Senior Planner - Policy Posting Id3225DepartmentPlanning and Building Services DepartmentDivisionPolicy PlanningSectionPolicy Job GradeContract SEA35 Grade 09 Rate of Pay$ $74.65 HourlyJob TypeTemporary Full Time - ContractContract Length/End Date12 monthsReplacement/New Position Replacement for Existing VacancyPosting TypeExternalPosting Date01/09/2026 Application Deadline01/30/2026 Position SummaryReporting to the Manager, Policy, the Senior Planner - Policy provides an advanced level of long-range planning expertise in developing and updating the City's Official Plan and other planning studies or projects. This position also oversees monitoring and facilitating the implementation of the Official Plan. Key Duties and ResponsibilitiesPolicy Development and Project Management:Lead and manage City-initiated planning studies and projectsEnvision the scope of policy planning projects (eg. Official Plan, Secondary Plan, Special Studies)Develop terms of reference and project workplanLiaise with Procurement and participate in the RFP processOversee and collaborate with consultants and other technical staff to prepare draft policies, reports, or technical studiesCoordinate and facilitate internal, agency, and public consultation meetings as necessary, and incorporate feedback into study materialsExecute necessary public consultation processPresent information (orally and/or in written format) to stakeholders, including Council and Committees of CouncilSupervise, Mentor, and Coach Junior Staff:Provide advice and guidance to junior staff on developing and interpreting planning policies, including establishing courses of action and providing guidance on approach to tasksAct as a subject matter expert within working groups and inter-municipal teamsDelegate appropriate tasks to junior planning staff to implement departmental objectives or complete planning projectsLead the annual hiring process for Intern positionTrend Monitoring and Research:Establish or refine methodology used to monitor trends regarding planning policy implementation/demographic/census information, to maintain an understanding of the evolving picture of the City's land use policy implementationWork with the junior staff to analyze the data gathered, and identify and communicate any trends to management as appropriateRecommend necessary projects to address emerging trends,



and review policies in operating procedures accordinglyProvincial, Regional and Local Initiatives:Monitor, review, analyze and comment on proposed provincial planning legislation, policy and guidance materialAttend meetings, represent the City's interests, and make recommendations to management as appropriatePrepare staff reports to Council that summarize, analyze and provide City staff comments in response to new provincial or regional initiativesRecommend new policy projects to respond to changes in legislation, provincial plans, policy statements or regional direction including analyzing the implications on the CityParticipate in City or inter-municipal working groups regarding land use planning related initiatives, provide support in terms of data, analysis and policy interpretationOntario Land Tribunal:Prepare staff reports regarding planning matters that will form part of the OLT recordProvide an advanced level of planning knowledge and written evidence/affidavit in support of the City's planning objectivesExercise negotiation skills to resolve issues in a manner that serves the City's interestsEnsure that City records regarding status of appeals, hearing events, and outcomes related to matters before the Ontario Land Tribunal are up to dateRepresent the City at OLT hearings as the professional planning expert witness Customer Service:Respond to enquiries from the public on a range of land use planning matters via phone, email, and in-personAct as a technical resource for other planning staff on enquiries related to the interpretation of the Official Plan or other ongoing policy projectsRespond to enquiries from staff in other departments, from other government agencies,



or from elected officials regarding the Official Plan or other ongoing policy projectsMaintain knowledge of the City's processes in order to respond effectively to enquiriesEducation and ExperienceDegree in Urban Planning or related disciplineRegistered Professional Planner (RPP) designation and member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) is requiredPost-Graduate degree in Planning and/or Project Management certification are considered to be an asset5 years progressively responsible land use planning experienceRequired Skills/KnowledgeComprehensive knowledge of the Ontario Planning Act, Provincial Plans, and other related legislation or regulationsStrategic thinking, problem solving, and analytical skillsConflict resolution and negotiation skills, with the ability to exercise discretion and tactAbility to effectively influence and collaborate with internal and external clientsEffective time and project management skills to handle competing priorities with varying deadlinesLeadership, mentoring, and coaching skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in making presentations in public forums and preparing reports, policy documents, and briefing notes that are geared to a specific audienceDemonstrates good judgment and makes sound decisionsShows commitment to personal growth, development, and leadership opportunitiesShares recent ideas and challenges the status quoProven written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with honesty, openness, respect, and trustTakes initiative to participate in a culture of learning, mentoring, and sharingContributes to building and being a part of a positive cultureRegular office environmentOccasionally required to attend after hours meetingsDemonstrate the City's corporate values of care, collaboration, courage and serviceLeadership CompetenciesDemonstrates personal leadershipBuilds people and cultureCultivates open communicationShapes the futureNavigates and leads through complexity and changeAttention Internal Candidates: All current City of Richmond Hill employees are required to apply via the 'View Jobs for Current Employees' link on the City's Careers Page.We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those under consideration will be contacted. The City of Richmond Hill is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. If contacted to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please advise Human Resources if you require an accommodation.

📌 Senior Planner - C$74.7 An Hour (Richmond Hill)
🏢 City of Richmond Hill
📍 Richmond Hill