Planner/Intermediate Planner in Walkerton

Welcome to Bruce County! We are located within the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, which includes the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. We are a community where excellence, opportunity, and exploration come together amidst the natural beauty of Southwestern Ontario. Nestled between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, our community thrives in stunning landscapes, from tranquil rivers and iconic lighthouses to bright starry skies. Home to nearly 75,000 residents in predominantly rural communities, Bruce County offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big opportunities.

Guided by our vision of being a welcoming, thriving community committed to the well-being of current and future generations, Bruce County fosters innovation, sustainable growth, and collaboration. As an upper-tier municipality, Bruce County provides essential services that shape the daily lives of our residents across 12 towns and communities. Our responsibilities include housing, childcare, Ontario Works, infrastructure, paramedic services, and long-term care homes, as well as cultural and recreational programs through our libraries and museum. In everything we do, we uphold our core values: excellence, welcoming community, good governance, environmental stewardship, and financial sustainability.

As one of Southwestern Ontario’s Top Employers, joining our team means becoming part of a dedicated group of public servants committed to making a meaningful difference. At Bruce County, you’ll find opportunities to grow your career, contribute to impactful solutions, and help shape a sustainable future—all while enjoying the exceptional lifestyle this remarkable region offers.

What You’ll Do

Reporting to the Development Planning Manager, the Planner/Intermediate Planner provides advice and opinion to the County of Bruce and local municipalities as well as Planners and Application Technicians on all matters of land use planning. Primary responsibilities are in the areas of local policy development and all statutory matters related to the Planning Act and related legislation, including processing Planning Act applications and providing an opinion on these applications to the appropriate approval authority; and meeting with and responding to inquiries from the public regarding inquiries for development on their lands. The Intermediate Planner takes on additional responsibilities by advancing more complex development application files; assisting in the mentoring of planning staff (through peer review and the provision of professional advice); supporting improved business processes in land use; and advancing policy matters/special projects on behalf of the County.

What We’re Looking For

• University Degree in Planning or other degree that is accredited by the Canadian Institute of Planners, and/or Eligibility for full membership in Ontario Professional Planning Institute
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in land use planning
• Sound knowledge of rural, recreational and community planning principles and concepts and related planning legislation and processes.

Skills & Abilities

• Competency in Microsoft Office Suite, Esri mapping software/Geocortex
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract and reliable transportation
• High flexibility with strong interpersonal skills that allow one to work effectively in a diverse environment
• Strong sense of ethics and the ability to handle sensitive or private information with tact and discretion
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work individually as well as part of a team
• Demonstrated time management skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage conflicting demands
• High level of integrity and work ethic

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: Planner: $79,771 - $93,839 Intermediate Planner $86,887 - $102,229 per annum
• Hours per week: 35 hours
• OMERS pension with equal employer match
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Paid vacation days, increasing with years of service
• Paid health and wellness Leave
• Parental leave top up program
• Employee recognition programs

Apply by: October 28, 2026. Join Us! Your Career, Our Community: Let’s build a Welcoming and Sustainable Bruce County Together!

If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway. You could be the ideal candidate for this or other opportunities. At Bruce County, we celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive, and genuine workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

We are dedicated to fostering an equitable, accessible, and welcome environment where all individuals feel valued and supported. Bruce County provides equal employment opportunities to all candidates, including those with disabilities, ensuring that our recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes are barrier free and fully accessible. If you require accommodations at any stage of the hiring process, please contact us at employment@brucecounty.on.ca.

The successful candidate for this opportunity will be chosen based on their relevant education, experience, knowledge, and skills, as well as a competency-based interview and formal background reference checks. We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.