Careers and Volunteering

The Township of Wellesley is an agriculturally based municipality with approximately 11,500 residents within Waterloo Region and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive environment for both residents and employees. Wellesley Township is looking for a self-motivated, hardworking team player to fill the position of Senior Planner.

Reporting to the Director of Development Services, the Senior Planner will provide professional advice on a variety of planning matters including, but not limited to, the review and evaluation of Planning Act applications, major studies, and policy initiatives. The Senior Planner prepares planning reports and recommendations to the Committee of Adjustment and Council to assist in decision-making processes that are efficient and effective. In addition, the Senior Planner communicates, negotiates and resolves conflicts with applicants, consultants, agencies and the public to ensure that good planning is carried out throughout the Township.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Processes, reviews and evaluates Planning Act applications including, Official Plan amendments, Zoning By-law amendments, draft plans of subdivision and condominium, minor variances and consents, site plans, community improvement incentives and other related applications.
• Applies planning principles, policies and regulations and evaluates social, economic and environmental factors related to development proposals to ensure development conforms with the Official Plan, Provincial policies, and Township By-laws.
• Provides professional planning advice by preparing reports and recommendations to Committee of Adjustment and Council with respect to planning, development proposals, policies and special projects and programs.
• Serves as an expert witness at Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) Hearings and other administrative tribunals.
• Responds to inquiries from the general public, developers, consultants, businesses, staff and Council members for information on planning processes, status of applications, zoning and other related information.
• Negotiate and resolve conflicts with applicants and their agents, consultants, public agencies, and the general public on the details of planning and development proposals.
• Undertakes, manages, or participates in, comprehensive major studies (e.g. Official Plan and Zoning By-law reviews) and research projects related to the immediate and long term planning of land, facilities and services, including the study of demographic, socio-economic, physical and environmental factors.
• Facilitates, develops, prepares for and coordinates various public meetings and workshops.
• Assists with the review of matters related to the Township’s designated built heritage resources, inclusive of liaison with the Township’s Heritage and Historical Society.
• Attends Council / Committee meetings and public meetings, as required. Attends other planning related meetings to communicate Township interests and to provide information or advice on planning matters, as required.
• When applicable, develops terms of reference for studies or projects and coordinates consultants that are assisting the Township with professional services.
• Conducts site inspections to determine the development suitability of properties in relation to planning applications.
• Assists the Director by developing plans, programs, procedures and budgets for carrying out of the Corporation’s policies and by-laws.  
• Other related duties or activities as assigned by the Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-secondary degree in Urban or Rural Planning combined with at least 4 years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience. Equivalent combinations of experience and education may be considered.
• Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute, Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation, or eligibility/qualifications to achieve membership/designation.
• Demonstrated understanding, knowledge and skills in the application and interpretation of the Planning Act and other relevant legislation, policies, regulations and guidelines.
• Strong ability to evaluate major development applications of a complex nature in the context of applicable law, principles of good planning, and design excellence.
• Strong ability to successfully negotiate and liaise with stakeholders, agencies, developers, consultants and the community.
• Strong ability to prioritize, organize, coordinate and manage a variety of projects simultaneously while being adaptable to deadlines, time constraints and changing priorities.
• Strong ability to make decisions, formulate planning recommendations, and exercise discretion, tact and sensitivity.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office and ArcGIS applications.
• Strong project management skills to independently lead projects forward, while working collaboratively with others in a team environment.
• Strong organizational, time management and interpersonal skills.
• Strong work ethic; diplomatic; team and service oriented; builds strong working relationships.
• Sound independent judgment and problem-solving ability.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to write reports that summarize complex planning matters and communicate findings with charts, tables, and narrative.
• Knowledge of rural planning matters and municipal planning experience is an asset.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Required to work within an office environment and in the field.
• Requires the continuous repetitive use of a keyboard at a constant working speed involving mental and visual concentration with frequent interruptions.
• Valid Class G driver’s license required and ability of travel to perform site inspections.
• Some overtime may be required for evening Council and Committee meetings and workshops.

Qualified candidates may submit a detailed resume and cover letter in confidence electronically through the Ontario Professional Planners Institute posting or to the Township directly by 4:00p.m., Friday, January 31, 2025                       

Attention: Grace Kosch, Municipal Clerk

E-Mail: gkosch@wellesley.ca (preferred) 

Mail:
Township of Wellesley
4639 Lobsinger Line
St Clements, Ontario N0B 2M0

We thank all those who apply but advise that only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.  The Township of Wellesley is an equal opportunity employer.  Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process.  If contacted for an interview, please advise of any measures you feel you need to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.  Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001 (S.O. 2001, c.25) and will be used to select a candidate.