About the Township of Muskoka Lakes

Work where others vacation. Nestled in the District Municipality of Muskoka, the Township of Muskoka Lakes delivers an exceptional quality of life without the big city stresses. This premier outdoor recreation region is home to welcoming small communities and supports a four-season lifestyle – providing more time for family and personal pursuits, and the opportunity to live and work in the same stunning environment, all within a 2.5-hour drive from Toronto.

Why Join Our Team

The culture at the Township of Muskoka Lakes is upbeat, positive and collaborative. Working for a municipality offers the opportunity to make a visible impact in your community. The Township of Muskoka Lakes is dedicated to providing a professional, safe, and inclusive workplace where employees are supported to achieve their full potential.

The Township of Muskoka Lakes strives to be an employer of choice for strong talent dedicated to serving our community, and offer the following:

• 100% employer-matched defined benefit pension plan with OMERS.

• Support for paid time off, including personal days, vacation starting at 3 weeks, an overtime bank option, holiday office closure and 13 paid public holidays.

• Flexible work arrangements, including work from home available to support and nurture work-life balance.

• Paid internal and external training and development opportunities, including support for professional designations.

• Staff recognition and appreciation programs.

• Interesting, varied work with the opportunity to gain experience across multiple disciplines.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Manager of Planning, the Planner performs development review functions, including the review of applications made under the Planning Act and other legislation, and prepares and presents related professional planning advice, research, reports and recommendations to Township Council and Committees. The applications handled by this position are predominantly within the Committee of Adjustment and staff delegated application streams: minor variances, consent/severances, and residential site plan agreements. The position involves some exposure to Planning Committee and Council application streams (e.g. official plan amendments, rezonings, concurrent consent/rezonings, etc.) to support individual growth and to complement the Planning Division’s operational needs. The Planner assists the Planning Technician and administrative staff and performs some of the responsibilities of the Intermediate Planner in his/her short-term absence.

Summary Of Responsibilities

• Perform the statutory, assigned, delegated and transferred development review functions for the Corporation.

• Research and review development proposals for completeness and compliance with the Township’s Zoning By-law and conformity with provincial policy statements and upper and lower-tier official plans, in an independent and effective manner.

• Interpret, apply and explain complex Provincial policies and regulations, Official Plan policies and zoning by-law provisions.

• Provide information and assistance to the public, various internal and external municipal departments, and external agencies on planning-related matters including land use policies, zoning, and municipal by-laws (e.g. comment requests by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, pre-building permit submission reviews, pre-consultations, etc.).

• Prepare public meeting notices and present effective technical staff reports, including the evaluation of alternatives and sound recommendations to Council, Committees, staff, and stakeholders with respect to planning legislation, policy and implementation instruments.

• Read and review surveys, blueprints and site plans and perform field investigations prior to development approval and post construction.

• Effectively represent the Planning Division and more broadly the Township, in meetings with stakeholders including: governmental agencies, community groups, various businesses, professional and regulatory organizations, property owners, developers, contractors and the public.

• Communicate effectively and maintain excellent working relationships with officials, co-workers, the public, representatives of organizations and others sufficient to exchange or convey information and receive input.

• Prepare and present professional planning evidence and opinions at court proceedings, the Ontario Land Tribunal, and other administrative tribunal hearings.

• Assist the Township’s Planning Technician, Committee of Adjustment Coordinator, and Planning Clerk including answering questions about planning-related matters.

• Perform some of the responsibilities of the Township’s Intermediate Planner in his/her short-term absence.

• Complete job description available upon request

Qualifications And Experience

• University degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Rural Planning, Environmental Studies, Geography or a related field with emphasis on urban, rural or environmental studies or resource management.

• Thorough knowledge of principles, practices and procedures related to urban, rural and regional planning and zoning administration, including applicable laws and regulations.

• 1-3 years of related experience.

• Full or provisional membership as a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation would be an asset.

• A solid understanding of and technical expertise with respect to planning legislation, regulations, policy and implementation instruments.

• Proven ability to take initiative and make independent evaluations or recommendations and in achieving performance objectives.

• Ingenuity, integrity and creativity with strong communication, interpersonal, analytical, writing, organizational, multi-tasking, and problem-solving skills.

• Technological proficiency and a valid Ontario driver’s and boating license. Use own vehicle as required.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Internet software as well as knowledge of basic Geographic Information Systems.

Accommodations

If you require disability-related accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please advise the Human Resources department as soon as possible. Accommodation may be provided in all steps of the hiring process. Freedom of Information Information collected will be used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of candidate selection.

We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.