Posting Status
Open to all current Town of Oakville employees and external applicants

Job Details
Permanent Full Time (CUPE 1329)

Closing Date
Applications for this position must be received by no later than 11:59 p.m. on August 28, 2026.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy and therefore will be filled accordingly.

The Senior Heritage Planner provides advanced professional expertise in the delivery of the Town’s cultural heritage planning program, including built heritage and archaeological resources.

The position leads complex heritage planning files, projects and initiatives, provides expert advice and recommendations to Council, senior leadership and interested parties, and represents the Town in matters related to cultural heritage planning. The Senior Heritage Planner provides technical guidance and mentorship to planning staff and contributes to the continuous improvement and modernization of the Town’s heritage planning services, policies and procedures.

Job Responsibilities
Strategic Heritage Planning & Project Leadership

Provide senior professional leadership in the delivery of the Town's cultural heritage planning program, including:

Built heritage conservation

Archaeological resource management

Heritage policy and program development

Lead strategic heritage planning initiatives and contribute to divisional work plans and priorities aligned with Council and corporate objectives.

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including modernization of processes, program delivery, and service standards.

Provide senior professional oversight and expertise related to the administration of:

The Heritage Register

Heritage incentive and grant programs

Heritage guidelines, standards, and procedures

Policy Development & Long-Range Planning

Contribute to the preparation and amendment of:

Official Plan policies related to cultural heritage

Heritage conservation strategies, master plans, and guidelines

Heritage Conservation District (HCD) studies and plans

Provide expert interpretation of provincial legislation and policy, including: Ontario Heritage Act, Planning Act and Provincial planning policy framework

Advise senior management and Council on emerging issues, legislative changes, and best practices in heritage conservation.

Complex Development Review & File Management





Lead and provide oversight on complex or high-profile development applications, including:

Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments

Major site-specific proposals affecting designated or listed properties

Review and provide direction on technical studies, including:

Heritage Impact Assessments (HIAs)

Cultural Heritage Evaluation Reports (CHERs)

Archaeological Assessments (Stages 1–4)

Provide expert heritage planning opinions and recommend mitigation strategies to balance conservation and development objectives.

Resolve complex or sensitive heritage issues through negotiation with applicants, interested parties, and agencies.

Archaeological Resource Leadership

Provide senior professional expertise and guidance related to the Town's role in archaeological resource management, ensuring compliance with: Ontario Heritage Act and Provincial standards and guidelines.

Contribute to the development and refinement of procedures related to reviewing archaeological assessments and managing archaeological resources.

Liaise with provincial ministries, Indigenous communities, consulting archaeologists, and other partners.

Provide guidance and technical oversight to staff on archaeological matters.

Advisory, Representation & Governance

Provide strategic advice and recommendations to: Council and Committees, Senior Leadership Team and Municipal Heritage Committee

Act as primary staff liaison to the Municipal Heritage Committee, providing professional advice, guidance, and coordination.

Represent the Town at public meetings, hearings, and Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) proceedings, including providing expert witness testimony.

Lead engagement with interested parties, including property owners, developers, community groups, and Indigenous communities.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

Provide functional supervision, mentorship, and guidance to the Heritage Planner.

Provide technical review and qualified guidance on heritage planning work to support quality,



consistency and alignment with legislative and policy requirements

Support staff development and knowledge sharing within the heritage planning function.

Coordinate workflow and prioritize assignments within the heritage team.

Qualifications

University degree in heritage conservation, urban planning, archaeology, architectural history, history, or a related discipline.

Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in cultural heritage planning, including: Development review, Policy development, and Archaeological resource management.

Demonstrated municipal experience is required.

Experience leading projects and initiatives, including multi-participant processes.

Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation in good standing with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) and Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) is required.

Membership in the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP) is required.

Expert knowledge of: Ontario Heritage Act, Planning Act, Provincial planning policy framework, Archaeological assessment standards and processes.

Strong leadership, project management, and organizational skills.

Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and public presentations.

Demonstrated ability to: Lead complex projects and initiatives, provide strategic advice and negotiate and resolve contentious issues

Experience appearing before tribunals or quasi-judicial bodies is required.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and municipal systems (e.g., AMANDA) is an asset.

Valid Class “G” driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.

Ability to attend evening meetings and public consultations as required.

DATED: August 10, 2026

The Town’s recruitment software includes elements of artificial intelligence to assist in the screening and short-listing of qualified candidates.

This job profile reflects the general requirements necessary to perform the principal functions of the job. This does not include all of the work requirements of the job. Applicants are required to demonstrate through their application and in the interview process that their qualifications match those specified. The minimum threshold score for the interview is 75%.

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📌 Senior Planner (Heritage) (Ontario)
🏢 Town of Oakville
📍 Ontario