Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To assist on assigned research projects in support of policies and programs in a variety of land use planning activities. To assist Branch staff in participation in project teams and/or committees involved in the review, analysis, and development of recommendations on planning policy issues/proposals, strategic planning and program implementation/delivery processes. Assist with the review, analysis and recommendations on municipal and provincial planning documents.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Assisting Branch staff by preparing background research in support of projects/studies related to issues in land use planning that are of provincial interest.

Assisting Branch staff in the analysis and monitoring related to the Ontario planning and development processes, planning issues, policies and operational planning projects related to the land use, economic, environmental and social aspects of land use planning.

Preparing detailed reports and supporting documentation in accordance with land use planning related legislation and provincial policies, and assisting with making recommendations for comments and decisions on provincial planning policies or initiatives.

Assisting with the preparation of reports on emerging planning trends and research findings, including statistical analysis.

Assisting with the preparation of education and training tools/presentations for internal and external clients relating to land use planning information

Knowledge :

Job requires good knowledge and understanding of Ontario planning system, current related legislation and legislative process, provincial policies (e.g. Provincial Policy Statement), and implementation methods (e.g. policy, operational, consultative) in order to: to explain/interpret legislation, provincial policies/standards/programs related to land use planning to convey and explain detailed information to other ministry staff.

Job requires understanding and appreciation of mandates and planning policies/programs of other provincial ministries/agencies involved in land use planning and resource management; familiarity with the integrated 'one window' land use planning framework provided by MMAH.

Job requires an understanding of municipal operations and processes such as municipal planning processes, council/committee processes, as well as related municipal legislation, e.g., the Municipal Act.

Skills :

Job requires issue analysis and evaluation skills to research information, prepare background studies and reports on planning issues. Job requires analytical skills to: analyze problems, develop preliminary recommendations and strategies for review by Branch staff; evaluate and assess provincial planning issues.

Job requires interpreting and explaining legislated requirements and provincial viewpoints.

Job requires well developed organization skills to carry out assigned projects and meet tight deadlines.

Job requires written communication skills to: prepare preliminary reports for Senior staff; briefing notes; correspondence on land use planning related issues. Job requires well developed verbal communication skills to explain legislation, provincial policies/standards /programs related to land use planning and to convey and explain detailed information to other ministry staff . Job requires strong research skills; initiative; ability to work with a minimum of supervision; good sense of judgement; good sense of teamwork.

Job requires computer proficiency to use word processing and data analysis software systems/applications to prepare reports, letters, memoranda, charts, tables. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems.

Freedom of Action :

Job requires working in accordance with legislation (e.g., Planning Act, Ontario Planning and Development Act or related legislation) /regulations and ministry/provincial policies, practices, targets, and standards. Job requires assisting with researching, reporting on a number of related projects/cases including: ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information (e.g., Cabinet submissions), synthesizing information, developing options, communicating with stakeholders, other ministries, proponents, municipalities and the public. Job requires working closely with supervisor (e.g., senior planner or senior management) on assignments which are outlined in a work plan.