SENIOR PLANNER POLICY & RESEARCH

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager and / or Project Manager in the Policy Unit in the Strategic Initiatives, Policy & Analysis section, the Senior Planner leads and coordinates complex planning, policy and research assignments and initiatives and the review of development applications and site evaluations in the City Planning Division pertaining to ecology, the natural heritage system and biodiversity, including :

Conducts complex planning studies, policy analysis and / or research, including the coordination of staff and consultant teams to support the preparation and evaluation of planning policy, research and analysis for the natural heritage system, ecology and biodiversity and provides advice for policy and community planning activities.

Conducts evaluations of natural heritage, ecology and biodiversity protection for complex planning applications and pre-application inquiries for consistency and conformity to legislation, Provincial policy, and Official Plan policy including review of Natural Heritage Impact Studies (NHIS), landscape and planting plans, arborist reports, stormwater management plans, etc.

Represents the Division at Community Councils, Standing Committees and meetings with community groups, citizens, elected officials and managers of other divisions and agencies such as the TRCA regarding ecology and biodiversity issues, natural heritage planning, corporate initiatives, planning and policy studies and in the review of development applications to Council.

Identifies, analyzes, and makes recommendations on emerging ecological and environmental planning issues related to aquatic and terrestrial natural heritage and the impacts of climate change and informs colleagues, elected officials and the public of changing trends.

Acts as an expert witness on behalf of the City at the Ontario Land Tribunal.

Facilitates stakeholder meetings and major community engagement initiatives, ensuring broad public engagement and documentation of feedback, as needed.

Provides research leadership and advice on ecology and natural heritage planning to other Divisions in the corporation.

Maintains current knowledge of ecological principles, environmental policy, municipal policy and research activities and critically analyzes development trends and activity, identifies and advances proactive, innovative solutions and planning policy tailored to address pressing environmental issues and opportunities for practical implementation through the development review process, and / or to inform capital projects.

Prepares reports and a broad range of presentation material for consideration by City Council and its Standing Committees.

Carries out special planning assignments as requested.

Leads and / or conducts site evaluations (including staking natural features) and technical analysis to determine applicability of environmental studies (i.

e., NHIS), including determining appropriate scoping and co-developing terms of reference for required studies / reports, as required.

Provides technical ecology-based commentary on environmental impact studies and related submission materials to ensure application completeness and consistency with relevant Official Plan policy, identifying appropriate solutions on complex ecological issues, as needed.

Key Qualifications :

Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to :

Post-secondary education in biology, ecology, natural resource management, environmental science, planning, or a professional discipline pertinent to the job function or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Extensive experience leading and delivering complex projects related to planning, policy and research studies for ecology and natural systems planning, which includes coordinating assigned staff and overseeing consultants.

Extensive experience with community engagement and working in a multiple-stakeholder environment.

Extensive experience reviewing and / or preparing complex environmental impact assessments / studies (NHIS, EIS, NHE) in support of municipal development applications affecting natural heritage and biodiversity.

Experience in interpreting and applying environmental policies and objectives (related to ecosystem sciences, natural heritage impact assessment and mitigation, aquatic and terrestrial ecology, biodiversity) through development review processes and / or large-scale revitalization projects.

Membership or eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners or Ontario Professional Planning Institute is an asset.

You must also have :

Ability to use critical thinking skills to identify, develop and analyze strategic and creative solutions on issues related to planning.

Excellent strategic and conceptual skills to develop creative solutions in combination with strong research, analytical and conflict resolution skills.

Ability to balance political, community, and other stakeholder interests.

Knowledge of the Planning Act, the Environmental Assessment Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Fisheries Act, federal and provincial policies, legislation and guidance materials related to natural heritage, biodiversity and ecology and land use planning, the Official Plan as well as current regulations and evolving policy trends in the City.

Working knowledge of federal, provincial, and local (City of Toronto) planning legislation, policy guidelines and best practices affecting natural heritage and biodiversity.

Knowledge of fish, wildlife, and natural habitat monitoring and inventory techniques including equipment and tools.

Identification skills of native and invasive species in Ontario, including knowledge of federal and provincial species at risk, and related legislation.

Knowledge with current biological / ecological protocols or industry standards as well as the natural resources of watersheds, ecological principles, terrestrial assessment techniques.

Excellent technical and project management skills with proven ability to prioritize and complete multiple project assignments.

Highly developed presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization and with elected officials, and the public.

Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and general understanding of construction techniques and related ecological mitigation and restoration measures.

Ability to develop and maintain solid internal and external relationships.

Ability to participate in regular site visits and field work.

Knowledge of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and other regulations / legislation that apply to the job duties.

Hybrid Work Program

The City of Toronto's Workplace Modernization Program is re-imagining how we work in our workplace. Its vision is to provide flexibility to our employees around how we work and where we work.

It will also support a better work-life balance, improved job satisfaction and employee engagement. Improving the work experience is at the core of this program and everyone plays a significant role in its realization.

We have introduced the Hybrid Work Program which supports amore modern and flexible way of working. The hybrid approach will allow us to keep the best of remote work while integrating the important aspects of in-person collaboration and team-work.