Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide a full range of advisory and information services to municipalities within a region of the province to enhance municipal operational effectiveness, improve decision-making, provide guidance on provincial requirements pertaining to land use planning and implement a wide range of ministry/provincial policies and programs.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Monitoring, identifying, evaluating and taking appropriate steps to support the land use planning capability of municipalities while ensuring that the province's interest in economic, environmental, social and other issues are considered.

2. Analysing municipal documents including official plans, development applications, municipal and provincial planning issues for the approval of senior management; preparing reports and documentation in accordance with legislation and ministry policies; assisting in formulating policies and strategies relating to land use planning (e.g. policy statements, implementation guidelines) and providing authoritative verbal and written advice/information to the public, municipalities, developers, agencies, other stakeholders on matters relating to provincial planning.

3. Identifying and conducting research on a variety of issues of concern to the Minister and senior management resulting from internal administrative reviews, media reports or complaints by citizens groups/general public; consulting with municipal officials/staff to clarify needs/problems and determine alternatives/solutions; preparing briefing notes, reports and correspondence in response; briefing senior management and the minister on related issues.

4. Identifying problems/concerns with existing programs or legislation and recommending changes or improvements in program structure/delivery or amendments/development of new legislation; reviewing policy proposals such as cabinet submissions from other ministries and recommending the ministry's position to senior staff.

5. Advising municipal officials/staff regarding new or amended programs and related legislation or policies, promoting a variety of provincial initiatives related to land use planning, implementing regulatory and program responsibilities and facilitating partnerships to deliver education/training programs (e.g. seminars, workshops and one-to-one information sessions) to explain or clarify the role of the municipal government to encourage local resolution of problems (e.g. citizens' inquiries and referrals from the Ombudsman's Office, provincial planning policies, planning applications and provincial interests).

6. Serving as a resource to municipal organizations/associations, for example, Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI), and constituent organizations to maintain an effective provincial-municipal partnership; representing the ministry before municipal councils, tribunals, commissions, Ontario Municipal Board, task forces and the public on a variety of, provincial and community planning issues.

7. Liaising, coordinating and working closely with other ministries and agencies (e.g. inter-ministerial committees, service integration, program coordination, training initiatives) to support the achievement of the government's policy objectives.

Staffing and Licencing :

Job requires a valid Ontario Class G driver's licence to drive to municipal meetings, seminars, conferences.

Knowledge :

Work requires: Land use planning experience with demonstrated knowledge of the Ontario planning system, related legislation, policies, and Ontario government priorities, policy development and decision making processes.; demonstrated research skills to undertake complex studies, analyze complex planning related information and develop models related to a range of planning activities, e.g. environmental, economic and social issues. Work requires proficiency using word processing and spreadsheet software.

Skills :

Well developed analytical, decision making, consultation, resolution and negotiation skills are required to ensure appropriate, efficient and timely review and processing of planning applications and projects to resolve complex policy and land use related planning issues. Good organization, leadership, and project management skills are required to participate in multi-disciplinary teams and multiple projects. Good written and oral communication skills are required to effectively communicate complex information to Senior Management, and the Minister; to advise and collaborate with other ministries, municipal councils and officials, planning groups: and to represent the Ministry as an expert witness at various boards, Tribunals and OMB hearings, etc. Demonstrated research skills to undertake complex studies; analyze information and develop models related to a range of planning activities, such as environmental, land use and social planning matters. Job requires proficiency with word processing, data management and spreadsheet software to perform analysis and prepare reports.

Freedom of Action :

Job requires reviewing, developing and/or recommending to senior management the provincial position and potential consequences of matters such as land use planning related policy proposals, changes to planning related legislation, and the disposition of planning documents, planning related briefing requests, Cabinet submissions and impacts of program alternatives on the Ministry, the government and the public and municipal sectors. Job requires making accurate, timely and sound decisions in the administration of the Minister's statutory decision-making responsibilities under the Planning Act and related legislation. Job requires representing the Ministry and the Province with municipalities, interest groups, and the public on all planning matters and in providing leadership to groups or teams in developing work plans, assigning and reviewing work, and conducting performance reviews.