Job Details: Permanent Full Time (CUPE 1329)

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

Closing Date: August 28, 2026

The Senior Planner reports to the Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage and provides advanced qualified expertise in the delivery of the Town's planning programs. This position has a focus on cultural heritage planning, including built heritage and archaeological resources.

The position leads complex planning files, projects and initiatives - primarily those related to cultural heritage conservation and management, 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 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:

Provide senior professional planning expertise in the delivery of planning programs, policy initiatives, development review functions, and heritage planning services.
Lead complex planning studies, projects, and initiatives that support corporate and departmental objectives.
Conduct research, analysis, and evaluation of land use, growth management, housing, community development, environmental, heritage, and development-related matters.
Interpret and provide professional advice on the Official Plan, Zoning By-laws, Planning Act, Ontario Heritage Act, and other relevant legislation and policy frameworks.
Lead the review of complex development applications, including Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, and proposals affecting properties of cultural heritage interest.
Review and provide guidance on technical planning and heritage-related studies, including Heritage Impact Assessments and Cultural Heritage Evaluation Reports, as required.
Support the administration of the Town's cultural heritage planning program, including heritage conservation initiatives, heritage policy development, and heritage-related planning projects.
Prepare and present reports, studies,



recommendations, and policy documents for Council, committees, senior management, and the public.
Coordinate and facilitate engagement with applicants, agencies, community groups, property owners, and other interested parties.
Resolve complex planning and heritage matters through consultation, negotiation, and collaboration.
Represent the Town at public meetings, hearings, and Ontario Land Tribunal proceedings, including providing expert planning evidence as required.
Contribute to the development, implementation, and review of planning and heritage policies, guidelines, and procedures.
Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and support to planning staff.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, modernization efforts, and best practices in planning service delivery.
Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

University degree in Urban Planning, Urban Geography or a related discipline.
Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in development review, and policy development.
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 considered an asset.
Membership in the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP) considered an asset.
Expert knowledge of: Ontario Heritage Act, Planning Act, Provincial planning policy framework.
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.

Additional preferred qualifications for a Senior Planner with a heritage focus:

University degree in heritage conservation, archaeology, architectural history, history
Expert knowledge of Archaeological assessment standards and processes
Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in cultural heritage planning and archaeological resource management.
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.

DATED: August 10, 2026

Amended August 14, 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%.

Wethank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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