Municipal Planning Advisor

Role Responsibilities

The Municipal Planning Advisor provides research, analysis and guidance to municipalities, municipal associations, internal ministry staff, and the public on  complex land use planning issues. The position must quickly assess situations, analyze issues , and reference appropriate legislation to provide accurate information. Working collaboratively with others, the Advisor provides appropriate, prompt, and consistent analysis to the ministry, including senior management and the Minister, on land use planning matters and/or issues of importance to the operation of the Ministry . The Advisor also offers advice, training and resources to enhance municipal capacity regarding land use matters , and will often be the first point of contact. This position may also be required to support the work related to Improvement Districts (IDs) focusing on IDs governance, budgeting, finance, tax, and other operational matters.

Strengthening Municipal Capacity and Sustainability
•    Provide advice and information to enhance local governance and administration knowledge, as well as public understanding of municipal land use planning.
•    Respond to inquiries from municipal officials, the public, senior management, and other government departments regarding land use planning under the Municipal Government Act (MGA),
     Matters Related to Subdivision and Development Regulation, and other relevant provincial laws.
•    Prepare reports, briefings, presentations, and other documentation to support Ministry decisions on land use planning matters.
•    Participate in cross-ministry and multi-stakeholder initiatives, and assist the department in supporting Improvement Districts.

Enhancing Local Government Transparency and Accountability
•    Conduct research and develop briefing materials, options, and recommendations on policy and legislative impacts related to land use planning.
•    Develop resources, reports, and analyses to support compliance with the MGA, Matters Related to Subdivision and Development Regulation, and other provincial laws affecting land use
     planning.
•    Facilitate meetings and prepare reports to develop recommendations on significant provincial planning initiatives with policy or legislative implications.

Municipal Capacity Building through Training and Resources
•    Identify training needs, develop curriculum, and deliver workshops or materials to support municipal governance and land use planning.
•    Assess municipal clients’ needs for training and resources on an ongoing basis.
•    Monitor the effectiveness of existing resources and propose improvements based on research, analysis, and feedback.

Supporting Ministry Initiatives and Strategic Alignment
•    Collaborate with departmental staff to deliver programs and services effectively.
Lead and/or participate in special projects related to municipal governance, land use planning, and policy development.

Provide Support to Improvement Districts
•    Works in collaboration with IDs Advisor on various financial, tax, and governance tasks relating to IDs, and cover for IDs Advisor as needed

Please click on this LINK to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following competencies: 

•    System Thinking- Advisors provide quality information, advice, and training on a broad range of municipal issues to internal and external stakeholders.
•    Creative Problem Solving – you use a wide range of techniques to break down problems and allow others to think creatively and voice ideas to identify new solutions.
•    Agility – you proactively incorporate change into processes and create opportunities for improvements.
•    Develop Networks– you ensure the needs of varying groups are represented.
•    Build collaborative Environment – you foster a culture where everyone works together towards common goals

Qualifications

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards

Required:

•    University graduation in a related field (Urban and Regional Planning, Land Use planning) plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience,
                        - Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated experience working with municipalities, including processing subdivision and development applications. A   
                          Additional consideration will be extended to those who have participated in appeals or appeal boards, and have been actively involved in the development/ amendment of
                          bylaws related to zoning, area structure plans, and other statutory planning documents.

Equivalency: Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one-for-one basis.

Assets: 

•    Considerable experience and understanding of Subdivision and Development approval/permit process, application of municipal bylaws, land use appeals, land dedication, caveats, and
     emerging land use planning issues in urban and rural municipalities. 
•    Knowledge of the planning sections in the Municipal Government Act in particular, and a general knowledge of other sections of the MGA and related legislation and regulations affecting
     municipal planning.
•    A solid understanding of planning theory, principles and practices (at local, regional and provincial levels).
•    Experience working with senior management, municipal elected officials and external stakeholders.
•    Membership with the Alberta Professional Planners Institute and/or Canadian Institute of Planners is preferred

Notes

This position is a Permanent, Full – time role with the standard weekly work hours of 36.25, Monday to Friday (8:15 am – 4:30 pm).

Applicants are required to provide a cover letter and resume summarizing information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.  

Candidates may be required to participate in a written assignment as part of our assessment process.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.