Job Description:
As Alberta’s fastest growing municipality, the City of Chestermere has rapidly evolved from a charming summer village into a dynamic lakeside community for over 20,000 residents. The beautiful lake, excellent schools, safe communities, pleasant neighbourhoods, growing opportunities, and a 18 hole golf course all contribute to the ambiance of a family friendly oasis. By demonstrating Collaboration, Humour/Fun, Integrity, Professionalism and Accountability, employees at the City of Chestermere use their strengths and unique abilities to contribute to the vision of Chestermere becoming Alberta’s Oasis.
The City is currently seeking a full-time Planning and Development Services Manager to join our Development and Infrastructure Services team. The Planning and Development Services Manager participates in building interdependent teams that work to achieve their objectives and, in collaboration with other departments, the overall vision of the City of Chestermere within the context of the Strategic Initiatives contained within the rolling 3 year Strategic Plan.
Main responsibilities:
Provide strategic, technical, project, management, municipal and business expertise and advice in the conceptualization, development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of subordinate areas:
Management of current and long range projects
Oversight of inter-municipal planning processes, e.g., Tri-Administrative Team, Chestermere/Rocky View Inter-municipal Development Plan, Inter-municipal Circulations
Design, implementation and continuous improvement of the City’s statutory planning framework, e.g., Subdivision approvals, permit issuance
Oversight of the analysis and review of development proposals and applications, e.g., Area Structure Plans, Municipal Plan, Land Use Bylaw amendments, rezoning requests, Land Use Plan amendments, variance applications, building permits, Subdivision and Development Appeal Board
Provide planning advice to staff, developers and the general public regarding legislative changes, legal matters and new developments, e.g., Corporate Leadership Team, Council, community consultation, address public inquiries, including complaints.
Development services, e.g., provide advice, counsel and administration of the Development Permit processes.
Development conditions monitoring and supervision of enforcement of all codes, e.g., building, electrical, plumbing and gas safety code inspections and enforcement; conduct field inspections, investigate complaints; contractor liaison.
Represent Development and Infrastructure Services as a subject matter expert and champion of capacity building and excellence in development services, e.g., advise development permit applicants or proposed applications of permitted, discretionary and non-permitted uses for the proposed area; recommend possible options available such as amending the Land Use Bylaw, provide advice regarding development and building requirements to the public; issue and sign Development Permits and Stamp of Compliance on Real Property Reports; provide advice regarding compliance; coordinate department correspondence, memos, reports, letters of compliance; monitor issues pertaining to the Land Use Bylaw and ensure enforcement and/or conduct investigations, develop and recommend appropriate course of action; negotiate, issue and administer complex Development Permits.
Manage the assessment of the current and future needs of the Planning and Development Services team, gathering input and feedback, utilizing evaluation tools, analyzing and reporting statistical and evaluative data.
Develop collaborative partnerships with local, regional, provincial and federal subject matter experts and service providers, e.g., peers in other municipalities, inter-municipal committees, consultants, developers, maintain an awareness of best practices and opportunities.
Represent Development and Infrastructure Services internally as a subject matter expert and champion of capacity building and excellence in planning, e.g., undertake studies and provide recommendations to the CAO and/or Council regarding the feasibility of policies, projects, and services; manage the prioritization of needs within and amongst departments regarding prioritization and sequencing of work.
Participate in the enhancement and implementation of City and Department Policies and Procedures within legislative, regulatory requirements and best practices, e.g., Area Structure Plans, Municipal Plan, Land Use Bylaw, Land Use Re-designations, Inter-Municipal Development Plan, Landscape Guidelines/Standards and Specifications, Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.
Represent Planning and Development Services on a variety of professional associations and organizations, e.g., Canadian Institute of Planners, Planning Commission, Subdivision Approving Authority, Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, ad hoc planning committees.
Participate in sensitive negotiations, contracts and agreements with service providers and partners.
Provide highly responsible and complex support to the Director, Development and Infrastructure Services on sensitive issues.
Participate as a member of the Chestermere Emergency Response team in preparing and enabling the community to respond in the event of a local disaster or regional disaster.
Consideration will be given to candidates who possess:
Required certifications and/or documentation
Full membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) and/or Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI).
Registered Planning Professional Designation (RPP).
Clear Criminal Record Check deemed satisfactory by the City.
Valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s License and a Driver’s Abstract deemed satisfactory by the City.
Maintain valid Standard First Aid CPR C and AED certifications.
Expected skills and attributes
Strategic, analytical and creative thinking skills as a member of the Development and Infrastructure Services team, e.g., analytical skills with the ability to solve problems, make decisions, negotiate and deal effectively with people in difficult situations.
Comprehensive knowledge of governance issues, e.g., policy development and interpretation.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form, e.g., maintain ongoing communication to anticipate and prevent potential problems, develop and maintain positive and effective working relationships with Council, staff, the public and other stakeholders.
Proven leadership and project management capability, e.g., ability to motivate staff towards constant improvement and encourage staff to make recommendations, coaching, mentoring, performance management and development.
Skilled advocate, balancing the needs of staff and stakeholders with the needs of the City.
Business acumen, including budget management skills, grant or contract management skills and the ability to make effective decisions that are well-informed and that reflect the input gathered from stakeholders.
Strong work ethic and highly motivated, e.g., ability to work in a fast paced environment and respond to action requests and competing deadlines in a timely matter.
Proficiency with MS Office, e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Preferred skills and attributes
Master’s Degree in Planning or a related discipline.
Working knowledge of best practice managerial methods, techniques and practices.
Member of the Alberta Development Officer’s Association.
Closing Date: October 31, 2017
Application Return:
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their cover letter and resume referencing Job Competition 2017- Planning and Development Services Manager to:
City of Chestermere
105 Marina Road, Chestermere, Alberta, T1X 1V7
Attention: J Popoff
Email: jobs@chestermere.ca
Fax: (403) 204-7681