Development Technician

Join the City of Medicine Hat as a Development Technician

Full-time, Permanent Employment, On-site

Are you passionate about urban planning and development? The City of Medicine Hat is looking for a dedicated Development Technician to join our Planning and Development Services team.

In this role, you'll provide essential technical support and customer service as part of the building and development approval process.

Reporting to the Superintendent, you'll handle everything from application intake and initial review to ensuring compliance with municipal regulations.

This is an exciting opportunity to engage with the community and support sustainable growth within our city by assisting residents, businesses, and developers with planning and development matters.

Your key responsibilities

• Respond to inquiries related to planning, zoning, compliance, land use bylaw amendments, permits (development, subdivision, safety code), business licenses, and general concerns or complaints.
• Provide technical assistance and information to staff and the public on planning projects, permits, bylaws, statutory plans, policies, and other tools.
• Coordinate pre-application meetings with developers / applicants, ensuring ongoing dialogue and that conditions are met before issuing permits.
• Responds to consultant and external agency requests with detailed technical information.
• Perform administrative tasks, up to and including customer service, phone and email support, file management, data entry, and document editing.
• Manage administrative systems, work procedures, and record-keeping.
• Coordinate meetings. prepares agendas, records minutes, and process payments for permits, licenses, and other financial transaction.
• Prepares weekly / monthly reports, correspondence and agreements (including template creation and document finalization).
• Act as the first point of contact for subdivision endorsements, reviewing applications, and coordinating the endorsement process.
• Review and issue Compliance Certificates and Confirmation of Land Use after thorough evaluation.
• Manage minor applications, including internal and external circulation, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Assist with scheduling inspections (safety code, business licensing) and conduct field inspections for bylaw enforcement, development permit applications, or subdivision projects, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Interpret and apply relevant legislation, bylaws, and regulations to ensure compliance with municipal policies.
• Assist in the design and implementation of public engagement tools and strategies for development projects.
• Prepare responses to FOIP requests related to planning and development.
• Maintain accurate tracking systems, hard copy files, and electronic records for all development applications.
• Evaluate development applications for basic compliance with municipal bylaws and provincial legislation and provide preliminary feedback to applicants as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What you bring

• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, codes, bylaws, legislation, blueprints, architectural drawings, legal plans, and related technical material.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and ERP computer applications, with a capacity to quickly learn new software and skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to deliver superior customer service and maintain professionalism.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulations, resolve conflicts, and offer effective solutions.
• Proven ability to conduct research, synthesize information, and solve practical problems.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities while promoting positive change within the organization.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge, understanding and commitment to City's Corporate Safety standards, including Health, Safety, and Environmental Management System.
• Proficiency or familiarity with relevant software, including CityView, BlueBeam, ArcGIS, and other planning and development tools.
• Strong knowledge of Land Use Bylaws, the Municipal Government Act, and the Safety Codes Act, with the ability to apply regulations effectively under the supervision of senior staff.
• Ability to stay current on industry-related software and legislative changes, integrating them into daily tasks.
• Ability to collaborate relationships with internal and external stakeholders, while maintaining confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of a diploma in Planning, Engineering, Safety Codes or a related field from a recognized post-secondary institution.
• Three (3) years of relevant experience in a planning, development, engineering or safety codes work environment. Experience in a municipal setting is preferred.
• Membership or eligibility for membership in a relevant professional association such as, the Alberta Development Officers Association, the Alberta Professional Planning Institute, or ASET.
• An equivalent combination of management approved training and education may be considered.

Why join us?

• Make a difference : Contribute to the growth and development of our employees, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional advancement.
• Collaborative environment : Work alongside passionate professionals dedicated to achieving excellence and driving positive change within the organization.
• Career growth opportunities : Access to ongoing training, development programs and advancement opportunities to support your professional growth and career aspirations.
• Competitive benefits package : Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including competitive base salary, health, dental, retirement plans and more.

Remove if not benefit eligible.

Competitive rate of pay : Starting at $33.77 / hr

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