Play a central role in shaping land use planning decisions that influence how Ontario's fastest-growing urban communities evolve.
In this exciting land use planning role, you'll guide complex land-use planning files, support evidence-based decision-making, and collaborate with municipalities and partners across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Ontario is growing, and strong land use planning plays a critical role in building safe, strong and sustainable communities. At the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), we work closely with municipalities, Indigenous communities and partners across the province to support effective land use planning, strong local economies and a high quality of life for Ontarians.
As a Planner (Land Use Planning) in the Community Planning and Development (Central Urban) Unit, you will work on complex land use planning files across Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan and Hamilton. You will contribute planning analysis and advice that supports consistent, high quality provincial input and well reasoned recommendations on land use planning matters in Ontario's largest urban centres.
You will be part of a collaborative, inclusive team environment where shared learning and cross disciplinary collaboration are central to how work is delivered. Our office is welcoming and encouraging, and offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of land use planning in Canada's most populous region. Our leadership team is approachable, kind, and dedicated to helping everyone succeed.
This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to high profile land use planning files and play a meaningful role in shaping Ontario's fastest growing communities, while continuing to build the experience and expertise that support longer term career growth.Find us here:
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About the job
In this position, you will:
• Lead the review and analysis of complex planning applications, develops options and recommendations to support government decision-making
• Identify issues with land use policy programs or legislation and recommend changes or improvements in program structure/delivery
• Prepare, present, lead and participate in meetings, seminars, workshops and educational sessions on matters
• Provide guidance and advice on provincial planning interests and the development of municipal official plans
What you bring to the team
Technical knowledge and experience:
You have:
• experience in land use planning and demonstrated knowledge of the Ontario planning system, related legislation, policies and Ontario government priorities, policy development and decision-making processes.
• strong leadership, organization, and project management skills to work with and lead multidisciplinary teams and multiple projects
Research and analytical skills:
You have:
• strong analytical skills to review data and information, and advise on planning applications and projects to address complex policy and land use related planning issues
• proven research skills to undertake complex studies, analyze information and develop models for various planning activities, such as environmental, land use and social planning matters
Communication and interpersonal skills:
You have:
• experience preparing briefing materials and reports using word processing, presentation, data management and spreadsheet software
• demonstrated written and oral communication skills to effectively communicate complex information to senior management, and the Minister
• effective consultation and negotiation skills to work with other ministries, municipal councils, Indigenous communities and officials, planning groups
• ability to collaborate and work with teams, across divisions and ministries.
• ability to represent the Ministry as an expert witness at various boards, Tribunals and OLT hearings, etc.
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer
accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please
contact us.Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
What we offer
The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for a wide range of ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer:
• a career that can grow across ministries and job functions
• flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
• many employee networks offering support for and education about underrepresented groups
This role comes with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes:
• a defined-benefit lifetime pension plan (guaranteed, ongoing inflation-protected income after retirement)
• group health, dental, life and disability benefits
• a range of vacation and leave options
• an Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling services
This position is based in a downtown Toronto office, offering convenient access to public transit and proximity to the energy and diversity of the downtown core.