Planner II, Natural Heritage
Applications are now being accepted for this regular full-time Planner II – Natural Heritage position in the Planning & Urban Design Department of the Development Services Commission. While all applications will be received, current members of CUPE 905 (Inside Workers) will be given first consideration. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter online at www.markham.ca/careers by June 19, 2023.
Join us and make a lasting difference!
Job Summary
In this role, you will provide planning and natural heritage guidance and recommendations on development issues to internal and external clients to ensure the protection of natural heritage resources within the City. The Planner II works with the Senior Planner II (Natural Heritage) and reports to the Manager of Natural Heritage in the Policy and Research Section.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare technical comments and conditions of approval on development and infrastructure applications that impact natural heritage resources to ensure conformity with applicable natural heritage policies and regulations
- Recommend alternative development concepts to protect, maintain and enhance the natural heritage system in accordance with Official Plan policies
- Work as part of a team to monitor implementation of the Sustainability Metrics, the City’s green development standard
- Work as part of a team to contribute to policy planning and research studies related to environmental matters, including the preparation of official plan and secondary plan policies
- Undertake research in support of the natural heritage system policies of the Official Plan, habitat condition and biodiversity contribution of the Greenway System, and ecological restoration opportunities and approaches
- Perform site visits of properties to identify and delineate the boundaries of natural features
- Contribute to maintaining the database of natural heritage features and ecological data, and use the data to respond to internal and external queries, as appropriate
- Attend meetings and accurately convey technical comments to internal and external clients
- Represents the Department on internal and external committees, relating to natural heritage and sustainability planning
- Acts as an expert witness at the Ontario Land Tribunal
- Other duties as assigned
Minimum Education and Experience Required
- Degree in Planning, ecology/biology or related discipline, combined with 3 to 5 years of experience preferably with demonstrated experience in natural heritage system planning
- Membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute is preferred
- Must have a valid Ontario Driver’s License – Class ‘G’ and access to personal vehicle for business purposes
- Must be able to attend field visits (e.g. site walks) and site meetings at various locations throughout Markham and York Region during and after regular business hours
- Attend public meetings after regular business hours, as required
- Thorough knowledge of the Planning Act, Conservation Authorities Act, Endangered Species Act, Species at Risk Act, provincial policy statements and provincial plans, and local and regional planning responsibilities
- Knowledge of Ecological Land Classification System, wildlife survey protocols, environmental impact assessment and landscape ecology principles
- Experience with preparing or reviewing natural heritage studies and engineering/landscape plans in a municipal planning environment is an asset
- Excellent analytical and written and oral communications skills
- Good report writing, presentation and public speaking skills
- Project management skills, including the ability to set priorities, solve problems, and meet deadlines under pressure
Excellent customer service skills
Core Behaviours
- Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
- Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
- Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
- Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
- Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
- Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.
The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.
Bookmark Job
You must sign in to bookmark this listing.
Apply For job
To apply for this job please visit www.markham.ca.