Halifax Regional Municipality is accepting applications for one permanent, full-time position of Planner III within the African Nova Scotian Community Action Planning team as part of the Regional and Community Planning division of Planning & Development. This is a bargaining unit position.  In the event that there are no qualified NSGEU 222 candidates, preference will be given to candidates who self-identify as African Nova Scotian or of African descent. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Reporting to the Principal Planner, the Planner III is a senior subject matter expert who provides advanced-level professional planning services, leads, and manages complex planning assignments or departmental projects based on business unit or corporate strategic priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:Leads and performs advanced-level professional work and provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public related to a broad range of planning mattersActs as liaison between citizens, government agencies, developers and elected officials on planning matters as may be assignedEvaluates and processes subdivision applications, permits, variances, site plans, development agreements, and land use by-law amendments, municipal planning strategy and other planning applicationsPrepares and presents detailed reports and recommendations on planning matters to staff, Boards, Committees and Council and serves as liaison to such committeesRepresents the business unit or the municipality as a team member, or independently, on assigned planning mattersFacilitates public meetings and provides professional planning advice to communities and residents on a variety of planning mattersDesigns and facilitates internal or customer-focused strategic planning, training, education, and consultation processes as requiredIdentifies emerging planning trends, policies and best practices from other jurisdictions and makes recommendations on policies and planning initiatives to address community issuesMonitors effectiveness of existing planning policies, business processes and regulations and makes recommendations for improvements as necessaryResearches, analyzes, prepares, and presents complex reports, contracts, terms of reference, request for proposals, policies and procedures, correspondence and briefs for senior management, Committees and Council related to demographic, economic, social, environmental and other factors affecting community planning issues, land use, physical, social & economic issuesPrepares, presents, and maintains comprehensive regional and community plans, land use by-laws, the Subdivision By-law and other regulations regarding development controlMentors Planner I and Planner IIMay perform other related duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience:University degree from an accredited planning program and five (5) years of professional planning experience; OR University degree from a non-accredited but related program (such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban, Human or Economic Geography, and Geographic/Spatial Information Systems) and seven (7) years of professional planning experience.Master’s Degree from an accredited planning program and four (4) years of professional planning experience would be considered an asset.Candidacy as a Licensed Professional Planner (LPP) or equivalent Provincial or International designation and a willingness to obtain the LPP designation within a three (3) year period is required.  Progressive experience working in a municipal government environment is considered an asset. Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:Advanced knowledge of the field of planning including cross-functional knowledge involving other disciplinesWell-developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines, such as community development, urban design, heritage conservation, housing, parks and recreation, transportation planning or environmental/natural resources planningKnowledge and experience in construction processesAbility to work on several projects simultaneouslyAbility to mentor junior staff and teams to resultsAbility to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlinesAdvanced skills in the techniques of facilitation, mediation, negotiation and public participationSuperior written and verbal communications skillsSuperior skills in the areas of research, analysis, writing, evaluation, and presentationAbility to anticipate the issues of community groups, Council, other business units, senior management, special interest groups and other stakeholders and be able to think critically and strategically in the resolution of those issuesExcellent interpersonal skills which enable credible and effective relationships with people at all levels, including senior management and elected officialsKnowledge of standard office technology including Microsoft Office Suite, Internet applications, GIS and other similar systems and technology related to the business unitAdvanced knowledge of the Municipal Government Act, the HRM Charter, the Heritage Property Act, the Heritage By-law, the Subdivision By-law, various HRM Municipal Planning Strategies and Land Use By-laws, and other relevant legislation and municipal by-laws related to construction approvals, engineering specifications, and planning applications, including a clear understanding of their interrelationshipsA broad knowledge of the legislative framework under which land use planning law operates and the ability to interpret and draft by-laws and contracts which affect the rights of landowners, neighbourhoods, and communitiesSecurity Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note: Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates who are selected for testing may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion. 

COMPETENCIES: Analytical Thinking, Communications, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Organizational Awareness, Organization and Planning, Teamwork and Cooperation, Valuing Diversity

WORK STATUS: One Permanent, full-time position

HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, 35 hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours & hybrid may be available.

SALARY: Level 11, $49.67, NSGEU Local 222

WORK LOCATION: 3rd floor of Duke Tower (5251 Duke Street, Halifax)

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 PM on Tuesday, July 29, 2025

This is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link; Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax

(position # 78640252)