Lambton County is located in Southwestern Ontario. Bordered by Lake Huron to the north, the Canada-US border and the St. Clair river for the west, Chatham-Kent to the south and Middlesex County to the east - we are the community of the beautiful blue waters.
The County consists of eleven lower tier Municipalities, including the largest urban area - the City of Sarnia. Our municipalities vary in size and have their own charm that contributes to Lambton County being a great place to live, work and play.
Whether it is Petrolia (Canada's Victorian Oil Town and where oil production in North America began), the Township of St. Clair (with its breathtaking views of the St. Clair River), Lambton Shores (with the popular tourist beach community of Grand Bend) or Plympton-Wyoming (with its lakeside communities and beaches) - the County has a wide variety of settlements and urban areas for people to call home. With a burgeoning food scene offering a variety of award winning restaurants, breweries and hang outs - the County is a great place to be! That explains why we are seeing so much development happening here!
YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The County is seeing significant growth in development and, as a result, is looking for an experienced Planner to join the Planning and Development Services (PDS) team. PDS provides Planning services to ten of our eleven partner municipalities - processing Official Plan/Zoning By-Law amendments, processing various planning applications and providing local Councils planning advice or acting as expert witnesses before various boards/tribunals.
By joining PDS - you are joining an experienced team of planners and technicians that have been leading planning efforts for our partner Municipalities. This is a supportive team; here to help you integrate not only into the County but develop strong relationships with our partner Municipalities and their staff. We value team building - not only to develop your skills in planning but also to create a positive team dynamic and office environment.
IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS
Key consideration for this role: While a planning background and qualifications are essential, we are open to early careers leaders who want to step up to the next level, or experienced leaders who wish use their experience for the benefit of our community in a beautiful environment that is second to none.
- Education and Designations: Post-secondary education in Urban or Regional Planning or equivalent and a current designation as a Registered Professional Planner and membership with OPPI or CIP. We are also open to consider individuals with designations from other provinces.
- Planning: Ideally, five to six years’ relevant professional experience in planning and development services; municipal experience is consider an asset.
- Business Experience: General knowledge and experience in planning, development services, urban design, site servicing, storm water management and local government responsibilities.
- Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex planning and development services issues in order to evaluate alternative solutions, develop sound conclusions, recommendations and courses of action.
- Teamwork: Proven ability to contribute effectively in a dynamic team environment.
- Resource Management: experience and ability managing projects and staff resources.
- Relationship Management: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with our council, staff, private and public stakeholders and community.
- Legislation: Thorough knowledge of Ontario Planning Act, Municipal Act, OMB/LPAT regulations and procedures, Municipal By-laws, the Provincial Policy Statement and other related legislation and guidelines.
- Technical: Demonstrated knowledge of a range of software programs, GIS applications, database and proficiency with the MS-Officer product suite. Ability to read blueprints, business plans, CAD drawings and surveys.
- Communications: Exemplary verbal and written communication skills including the ability to manage complex political relationships & speak in public forums.
Benefits of working with the County
If you enjoy living in one of our picturesque rural communities this is a unique opportunity to experience a great position, a dynamic and collaborative planning team, and to provide support to a number of growing communities in the County. Benefits include:
- · Low cost of housing – there are many affordable housing options in our community when compared to the cost of housing in GTA and other large urban area across Canada. With the right purchase it may be an opportunity to live mortgage free in one of our communities.
- · Proximity to Major Cities Sarnia – Sarnia is a short 20-minute drive away, London is less than an hour and Windsor is 90-minutes away.
- · Healthcare – a community hospital is located in Sarnia and access to two larger hospitals in London and Windsor Ottawa is also a short commute
- · Education – Elementary schools are in the community, secondary levels nearby, coupled with college opportunities in Sarnia and university opportunities in nearby London and Windsor.
HOW TO APPLY
To explore this opportunity please apply via email with a covering letter and resumes as soon as possible as soon as possible to careers@waterhousesearch.net quotingproject LC-SP. This is an urgent requirement, qualified applicants will receive immediate consideration.
Should you wish to speak to our Executive Recruiter or to receive a detailed position description please contact Amy Oliveira at 416-214-9299 x4, amy@waterhousesearch.net, or Jon Stungevicius at 416-214-9299 x1, jon@waterhousesearch.net.
All applications will be held in strict confidence. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for employment assessment purposes only.