Development Officer

FULL-TIME PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Position:                     Development Officer

Start Date:                  As soon as possible

Hours:                         35 hours per week, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with an unpaid lunch hour daily

Location:                    395 Traverse Road, Ste. Anne, MB

Deadline to Apply      4:30pm on Friday, November 24^th, 2024

Position Duties:
The Development Officer is responsible for the land use planning and development of the Municipality, including reviewing and processing applications related to zoning, subdivisions, building permits, and other applications under The Planning Act. The Development Officer drafts development agreements and coordinates with legal and engineering services regarding these agreements. The role also involves enforcing municipal standards, including managing correspondence with By-Law enforcement to address compliance issues and outstanding work orders.

This position acts as an advisor to the CAO and Council on development proposals, ensuring provincial legislation and municipal by-laws are interpreted and adhered to. The Development Officer is public-facing, supporting community members with their applications and liaising with external parties such as legal teams, the Municipal Engineer, Building Inspectors, Community Planning Branch representatives, and other government entities throughout the application process.

The Development Officer also plays a key role as a member of the administrative leadership team. They work closely with the CAO and other leadership team members on municipal policy development, administrative strategies, and financial management. The position includes supervisory responsibilities within the Planning and Development Department and may oversee special projects when assigned. The role also requires maintaining up-to-date knowledge of emerging trends and best practices in urban and rural planning to ensure the Municipality’s development practices align with sustainable growth and legislative requirements.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Strategic Land Use Management and Oversight: Direct and manage municipal land use planning and development, including zoning, subdivision, and building permit processes to ensure compliance with The Planning Act and municipal regulations. Provide leadership in interpreting and applying planning policies, regulations, and zoning by-laws.

Policy and Regulatory Development: Lead the development and updating of zoning, building, and development by-laws, providing policy recommendations and facilitating Council approval processes. Advise the CAO and Council on legislative changes, best practices, and strategies for sustainable development and growth.

Development Agreements and Contract Management: Oversee the drafting, negotiation, and execution of development agreements, coordinating with legal and engineering professionals to align with municipal standards. Ensure agreements are designed to safeguard municipal interests and promote compliance.

Departmental and Staff Management: Supervise and guide Planning and Development Department personnel, including at least one direct report, providing mentorship, performance evaluation, and support to enhance departmental efficiency and service delivery.

Public Engagement and Stakeholder Collaboration: Act as a key representative of the Municipality for community members, applicants, and external stakeholders. Facilitate clear communication with developers, legal teams, engineers, inspectors, and provincial agencies to support application processing and address stakeholder needs.

Project Management and Financial Oversight: Manage municipal development projects, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation. Collaborate with the CAO on budgeting for departmental and project-specific expenditures, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with municipal goals.

GIS, Mapping, and Technical Support: Utilize GIS and mapping software (ESRI/GIS Systems) to support zoning and land use planning. Provide oversight on mapping projects that enhance municipal development initiatives and data management.

Analytical and Reporting Responsibilities: Conduct analyses, prepare detailed reports, and present findings to the CAO and Council. Ensure data accuracy and support Council's decision-making on municipal land use planning and strategic initiatives.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in City Planning is required; a Master’s degree in Architecture is considered an asset.
• RPP candidate status is required, with the ability to obtain RPP/MCIP membership within one year.
• At least 3 years of experience in rural planning is required; Manitoba experience is considered an asset.
• Experience in project management is required; PMP/PMBOK, PRINCE2, or another recognized project management certification is mandatory.
• Experience with budgeting for municipal projects.
• Experience in drafting planning policies and by-laws, including zoning by-laws, building by-laws, and other relevant municipal by-laws.
• Familiarity with The Planning Act, The Municipal Act, zoning by-laws, building by-laws, and development plans.
• Experience with GIS and mapping software (ESRI/GIS Systems is essential).
• Strong expertise in Microsoft Excel, with high proficiency in creating, managing, and analyzing complex spreadsheets and datasets.
• Proficiency with design and drafting software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Photoshop.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for engaging with community members and stakeholders, as well as generating reports for the CAO and Council.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook,Teams).
• Familiarity with standard office equipment (computers, photocopier, etc.).

All applicants must provide:

1. a letter of application (Cover letter)
2. a resume
3. three work-related references

Please email the above required documents marked “Development Officer”, and direct any questions to the Chief Administrative Officer, cao@rmofsteanne.com.

The Municipality wishes to thank all candidates for their interest but only those considered for an interview will be contacted. Preference will be given to applicants with municipal experience and/or having relevant administrative qualifications and experience.