Environmental Planner
Reports to: Manager of Planning & Regulations
Summary
A key member of the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) team; the Environmental Planner primarily reviews and makes recommendations regarding municipal planning applications and reviews and issues permits under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act. The Environmental Planner also conducts site inspections, responds to public enquiries and liaises with a variety of stakeholders.
Main Responsibilities (This is not an exhaustive list)
- Review and process a variety of municipal planning applications including site plans, zoning by-law amendments, minor variances and consents. Document evidence and provide references to applicable policy statements in order to substantiate and defend recommendations. Prepare clear and concise report for submission to the municipality which summarizes review, recommendations and conclusions.
- Process permit applications to ensure compliance with policy and regulations.
- Assess a multitude of environmental constraints of both municipal planning and permit applications. Apply technical and professional expertise to review, interpret and analyze diverse technical data, engineering and architectural drawings, geotechnical reports, Environmental Impact Statements and a multitude of maps. Conduct site inspections and consult with a variety of internal and external experts and stakeholders.
- Coordinate and incorporate technical comments from other professional staff in preparation of comments to the municipality as well as the processing of permits.
- Respond to public enquiries and represent the Conservation Authority in a professional manner. Communicate effective, accurate and consistent information with respect to MVCA’s mandate and policies.
- Prepare and deliver reports and presentations at public, municipal and Authority meetings.
- Provide technical expertise, consultation and guidance to internal and external stakeholders.
- Present technical evidence and express expert testimony at appeals, hearings and other legal proceedings.
- Assist in the conduction of investigations and prosecutions when necessary to enforce provision of Authority regulations.
- Liaise and communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders including staff of other government agencies, municipalities, contractors, engineers and the general public.
- Maintain an accurate database and filing system.
- Perform work in accordance with the provisions of Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and all other corporate/departmental policies and procedures.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisor.
Skills, Knowledge and Accreditation
Education/Experience
- Relevant university degree (e.g. environmental science, geography, planning)
- Five years of progressive related experience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Effectively manage multiple tasks and deadlines from various sources.
- Experience and formal training combined with demonstrated performance and ability may substitute for stipulated academic/experience requirements.
- Valid Class G Driver’s License and access to a personal vehicle.
Technical Knowledge/Competencies
- In depth knowledge of watershed management principles.
- In depth knowledge of hydrology and hydraulics and associated modeling.
- Experience with applicable legislation, guidelines, policies, and programs.
- General knowledge of land use and drainage planning, policies and procedures.
- General knowledge of water control structure operations and asset management.
Additional Competencies/Skills
- Working knowledge of applicable occupational health and safety legislation; general knowledge of corporate/departmental policies.
Effort
- Fatigue and stress resulting from focusing and managing multiple priorities and deadlines from various sources, e.g. last minute plan review requests permits, and inquiries.
- Fatigue and stress resulting from continuous communication of land use restrictions to landowners and dealing with aggressive applicants.
- Fatigue resulting from a very high degree of concentrated attention, focused thinking/analysis/interpretation; especially when dealing with complex planning and permit applications.
- Some physical effort when conducting site inspections – navigating uneven terrain.
Working Conditions
- Work is performed in both an indoor and outdoor environment with occasional exposure to adverse weather conditions.
- Frequently exposed to difficult / upset clientele.
- Occasionally exposed to insects, or agitated animals.
- Travel is normally within the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority’s territory; however there may be an occasional requirement for travelling greater distances.
- Occasionally required to extend hours of work to meet work demands including occasional peak periods where required to work evenings or weekends.
Language
- English.
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