Team Lead, Planning

Are you passionate about making a difference in communities across eastern Ontario? Do you want to play a role in shaping the future of Ontario to inform land-use planning decisions that will impact the quality of life for citizens for generations to come?

Consider this exciting Team Lead opportunity with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to be part of a high-performing and multi-disciplinary team of eastern Ontario planners implementing provincial land-use planning policies and programs and creating communities with increased access to places to live, work and play.

As a member of our team, you will have the chance to lead and oversee work on interesting projects, address challenging planning issues, and collaborate with municipalities and stakeholders. Be part of an organization that values diversity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism while striving to create a better future for the people we serve.

If you are ready to make a significant impact and be part of shaping the future of Ontario, we invite you to take the leap and join our team at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

What we offer:
• A defined benefit pension plan
• Maternity and parental leave top-up benefits which includes adoptive parents
• Comprehensive Health Plan
• Life and disability insurance
• Competitive vacation package
• Comprehensive resources to support mental health and wellness
• Flexible work arrangements
• Collegial and professional work culture
• Career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• On-the-job training to support success in the role

Want to Learn More? Let's have a chat
Join the hiring manager on September 20 from 11:00 - 11:30 AM to find out more about the job, the team and what it is like working at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. You are welcome to participate anonymously. Click here to join the meeting.

If you can't make it, no problem. Attendance at the session is optional and will have no impact on the hiring decision.

Find us here: Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Working on diverse and challenging land-use planning-related projects, you will:

• Supervise activities of assigned land-use planning staff; provide direction, advice and leadership
• Lead the research and analysis of multiple land-use planning approval applications, issues and projects, and ministry and corporate initiatives
• Represent the ministry and province as a land-use planning lead and expert
• Provide professional planning advice to ensure that planning, development, municipal and policy proposals meet the requirements of sound planning principles and provincial land-use policy and interests
• Serve as an expert land-use planning witness to protect the interests/policies of the Provincial government, and attend Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) hearings on behalf of the province
• Apply alternative dispute resolution techniques to negotiate/mediate the resolution of contentious planning operational and policy issues
• Administer and interpret, promote, and communicate provincial planning legislation, policies and procedures to staff and client groups
• Provide information, advice analysis, and recommendations to senior management on contentious land-use planning issues, and support decision-making and development/implementation of land-use planning policy and programs

Note: This position requires occasional travel within the region to conduct fieldwork

How do I qualify?

Specialized knowledge:

You have:
• expert knowledge of the Planning Act, planning systems, related legislation and policies, and policy development and decision-making processes.
• knowledge of planning theories, principles and practices, and standards and codes of professional conduct in undertaking land-use planning projects to make recommendations/decisions under statutory authority and to present expert testimony at tribunals or public hearings with credibility and professionalism
• proven ability to interpret and apply land-use planning legislation.

Team leadership and project management skills:

You can:
• lead multi-jurisdictional and multi-disciplinary teams in analyses of provincial land-use planning, and provide resolutions to land-use planning policy issues
• lead projects and teams involving multiple stakeholders to achieve goals within defined timelines
• influence others and resolve key stakeholder issues
• supervise activities of assigned staff including allocation of work and review for accuracy and consistency
• identify and provide for training needs

Communication skills:

You can:
• prepare briefing materials, correspondence and policy products with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency
• represent the government with stakeholders as part of inter-ministerial committees and other bodies
• clearly explain complex land-use planning concepts to non-planners and brief senior management, the Minister and stakeholders, including preparation of reports, recommendations and lead briefings
• use political acuity to provide advice and develop options for decision-makers

Interpersonal skills:

You can:
• manage and create effective working relationships with team members and others
• build consensus to develop and foster effective relationships among diverse stakeholders
• exercise judgment to ensure your manager and senior leadership are aware of emerging issues and developments

Analytical and problem-solving skills:

You can:
• lead complex studies and analysis of important land-use planning matters
• effectively assess and evaluate the implications of proposed land-use planning policies and proposals and develop timely advice sing political acuity