Senior Planner - Development

Wellington County consistently ranks as one of the safest communities in Canada and is home to vibrant economies, active and inclusive communities, and beautiful landscapes.

We are committed to building and maintaining a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace that is representative of the community we proudly serve. The County is looking for individuals who are committed to public service, enjoy collaborating with others and share the County’s values. We value applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences, and competencies, and are looking forward to welcoming new members to our talented team.

The County offers a generous compensation, benefits and pension package. We also offer ongoing career and development opportunities to our employees, with a commitment to health and well-being.

Posting ID: 2664 - this recruitment is for an existing vacancy

Department: Planning and Development

Division: Development

Position Type: Full Time Regular

Work Location Requirement: Fully On-Site/In-Person

Work Location: Administration Centre, Guelph; the County of Wellington is an employer that provides service onsite.

Work Hours: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week: regular schedule is 8:30 am - 4:00 pm onsite/in-person; flexibility of hours may be required.

Vacancies: 1

Application Deadline: 11/13/2026

The following includes some of the principal responsibilities for this role and is intended to provide an overview of the position. The full scope of responsibilities is outlined in the complete job description.

BASIC FUNCTION

Reporting to the Manager of Development Planning or the Manager of Planning and Environment, the Senior Planner (Development) is responsible for the processing and review of development applications such as, pre consultations, consents, zoning by-law amendments, minor variances, subdivisions/condominiums, official plan amendments, and site plans. The Senior Planner also coordinates peer reviews with consultants and prepares planning reports, amending zoning by-laws and official plan amendments and defends the position at Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) Hearings when required. The Senior Planner attends public meetings and other internal and external planning related meetings outside the office. This position includes participation in projects, which may be undertaken with partners such as area municipalities, the province, conservation authorities, non-government organizations and community groups. The Senior Planner is expected to travel to fulfil various job duties and to provide advice and recommendations to councils, committees, and others with respect to planning or environmental legislation, policy, or implementation instruments.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare and present reports, with professional opinion recommendations and comments on major Official Plan Amendments, Subdivisions, Condominiums, Aggregate and Part Lot Control applications.
• Manage complex development application files (consents, zoning by-law amendments, minor variances, subdivisions/condominiums, official plan amendments, site plans & part lot control by-laws)
• Attend and make presentations at Planning Committee, local councils and committees related to planning issues and trends.
• Serve as consulting planner for several local municipalities in Wellington County on all planning matters.
• Prepare and present reports, with professional opinion recommendations on local planning applications and provide response to area municipalities.
• Interpret provincial plans and policies, official plans, and zoning by-laws.
• Prepare for and provide evidence at Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) Hearings when required.
• Provide mentorship and support to the Junior Planner and Planners with their work and development as professional planners.
• May supervise the daily work of Planning Co-op student(s) (development).
• Participate in various municipal and regional committees.
• Prepare consent reports and appear at Land Division Committee meetings.
• Mentoring and training of junior staff.
• Provide invoices for planning services delivered to local municipalities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Four-year University Degree from a recognized Planning programme or related discipline.
• Minimum five years of experience or equivalent in the field of municipal land use planning, with policy experience.
• Designated as a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) in good standing, or eligible for such designation.
• Working knowledge and understanding of the Planning Act, related regulations, and provincial planning policy.
• Ability to provide professional representation at Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) Hearings.
• Experience writing and presenting planning reports to councils and committees.
• Rural and small-town planning experience considered an asset.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact effectively with the elected officials, the public, municipal staff, and others.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications as well as desktop mapping.
• A valid driver’s licence (minimum G2 Class) and access to a reliable vehicle; flexibility of location may be required.

Pay Range: $109,090.80 - $127,600.20 (2026 Non-Union Compensation Grid).

Benefits: Long Term Disability, Life Coverage, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Critical Illness, Extended Health Care, Emergency Travel Assistance, Dental Care; mandatory enrolment, premiums 100% covered.

Pension: Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS); enrolment mandatory.

Medical Responsibility Time: Prorated and accrues at 0.5 days/month. Short Term Disability: 17 weeks coverage at 75% or 100% of pay, based on length of service.

Vacation: Accrues to start at three weeks/annum; increases based on length of service.

Parking: Provided; taxable benefit provisions apply.

The County of Wellington is committed to providing inclusive access and accommodations for disabilities throughout the application and selection process. We are continuously working to improve our systems, policies, and practices to ensure our employees, in all their diversity, can succeed. Should you require accommodation for a disability through the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Personal information is collected pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used only to evaluate the suitability of applicants for employment.