Senior Planner

Location: Central Alberta (Stettler)

Key Responsibilities   Planning and Development
Develop and maintain expertise in the Municipal Government Act, Provincial Matters Related to Subdivision and Development Regulation, the Town's statutory plans, Land Use Bylaw, and other applicable legislation, regulations, and policies.
Act as the Development Authority as delegated under the Municipal Government Act.
Review, evaluate, and make decisions on standard and complex development permit applications in accordance with applicable legislation and municipal bylaws.
Manage and process subdivision, redistricting, Land Use Bylaw amendment, and other land use applications.
Provide interpretation and guidance regarding planning legislation, municipal policies, development regulations, and land use requirements to applicants, developers, consultants, internal departments, and members of the public.
Review of Real Property Reports and issue Certificates of Compliance.
Investigate land use complaints and coordinate enforcement actions as required.
Prepare and present reports, recommendations, and planning analysis to Council, boards, committees, and Administration.
Represent the Town at Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB), Land and Property Rights Tribunal (LPRT), and other quasi-judicial hearings.
Policy Development and Long-Range Planning
Lead or support the preparation, review, and amendment of statutory and non-statutory planning documents, including the Municipal Development Plan, Area Structure Plans, and Intermunicipal Development Plans.
Conduct research, policy analysis, and planning studies to support land use decisions, planning recommendations, and evidence-based policy development.
Support growth management initiatives and planning strategies for residential, commercial, and industrial development.
Contribute to the ongoing review and improvement of municipal planning policies, bylaws, and development processes.
Support Council priorities through the implementation of long-range planning initiatives that promote responsible and sustainable growth.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
Coordinate development reviews with internal departments to ensure planning decisions considering infrastructure, transportation, environmental, and operational impacts.
Collaborate with neighbouring municipalities, regional partners, and external agencies on intermunicipal planning matters.
Provide technical planning support related to Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDPs), Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks (ICFs), and other regional initiatives.
Coordinate public consultation processes, stakeholder engagement sessions, and community open houses.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with residents, developers, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Research and complete special projects, studies, and reports as assigned.
Work collaboratively to identify solutions, resolve development challenges, and support innovative planning initiatives.
Our Ideal Candidate  You are a collaborative and solutions-focused planning professional who enjoys balancing day-to-day development reviews with strategic, long-range planning initiatives. You bring strong technical expertise, sound professional judgement, and a commitment to excellent customer service. You thrive in a dynamic environment, can confidently navigate complex planning issues, and are passionate about helping communities grow responsibly and sustainably.
Education & Qualifications   University of Alberta Applied Land Use Planning Certificate (ALUP), or a degree or diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution in land use planning, urban studies, or a related discipline.
Eligibility for membership with the Alberta Development Officers Association (ADOA) and/or Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI).
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities   Minimum three to five years of progressively responsible planning and development experience.
Extensive knowledge of the Municipal Government Act, Provincial Matters Related to Subdivision and Development Regulation, municipal planning documents, and land use bylaws.
Demonstrated experience reviewing and evaluating subdivision, development, and land use applications.
Experience preparing, implementing, or reviewing statutory plans and planning policies.
Experience supporting policy development, preparing bylaw amendments, and coordinating public consultation and stakeholder engagement activities.
Strong understanding of municipal planning processes, development review, and land use decision-making.
Excellent analytical, research, report-writing, presentation, and problem-solving skills.
Strong interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
Proficiency with GIS applications and Microsoft Office Suite.
Working knowledge of Alberta Land Titles processes and land administration systems.
Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and maintain…