Position Summary:

The Planning Technician reviews and makes decisions on development applications to ensure new projects follow the City’s planning rules and provincial laws. Acting on behalf of the City, this role helps Council and the Community Growth and Infrastructure Division by checking that proposed developments meet all required bylaws and plans.

The Planning Technician is a key source of knowledge on planning and land use regulations and works closely with other City departments, outside agencies, developers, and the public to support well-planned, high-quality development.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

I.        Development Application Review & Approval

•        Act as a delegated Development Authority / Development Officer and File Manager for complex residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial development permit applications.

•        Review, evaluate, and render decisions on permitted and discretionary development permit applications in accordance with the Land Use Bylaw, Municipal Government Act (MGA), statutory plans, and applicable legislation.

•        Manage development permit files from intake through decision, conditions compliance, and development completion inspection.

•        Collaborate with applicants and professional consultants to explore design and land use options that are supported by sound planning and development merits.

•        Review, administer, and manage development securities, including reductions and refunds.

II.       Council, SDAB, and Committee Support

•        Prepare technical analysis, recommendations, and reports for Direct Control District applications and other complex files requiring Council consideration.

•        Present development proposals and provide professional planning advice to Mayor and Council, the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB), and other statutory bodies, as required.

•        Assist in responding to appeals and ensuring defendable decisions consistent with legislative and policy frameworks.

III.      Interdepartmental & External Coordination

•        Coordinate detailed team reviews with Planning, Engineering, Building Safety, Enforcement, and external agencies.

•        Provide technical planning advice and interpretation of land use regulations to internal departments, applicants, and the public.

•        Support City Peace Officers and Development Compliance Officer with land use enforcement matters by providing technical guidance and interpretation of approvals and bylaw requirements.

IV.      Customer Service & Public Engagement

•        Serve as a subject matter expert for planning, development, and land use inquiries from residents, developers, consultants, and stakeholders.

•        Clearly communicate regulatory requirements, approval conditions, and planning rationale in both written and verbal formats.

•        Prepare planning related information for the public, community associations, and Council, as required.

V.      Continuous Improvement & Professional Practice

•        Participate in business process improvement initiatives related to development and planning services.

•        Contribute to assessments of current and future operational needs of the Planning and Development team.

•        Provide technical assistance to the Manager, Development & Building Services on sensitive, complex, or high-risk planning matters.

Please note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent of this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of this position.

Required education and experience:

•        A post-secondary diploma or certificate (minimum two years) in Urban/Regional Planning or Applied Land Use Planning.

•        Minimum five (5) years of progressive experience in municipal planning or development services, with demonstrated responsibility for development permit review and decision making, interpretation and application of land use bylaws and statutory plans, and advising applicants, the public, and internal stakeholders.

•        Demonstrated experience reviewing complex development applications, including one or more of the following: multi unit residential, commercial or mixed-use developments, discretionary uses, or Direct Control Districts.

•        Practical experience working with the Municipal Government Act (MGA), land use bylaws, statutory plans, development permit conditions, subdivision or condominium processes (preferred).

•        Experience providing technical input or support to Council, Subdivision Development Appeal Board (SDAB), committees, or senior management.

Required knowledge, skills, and attributes:

•        Technical & Professional Competencies

-         Strong working knowledge of municipal planning legislation, including the MGA, land use bylaws, statutory plans, and development standards.

-         Ability to review and interpret Real Property Reports, construction drawings, site grading, drainage concepts, and development plans.

-         Ability to apply planning principles to complex or unusual development proposals.

-         Strong analytical and issue resolution skills, with attention to accuracy and defensibility.

•        Communication & Interpersonal Skills

-         Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with Council, the public, applicants, consultants, and internal stakeholders.

-         Ability to balance regulatory requirements with customer service and municipal interests.

-         Strong written communication skills for reports, conditions of approval, and technical correspondence.

•        Organizational & Technical Skills

-         Ability to manage multiple files and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

-         Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and familiarity with AutoCAD, GIS, and Adobe software.

-         High level of professionalism, discretion, and accountability.

Preferred skills and attributes

•        Membership or eligibility for membership with the Alberta Development Officers Association (ADOA) or the Canadian Association of Certified Planning Technicians (CACPT).

Working Conditions:

•        Primarily office-based environment with extended periods of sitting, reading, and computer use.

•        Attendance at evening Council, committee, or community meetings may be required.

•        Position may occasionally involve managing difficult or conflict driven interactions with stakeholders.

•        Exposure to time pressures and risk management responsibilities inherent in regulatory decision making.

Union Local 5592

Position Type: Permanent Full Time

Location: City Hall

Compensation: Pay Grade will be determined by position placement.

Pay: $40.025. (you'll find the detailed information in Appendix A of the draft collective agreement) 

Days of Work: Monday to Friday