Supervisor, Development Permitting

The Supervisor, Development Permitting is responsible for providing guidance and support to identify land use development issues that will impact the Municipality. The incumbent leads a team and sets priorities in developing, implementing, and evaluating statutory plans, policies, and procedures to facilitate development related economic activity in the region. This role will work collaboratively with all departments in the Planning and Development division to streamline steps and processes to optimize customer satisfaction and increase operational efficiency.

Primary responsibilities of this position include:

• Employee Development: Performs supervisory tasks for assigned team members. Works with team to plan and balance workload. Ensures teams are managed fairly and consistently and that work processes are followed and coordinated to ensure service levels. Mentors, coaches, and provides support to staff. Empowers and develops staff by way of regular feedback, providing development opportunities and technical direction, as well as delegation of responsibilities.
• Research and Implementation: Participates in the continuous research, development, improvement, and implementation of effective departmental strategies, tools, and guidelines based on best practices. Analyzes the effectiveness of departmental programs and makes suggestions for further improvement. Provides input to department business plans, initiatives, and budget to ensure continuous achievement of department goals. Leads other urban and regional planning projects as required.
• Departmental Guidance: Supervises development approval process as per provisions of the Land Use Bylaw and the Municipal Government Act. Negotiates with builders, land developers, and other stakeholders as part of the land development regulatory process. Supervises preparations of agreements and implementation of statutory plans. Supervises development of amendments to the Land Use Bylaw. Develops, maintains, and monitors public consultation process to promote positive relationship building with stakeholders, industry, and Indigenous partners. Oversees site inspections and enforcement processes and participates in the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board process.

SKILLS REQUIREMENTS: Sound knowledge of zoning, municipal bylaws, and provincial planning statutes. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, architectural and site plans, and understand specifications. Ability to empower people and use innovative approaches in situations involving rapid change, shifting priorities, or simultaneous demands. Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to assess situations from a business perspective. Strong team player with a collaborative approach. Experience prioritizing workflow, managing projects, and completing time sensitive tasks in a fast-paced environment. Excellent customer focus with demonstrated ability to build effective relationships with internal customers, external providers, and industry contacts; interacting in a manner that builds trust, confidence, and credibility. Adherence to administrative directives, policy, and legal requirements with knowledge of equity and inclusion practices and strategies as it relates to municipal programs and initiatives. Sound, practical judgment using independent decision-making skills, with political awareness and sensitivity.

EDUCATION: Degree in Regional and Urban Planning, or another related program is required. Master’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning is preferred. APPI Regulated members required or preferred. Applied Land Use Planning Certificate is an asset. An equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE: Five (5) years of experience in a municipal planning environment with a minimum of two (2) years of experience in a leadership/supervisory role. Experience working in a public sector environment with unionized and non-unionized employees considered an asset.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: A valid Class five (5) Operator’s License is an asset.

SAFETY: As an employee of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the incumbent is responsible and accountable for knowing and working in accordance with the Health and Safety Directive. As per Section 2 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the incumbent shall ensure, while in the employ of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the health and safety of employees, contractors, and the public. This position is employed in a supervisory capacity. As such, the employee is required to obtain additional safety training in accordance with municipal procedures and directives.