Job Description
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is a community-based natural resource management agency that works to protect, enhance, and sustain healthy watersheds. With 60 years of experience, the NPCA offers watershed programs and services that focus on flood and hazard management, source water protection, species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, and land management.
The NPCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in the Province of Ontario. With 41 Conservation Areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed, the NPCA manageslands that are held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
The Opportunity
The NPCA strategic priorities guide our actions towards a vision of the Niagara Peninsula watershed with robust nature, thriving agriculture and resilient urban areas that are vital to the health and well-being of our residents. As a Watershed Planner with the NPCA, you will have an opportunity to directly contribute to this vision with review, analysis and comment on various routine and minor development applications (including Planning Act, Conservation Authorities Act-NPCA Regulations Permits (Ontario Regulation 41/24), Niagara Escarpment Planning Development Act and other related legislation) as they relate to Conservation Authority and Provincial regulations and policies.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Performing initial screening of routine and minor Permit and Regulations applications and guiding proponents through the NPCA development application process
- Reviewing minor Planning Act applications and providing comments in relation to NPCA Policy, O Reg 41/24 and relevant Provincial Policy to municipalities on various minor application types including; Minor Variances, Consents and Niagara Escarpment Development Permits
- Undertaking field inspections related to minor development applications as necessary
- Issuing formal responses on the NPCA’s position on minor development applications
- Providing expert testimony at OLT hearings, Environmental Appeal Board etc. on minor land use file and routine minor permits as required
What You Bring
- Degree from a recognized University in Planning, Geography or a related field
- Member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) would be a great asset
- Three years’ experience in a planning environment with an understanding of municipal and provincial planning processes
- Working knowledge of relevant legislation and development policies such as the Conservation Authorities Act, Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement, Provincial Plans and Official Plans
- Strong attention to detail and analytical skills
- Proficient use of Microsoft Office and GIS software
- Experience in the use of CityView would be an asset
- Excellent customer service skills
- Valid Class G driver’s license
What We Offer You
- An hourly salary ranging from$37.10-$43.64 (35 hours/week – 2024 rate). Compensation review is pending implementation. Salary subject to change.
- Comprehensive benefits including health and dental and access to the Employee Assistance Program
- A Health Care Spending Account, allowing you to use your benefits where you need them
- Enrollment in the OMERS pension plan
- Free access to all the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Areas
- A hybrid remote work opportunity
- An opportunity to be part of a highly engaged and passionate team of professionals