City of Kitchener Careers

Planning Technician

Competition Number

2024-434

Job Code

1486

Posting Date

October 8, 2024

Closing Date

October 20, 2024 (at 6:00pm)

Job Status

Permanent Full-Time

The City of Kitchener is a vibrant and dynamic city of approximately 292,000, in the heart of southwestern Ontario. As the largest municipality in Waterloo Region, Kitchener continues to be poised for development and growth, enhancing its reputation as a leader in city-building and innovation, with nationally recognized strategies to build its neighbourhoods, its digital infrastructure and its diverse economy.

The City of Kitchener is WHERE you want to work! Learn more about the top reasons to join us:

Why work at the City of Kitchener

Position Overview:

The Planning Technicians are part of a collaborative team that creates and implements innovative approaches to urban planning, housing and community engagement. The planning technicians are responsible for developing an in-depth knowledge of Kitchener’s zoning, sign and fence bylaws to process a range of applications and to respond to related customer inquiries.  They support positive customer experiences through their knowledge, empathy and clear communication.  They are team-players and support continuous improvement to find more effective ways to deliver our services. 

Responsibilities:

• Processes a variety of development applications with a particular focus on zoning certificates, zoning review of building permits and business licenses, sign permits, letters of compliance, and curb cut permits. 
• Responds to inquiries in-person, by phone and email regarding zoning, sign and fence bylaw and application-related matters from the public as well as the development and sign industries and act as a Commissioner of Oaths for committee of adjustment applications. 
• Participates in internal working groups for the preparation of general amendments to the zoning, sign or fence by-laws, or to establish or update other planning policy and implementation documents.  
• Conducts site visits and inspections related to assigned applications and sign permits. 
• Supports customer experience and efficient workflows, including initiating and supporting process improvements for various aspects of core service. 
• Supports proactive community education, including participation in preparing plain language communications or making presentations to the public regarding zoning, fence and sign by-law information and processes (e.g. starting a food business, building a backyard home).
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Minimum 2-year post-secondary diploma or 2-year specialized post secondary program with training in land use planning or related field.  
• Minimum of 1 to 2 years planning work experience, including working with planning policies and zoning bylaws.  
• Preference will be given to those candidates that have or are eligible for full membership in the Canadian Association of Certified Planning Technicians. 
• Working understanding of City, Regional, and Provincial planning regulations, guidelines, policies and standards (e.g., Official Plan, Zoning By-law, Sign Bylaw, Fence Bylaw, Planning Act, Municipal Act) as well as a general understanding of how other disciplines relate to development applications such as building, engineering, transportation etc. to form professional opinions.
• Demonstrated analytical and mathematical skills to verify zoning conformity through review of site plans and architectural drawings, bylaws, property research and by conducting calculations to verify conformity with bylaw regulations (e.g., parking calculations, lot coverage).  
• Strong demonstrated oral and written communication skills to explain complex information like zoning in plain language as well as de-escalation skills for difficult customer interactions.
• Applied and adaptable computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, AMANDA, Adobe Pro, On-Point, Bluebeam).  
• Effective time management skills to process multiple files and customer inquiries concurrently. 
• Ability to support and project values compatible with the organization. 
• Reliable with a good attitude and employment record.

The City of Kitchener is committed to an equity-driven, inclusive, accessible, and barrier-free recruitment and selection process, and to ensuring our workforce reflects the full diversity of the community we serve. We welcome applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ persons, as well as other equity deserving groups.

We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please contact Human Resources at [email protected], or 519-741-2200 ext. 7261 to make your needs known, so that we can support your full and equal participation throughout the hiring process.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants. Only candidates whose skills, experience and qualifications meet the requirements of the position will be contacted.

Please note that as per Human Resources Policy HUM-HIR-110, "Employment of Relatives of Staff Members and Elected Officials":

"The immediate relatives of staff of the Human Resources Division, all Directors, General Managers, or the Chief Administrative Officer and Elected Officials shall not be employed by the City in any capacity.

The immediate relatives of all other Management personnel shall not be employed where such employment would be:

1. within the same Department in the case of permanent full-time, temporary full-time and part-time classifications.

2. within the same Division in the case of students."

Department

Development Services

Division

Planning and Housing Policy

Union Affiliation

CUPE 791

Number of Positions

1

Hours of Work

35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Location

Initial Location

City Hall 

City

Kitchener

Compensation

Salary Range

$56,140 - $70,173 annually

effective Nov 1, 2024: $56,357 - $70,444

Grade/Band

6 (under review)