THE ORGANIZATION

Parkland County, located just west of the City of Edmonton, is a vibrant and robust community that offers a wide range of experiences for residents, visitors and local businesses. The idyllic setting offers country charm with easy access to city amenities.

With a population of over 30,000, this rural community offers a distinctively vibrant atmosphere with an assortment of country residential acreages, farming properties, and a diverse range of small and large businesses.

Planning and Development Services manages all land use matters including  statutory plans, conceptual schemes, subdivision, land use, development permits, building permits,  and other land matters in Parkland County. Land use planning processes are guided by plans and documents at both the provincial and municipal level, as outlined in their Planning Document Hierarchy.  Planning and Development houses four main work units including Long-Range Planning, Current Planning, Development Planning and Safety Code Services. Long-Range Planning is responsible for intermunicipal planning, statutory planning, and growth management. Current Planning manages subdivisions, re-zoning, municipal addressing, development agreements, off-site levies, and conceptual schemes.

To learn more about our client, Parkland County, please visit their website at www.parklandcounty.com.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As the Manager, Current & Long-Range Planning, you will report into the Director, Planning & Development and be a key member of the Planning team.  You will lead a team of 8 people including 2 direct reports and 6 indirect. This is an exciting opportunity as it is a new role within the organization.

You will provide leadership and oversight to operations pertaining to Current Planning and Long-Range Planning. This includes operations and functions specific to the subdivision and rezoning process, development agreements, amendments to statutory and non-statutory plans, policies, reports and studies, legal matters pertaining to enforcement, and presentations to boards and commissions related to the approval and appeal processes. This position also oversees technical mapping and graphics support for the department, supervises current and long-range planning staff and provides support to the Director through a range of current and long-range planning projects, issues, and applications.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties

Staff Management and Leadership (30%)

• Providing leadership, supervision, support, guidance and mentorship to the Long Range and Current Planning business units.
• Conducting performance management activities for direct reports, including annual workplans, performance plans and regular evaluations.
• Facilitating and providing opportunities for training, professional development, and succession planning.
• Participating in the recruitment, selection and onboarding process for vacancies within the department.

Oversight of Core Current Planning Services (20%)

• Ensuring statutory and non-statutory plans, bylaws and policies are consistent with higher level planning documents.
• Overseeing the review and processing of subdivision and redistricting applications.
• Preparing submissions and making presentations to Council and Committees as required.
• Providing research and information on current planning matters as required.
• Rendering decisions on applications, where authorized and in accordance with the Municipal Government Act.
• Overseeing the civic addressing program and off-site levy model.
• Continuously improving application processes and procedures.
• Acting as the Subdivision Approving Authority as delegated by the Director, Planning & Development.
• Acting as the Addressing Authority as delegated by the Director, Planning & Development.

Oversight of Core Long Range Planning Services (20%)

• Ensuring Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is up to date and consistent with high level County strategic Plan.
• Monitoring the MDP implementation and reporting on the plan’s progress.
• Overseeing long range planning activities such as the development and maintenance of Area Structure Plans (internal), preparation of background technical reports as required to inform long-range planning work and decisions, intermunicipal matters and referrals and maintaining relevant policies.
• Continuously improving the long-range planning processes and procedures.
• Providing advice, guidance, administrative support, and/or growth recommendations to the Edmonton Metropolitan Growth Plan regarding planning matters.

Legal Matters (15%)

• Liaising with legal counsel on planning matters requiring legal advice or opinions.
• Interpreting and applying the Municipal Government Act (e.g. Part 17), the Land Use Bylaw, and County policies in response to complaints and inquiries.
• Providing advice, guidance, administrative support, and/or recommendations to the Subdivision a& Development Appeal Board (SDAB) and Municipal Government Board regarding subdivision appeals.

Projects (5%)

• Undertaking projects, reports, plans, making recommendations and providing information in support of current and long-range planning matters.

County Representative (5%)

• Representing the County/Department on a range of internal and external committees and other ad-hoc groups.
• Maintaining, developing, and promoting effective relationships and communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Department Support (5%)

• Acting for the Director, Planning & Development Services, as required. Completing other duties as assigned by the Director, Planning & Development Services.

Decision-Making Accountability

Decision Making/ Independence

This position oversees the County’s current and long-range planning functions. This position exercises judgment and discretion concerning appropriate recommendations to Council, SDAB, the General Manager, Operations Services Division, and the Director, Planning & Development Services. This position works independently in interpreting policy and legislation, directing staff, and following decisions and directions of the Subdivision Authority; Director; General Manager and Council.

Results or Outcomes Expected

The Manager, Current & Long-Range Planning ensures the effective and efficient provision of planning, policy, subdivision, and related services in Parkland County and for the public interest. This position also ensures legal matters are complete and accurate prior to taking legal action. The quality of decisions relative to the planning, policy, subdivision, and legal matters reflect on the credibility and integrity of the County. This position will impact staff morale and effectiveness, as well as affecting good public relations on behalf of the County.

Impact/ Consequence of Error

Poor use of resources, lack of direction, or poor planning and technical decisions could undermine the effectiveness of current and long-range planning services in the County. This in turn could result in challenges for future decision making, legal challenges, or unnecessary future financial impacts on the County. Inefficiencies and poor service directly or through subordinates may result in decreased public satisfaction and poor perception of the County’s planning and related services.

Administrative Responsibility

Planning

The Manager, Current & Long-Range Planning provides strategic recommendations to the Director, Planning & Development Services regarding business unit objectives, business plan goals, staffing, policies, procedures, and longer-term departmental strategies.

Financial

This position provides input into the development of the Planning &Development Services Department budget and the day-to-day monitoring of expenditures within specified authority level.

Human Resources/Workforce

Responsible for the direct supervision of full-time staff and the indirect supervision of staff within the Current Planning and Long-Range Planning business units.

Occupational Health & Safety

Maintains awareness of and adheres to Parkland County’s Occupational Health and Safety Management System.

Emergency Management

Participates in mandatory training and exercises. When the Emergency Operations Centre is activated, acts in assigned role.

Contacts

Internal

Contact is made regularly with County staff, Council, Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, and Management for gathering, disseminating, and reviewing information for planning and safety codes matters.

External

Contact is made regularly with the general public; legal counsel; private planning consultants; municipal, provincial and federal government representatives., to receive and exchange information regarding planning matters, legal actions, consultant activities and projects, and regulatory approval requirements.

FIRST YEAR – MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Build solid, trusting, respectful relationships within the Planning and Development Department, creating cohesiveness and collaboration among the teams and key internal and external stakeholders.
• Take ownership by rolling up your sleeves and progressing projects forward with demonstrated success thereby, gaining credibility within the department, organization, and with external stakeholders.

THE INDIVIDUAL

Given the pivotal role this individual will be expected to play in achieving the strategic objectives of Parkland County, and in supporting the success of the organization, it is essential that the successful candidate possess the following education, core competencies, experience, and attributes:

Education

• Post-secondary degree in Planning or a related discipline (e.g., Geography) or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to Current Planning or Long-Range Planning with increased degree of responsibility.
• A Master’s degree in a related field is considered an asset.
• Registered Professional Planner certification (RPP).
• Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners or registration as an Alberta Community Planner is an asset.

Experience

• A minimum of 7 years experience in a municipal planning environment.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a leadership capacity.
• Exceptional working knowledge of the Municipal Government Act, the Subdivision and Development Regulation and other relevant legislation.
• A sound understanding of planning law related to subdivision and land titles.
• Ability to interpret and analyze complex technical information and effectively disseminate it to a multi-discipline organization.
• Excellent writing, presentation, negotiation, organization, and time-management skills.
• Demonstrate superior interpersonal skills in dealing effectively with:
  • General public on sensitive matters
  • Direct reports
  • Internal and external stakeholders
  • Elected officials
  • Senior staff
• Good analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Undertake research and analysis leading to the formulation of recommendations, planning policies, and the development of statutory plans.
• Capable of working within tight deadlines with consistent heavy workloads on an ongoing basis.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Personal Profile

• Takes ownership and accountability
• A decision maker
• Exceptional communication skills
• Innovative
• Takes calculated risks
• Collaborative
• Flexible
• Forward-thinking
• Politically savvy
• Enjoys leading change
• An inspiring leader
• Communicates with transparency
• Is solution driven
• Self driven with a sense of urgency
• Analytical with the ability to make decisions
• Relationship builder
• Influential
• Demonstrates a high degree of integrity combined with strong leadership abilities
• Strong attention to detail; high standards for quality; and excellent time management

Compensation

An excellent compensation package awaits the successful candidate.

Location

Parkland County, AB

How to Apply

For the opportunity to join Parkland County in the role of Manager, Current & Long-Range Planning, please email your resume to DreamBig@profoundtalent.com referencing Position ID # AXKB-483402.

Should you have an inquiry regarding this position, please contact Stacey Laing at 587-200-0114 ext. 104.

For further information on ProFound Talent Inc. please visit:

Website: www.profoundtalent.com
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* We thank all applicants for your submissions; however, only candidates being considered for this role will be contacted. *