education: 

  • Post-secondary degree in urban, regional, or land use planning, or a related field; or 

  • Post-secondary certificate in Applied Land Use Planning, or similar is required.

• Active membership in the Alberta Development Officers Association is required.

• Active membership in the Alberta Professional Planners Institute and/or the Canadian Institute of Planners is considered an asset.

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in the municipal planning/development field.

• Strong public relations and communication skills, business acumen, and orientation towards performance and service.

• Knowledge and understanding of related legislation and regulations, and industry best practices, including the Municipal Government Act.

• Excellent time management and organization skills, along with adaptability in responding to unexpected or changing priorities.

• Effective written and oral communication skills with demonstrated experience presenting to small and large groups in both casual and formal settings.

• Thorough or developing understanding of and previous experience with the municipal subdivision and development appeals process.

• Demonstrate excellent conflict resolution and stakeholder management skills.

• Thorough or developing understanding of rural, urban, and regional planning, the applicable regulatory environment for each aspect of the planning process, implementation techniques and consultation processes.

• Thorough or developing understanding knowledge of the relevant Safety Code regulations pertaining to Building, Plumbing, Electrical, gas, and Private Sewage Codes.

• Ability to read and understand technical drawings related to planning and development, land use, and subdivision applications and projects.

• Competency in computer use, including Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Suite, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

• Possessing a valid Class 5 Alberta Drivers License.