Located in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, Norfolk County is where big vision meets unlimited potential.

As one of Ontario's largest single-tier municipalities and home to over 70,000 people, Norfolk is bold, diverse, and proudly local - a municipality that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and connection. Here, you'll find endless opportunities to grow your skills, expand your ideas, and shape your career.

As a Planner with Norfolk County, you'll review and evaluate development applications, provide professional planning advice, and help shape land use decisions that align with municipal and provincial policies. Your work will support responsible growth, informed decision-making, and meaningful public participation in building strong, sustainable communities.

Big vision. Real opportunities. Unlimited potential. That's Norfolk.

The Planning and Realty Services Department is looking to fill one (1) vacancy into the positions outlined below depending on candidate qualifications:

Junior Planner
Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide planning services, primarily related to the processing of development applications including helping to deliver on all facets of a variety of planning applications from land use amendments, site plans and draft plans of subdivision
Assist in implementing reviews of key development application processes and planning services to ensure Norfolk is at the forefront of new techniques to engage the community and deliver results for stakeholders
Review new applications to deem complete and commence review process including the evaluation of development proposals through the use of professional judgment ensuring compliance with the requirements of affected agencies, planning principles and the interpretation of Provincial, County and other relevant land use policy and regulations
Responsible for responding to general inquiries related to land use planning matters. Working with Service Norfolk to find process efficiencies
Maintain and foster corporate goals by ensuring public access to and participation in the planning process
Provide analysis and recommendations on planning applications including committee of adjustment related applications (consents and minor variances)
Prepare recommendation reports and related documents such as by-laws or conditions related to report recommendations
Site inspections in relation to planning applications
Undertake special projects and other duties as assigned

Planner
Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide planning services, primarily related to the processing of development applications under Planning Act
Evaluate development proposals through the use of professional judgment ensuring compliance with the requirements of affected agencies, planning principles and the interpretation of Provincial, County and other relevant land use policy and regulations
Maintain and foster corporate goals by ensuring public access to and participation in the planning process
Prepare and administer development related agreements
Provide analysis and recommendations on planning applications including, official plan amendments, zoning by-law amendments, site plans, severances and minor variances
Prepare documents including official plan amendments and various by-laws
Check land ownership using assessment roll numbers including the production of labels for circulation purposes
Site inspections
Undertake special projects and other duties as assigned

Senior Planner
Duties and Responsibilities:

Facilitate and complete development planning applications including assistance and support for Committee of Adjustment, and all other types of applications including a focus on draft plan of subdivision, condominium, official plan and zoning bylaw amendments.
Evaluate development proposals through the use of professional judgement ensuring compliance with the requirements of affected agencies, planning principles, and the interpretation of Provincial and County land use policies and regulations and to prepare planning reports and appropriate recommendations
Assist in key long-range policy planning projects including, but not limited to Official Plan Updates, provincial policy conformity projects, land use and design plans, growth management studies.
Provide guidance and information to County staff, Council, developers and citizens regarding Norfolk County's planning process, Official Plan policies, Zoning By-law and relevant provincial policy and regulations
Oversee the day to day management/supervision of major planning development projects, reports and studies as assigned by the General Manager, Community and Development Services or the Director, Planning and Realty Services.
Responsible for the processing and consolidation of recommendations related to planning applications including official plan amendments, rezoning applications, site plans, committee of adjustment, subdivisions/condominium and land division




Provide analysis and recommendations on planning applications including official plan and zoning by-law amendments, subdivision, condominium, site plan and Committee of Adjustment applications
Attend Council and other meetings, as required, to represent the Planning and Realty Services Department on planning interests of Norfolk County
Coordinate and/or participate in County/Divisional initiatives including the periodic review and update of the County's Official Plan and Zoning By-law(s)
Attend Committee of Adjustment meetings in rotation with other Senior Planners
Review site plans under Section 41 of the Planning Act
Maintain and foster corporate goals by ensuring public access to and participation in the planning process
Prepare Official Plan Amendments and land use by-laws such as zoning, holding, interim control, part lot control, temporary use and site plan for consideration and approval by the County and subsequent approval by the Ministry of Affairs, if required
Prepare and administer site plan agreements and other such agreements as deemed necessary for related development applications, in accordance with Norfolk County process and standards
Coordinate public meetings pertaining to planning matters
Present studies, policies and applications at Public Meetings, Public Information Sessions, and Committee meetings
Act as a Departmental representative / Liaison on Committees as needed
Mentor, coach and provide leadership to planners, planning students and department co‑op students
Work after hours for Public Meetings, Council Meetings, Committee Meetings, and other Public Open houses on a project by project basis and when deemed necessary to meet deadlines and deal with crises
Undertake special projects and other duties as assigned

Requirements
Junior Planner
Knowledge and Experience:

Minimum four (4) year post‑secondary degree in Land Use Planning or related field such as Geography or Urban Studies
Over three (3) months up to one (1) year related experience
Candidate membership with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) within 5 years of hire preferred
GIS understanding or quantitative skills/ statistical analysis or visualization software and/or engagement tools is an asset

Planner
Knowledge and Experience:

Minimum four (4) year post‑secondary degree in Land Use Planning or related field such as Geography or Urban Studies
Over (2) two, up to and including three (3) years of related experience
Candidate membership with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) within 5 years of hire
GIS experience and quantitative skills/ statistical analysis is an asset

Senior Planner
Knowledge and Experience:

Minimum four (4) year post‑secondary degree in Land Use Planning or related field such as Geography or Urban Studies
Over four (4) up to and including five (5) years' experience in land use planning
Full Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners in good standing
Registered Professional Planner
GIS experience and quantitative skills/ statistical analysis is an asset
Experience in project management would be an asset

Junior Planner
Skills and Abilities:

Proven organizational skills
Working knowledge of Ontario planning legislation and process
Effective oral and written communication skills
Sound interpersonal skills
Understanding of relevant Planning and use related legislation and policy
Excellent computer skills
Ability to operate department specific equipment such as: scanner, printers, plotter, copier, etc.
Valid Ontario G driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle including the ability to provide a drivers abstract when requested during the recruitment process
Ability to gain computer expertise required in corporate standard software and department specific software including CityView or comparable software
Must be aware of safe work practices as they relate to job responsibilities and work environment, and have the basic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act

Planner
Skills and Abilities:

Working knowledge of Ontario planning legislation and process
Knowledge and ability to interpret and apply policies and regulations of the Planning Act, the Provincial Policy Statement and other applicable municipal and provincial legislation
Well established writing skills with extensive experience in report writing
Sound interpersonal skills with the ability to negotiate effectively
Proven organizational skills
Excellent computer and analytical skills




Excellent communication skills in presenting information to individuals as well as larger audiences, e.g. OMB and/or public hearings
Valid Ontario G class driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle including the ability to provide a drivers abstract when requested during the recruitment process
Computer expertise required in corporate standard software and department specific software including CityView or comparable software
Must be aware of protected work practices as they relate to job responsibilities and work environment, and have the basic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act

Senior Planner
Skills and Abilities:

Solid understanding of municipal government with a well-developed ability to interpret and apply policies and regulations of the Planning Act, the Provincial Policy Statement and other applicable municipal and provincial legislation including but not limited to the Condominium Act, the Municipal Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the Heritage Act
Thorough knowledge and understanding in all types of development planning including Committee of Adjustment, Official Plan Amendments, Zoning Amendments, draft plan of subdivision, draft plan of condominium
Expertise in writing and presenting development application related reports to Council including public hearings and recommendations to Council
Knowledge and understanding in the facilitation and leadership of long range and policy related planning projects, including but not limited to official plan review, secondary plans, master plans, and population projection projects are a benefit.
Knowledge and understanding in areas such as heritage planning, transportation planning, environmental planning, or brownfield planning, would be considered an asset
Thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant planning and land use related legislation and policy
Thorough understanding of planning policy matters and development approval process
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to negotiate effectively
Unquestionable confidentiality regarding topics including Archaeological resources, Species-at-Risk data and development proposals
The ability to work effectively in a team environment and the ability to work with members of the public
Well established and refined writing skills with extensive experience in planning report writing with demonstrated ability to convey issues and concepts in a convincing manner
Excellent communication skills and experience in presenting information to individuals as well as larger audiences, including Council, Committees and various public meeting forums
Excellent evaluation and analysis/ judgement skills
Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills
Ability to provide credible expert testimony at Ontario Municipal Board hearings and other legal proceedings
Commitment to personal and professional development by actively pursuing further planning knowledge and skills
Demonstrated ability to exercise significant discretion and sensitivity
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple files and/or projects with changing priorities and levels of complexity
Valid Ontario driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle
Computer expertise in corporate standard software (Microsoft Office) and department specific software to data search and entry and to create and modify word processed documents
Must be aware of safe work practices as they relate to job responsibilities and work environment, and have the basic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act

Benefits
Posting #: CUPE 72.26

Position: Junior Planner / Planner / Senior Planner

Status: Permanent Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employee Group: CUPE Local 4700

Wage:

Junior Planner: $43.85 per hour (less $1 per hour for the probationary period)
Planner: $54.12 per hour (less $1 per hour for the probationary period)
Senior Planner: $58.66 per hour (less $1 per hour for the probationary period)

Hours Worked per Week: 35

Division: Community and Development Services

Department: Planning and Realty Services

Reports to: Manager, Planning Services

Location: Simcoe, ON (primarily in-office, with a combination of site work and potential flexible work arrangements based on operational requirements of the role)

Posting Period: September 17, 2026 - October 5, 2026

The Corporation of Norfolk County is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.

The Corporation of Norfolk County does not use Artificial Intelligence for the purpose of screening, assessing, or the selection of candidates.

Successful applicants are required to provide the Employer with a current Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector where required and verification of education.

Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those to be interviewed will be contacted.

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📌 Junior Planner / Planner / Senior Planner (PFT) (CUPE 72.26)
🏢 Norfolk County
📍 Ontario