Planning Ecologist Job Kingston area,Ontario Canada,Government

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Planning Ecologist reports to the Chief Administrative Officer/Secretary-Treasurer and assists with delivery of the Planning and Regulations program by participating in the municipal plan input and review process, conducting ecological and other assessments, assisting with the administration of the Conservation Authorities Act and its regulations, and other relevant duties.

KEY DUTIES

Provide high-quality service to meet LTC, municipal, partner, and public expectations.

Provide clear, concise technical advice to meet prescribed delivery standards and to ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, and LTC’s policies.

Participate in the Municipal plan input and review process including but not limited to:

Review and process Municipal Planning Act application circulations (e.g., consents, minor variances, zoning by-law amendments)
Conducting site visits/assessments
Review technical reports and provide written comments related to Planning Act applications
Provide expert testimony at Ontario Land Tribunal, as required

Assist with the administration of the Conservation Authorities Act, including Ontario Regulation 41/24, to carry out tasks including but not limited to:

Conduct site visits to identify regulated features such as watercourses and wetlands
Review of technical reports related to permit applications
Provide written comments to permitting staff
Provide expert testimony for violation matters, as assigned
Issue permits, as assigned

Conduct ecological assessments and provide input to the LTC planning and regulations program including assessments using accepted protocols (e.g., Ontario Wetland Evaluation System, Ecological Land Classification, etc.).

Prepare digital maps and edit features layers to reflect site assessment results, using GIS software, to support LTC review of planning and regulations decisions and in response to external requests.

Review and research historical information related to planning and regulations applications.

Provide input to the development of long-term planning documents for LTC (e.g., natural heritage strategy, sub-watershed plans, etc.).

Respond to public and real estate inquiries regarding development proposals and relevant regulations, as required.

Respond to information requests from consultants, other agencies, and the public for planning and environmental information, as required.

Ensure that the records and filing system (both conventional and digital) for the planning and regulations program are maintained.

Participate in education and outreach activities, where appropriate and as assigned.

Adhere with all LTC policies, procedures and requirements.

Undertake other related duties as required, and as assigned, by the supervisor or CAO.

QUALIFICATIONS

Post-secondary education in planning, ecosystem management, environmental studies or related discipline required.
Minimum of three years relevant work experience in environmental sciences and land-use planning including:
- Reviewing and/or writing technical reports relating to ecosystem sciences, aquatic and terrestrial ecology, landscape ecology and environmental impacts.
- Site inspections/assessments related to flora/fauna identification and soil classification following standardized procedures and protocols.
- Reviewing applications and/or providing policy interpretation related to provincial land use planning policies and legislation.
Strong knowledge and demonstrated experience working in municipal planning and/or Conservation Authority planning and permit review.
Certification in the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES) and experience with Ecological Land Classification are preferred.
Working knowledge of provincial legislation including but not limited to, the Conservation Authorities…