Job Description
Job Posting
Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for one (1) full time (term) Planner III position (up to 12 months) within the Rural Policy and Applications team of Planning and Development.
Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.
Reporting to the Principal Planner, the Planner III is a senior subject matter expert who provides professional planning services, leads and manages planning assignments or departmental projects based on business unit or corporate strategic priorities.
The incumbent is responsible for leading assignments and mentoring junior staff in one or more areas of expertise, and will be leading highly complex, high profile development projects.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leads and performs professional work and provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public related to a broad range of planning matters
Acts as liaison between citizens, government agencies, developers and elected officials on planning matters as may be assigned
Evaluates and processes applications including subdivision applications, permits, variances, site plans, development agreements, and land use by-law amendments, municipal planning strategy and other planning applications
Prepares and presents detailed reports and recommendations on planning
Acts as witness in legal proceedings as necessary and provides expert advice at the Utility and Review Board and Court
Facilitates public meetings representing the business unit on a variety of planning matters
Designs and facilitates internal or customer-focused strategic planning, training, education and consultation processes as required
Researches, analyzes, prepares and presents reports, contract documents, terms of reference, request for proposals, policies and procedures, correspondence and briefs for Principal Planners, senior management, Committees and Council related to demographic, economic, social, environmental and other factors affecting community planning issues, land use, physical, social & economic issues
Prepares, presents and maintains comprehensive regional and community plans, land use by-laws, the Subdivision By-law and other regulations regarding development control
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience:
University degree from an accredited planning program and five (5) years of professional planning experience; OR
University degree from a non-accredited but related program (such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban, Human or Economic Geography, and Geographic/Spatial Information Systems) and seven (7) years of professional planning experience
Master’s Degree from an accredited planning program and four (4) years of professional planning experience would be considered an asset.
Candidacy as a Licensed Professional Planner (LPP) or equivalent Provincial or International designation and a willingness to obtain the LPP designation within a three (3) year period is required.
Progressive experience working in a municipal government environment is considered an asset.
A valid driver’s license is required
Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:
Advanced knowledge of the philosophies, principals, practices & techniques of planning including cross-functional knowledge involving other disciplines
Well-developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines, such as community development, urban design, heritage conservation, housing, parks and recreation, transportation planning or environmental/natural resources planning
Knowledge and experience in construction processes
Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
Ability to mentor junior staff and teams to results
Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines
Advanced skills in the techniques of facilitation, mediation, negotiation and public participation
Superior written and verbal communications skills
Superior skills in the areas of research, analysis, writing, evaluation and presentation
Ability to anticipate the issues of community groups, Council, other business units, senior management, special interest groups and other stakeholders and can think critically and strategically in the resolution of those issues
Excellent interpersonal skills which enable credible and effective relationships with people at all levels, including senior management and elected officials
Advanced knowledge of the Municipal Government Act, the HRM Charter, the Heritage Property Act, the Heritage By-law, the Subdivision By-law, various HRM Municipal Planning Strategies and Land Use By-laws, and other relevant legislation and municipal by-laws related to construction approvals, engineering specifications, and planning applications, including a clear understanding of their interrelationships
Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.
Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.
COMPETENCIES: Analytical Thinking, Communication, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Organizational Awareness, Organization and Planning, Teamwork and Cooperation, Valuing Diversity
WORK STATUS: Term Full time (up to 12 months) position
HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30 pm, 35 hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours and hybrid may be available
SALARY: $49.67 per hour, as per NSGEU Local 222 collective agreement (Level 11)
WORK LOCATION: 3rd floor of Duke Tower (5251 Duke St, Halifax, NS)
CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59pm on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
This is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates.
Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.
To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of their qualifications, including, but not limited to, educational credentials, professional licenses, and relevant certifications.
During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link;
Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax
(Position #7228XXXXXX)
Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for one (1) full time (term) Planner III position (up to 12 months) within the Rural Policy and Applications team of Planning and Development.
Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.
Reporting to the Principal Planner, the Planner III is a senior subject matter expert who provides professional planning services, leads and manages planning assignments or departmental projects based on business unit or corporate strategic priorities.
The incumbent is responsible for leading assignments and mentoring junior staff in one or more areas of expertise, and will be leading highly complex, high profile development projects.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leads and performs professional work and provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public related to a broad range of planning matters
Acts as liaison between citizens, government agencies, developers and elected officials on planning matters as may be assigned
Evaluates and processes applications including subdivision applications, permits, variances, site plans, development agreements, and land use by-law amendments, municipal planning strategy and other planning applications
Prepares and presents detailed reports and recommendations on planning
Acts as witness in legal proceedings as necessary and provides expert advice at the Utility and Review Board and Court
Facilitates public meetings representing the business unit on a variety of planning matters
Designs and facilitates internal or customer-focused strategic planning, training, education and consultation processes as required
Researches, analyzes, prepares and presents reports, contract documents, terms of reference, request for proposals, policies and procedures, correspondence and briefs for Principal Planners, senior management, Committees and Council related to demographic, economic, social, environmental and other factors affecting community planning issues, land use, physical, social & economic issues
Prepares, presents and maintains comprehensive regional and community plans, land use by-laws, the Subdivision By-law and other regulations regarding development control
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience:
University degree from an accredited planning program and five (5) years of professional planning experience; OR
University degree from a non-accredited but related program (such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban, Human or Economic Geography, and Geographic/Spatial Information Systems) and seven (7) years of professional planning experience
Master’s Degree from an accredited planning program and four (4) years of professional planning experience would be considered an asset.
Candidacy as a Licensed Professional Planner (LPP) or equivalent Provincial or International designation and a willingness to obtain the LPP designation within a three (3) year period is required.
Progressive experience working in a municipal government environment is considered an asset.
A valid driver’s license is required
Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:
Advanced knowledge of the philosophies, principals, practices & techniques of planning including cross-functional knowledge involving other disciplines
Well-developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines, such as community development, urban design, heritage conservation, housing, parks and recreation, transportation planning or environmental/natural resources planning
Knowledge and experience in construction processes
Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
Ability to mentor junior staff and teams to results
Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines
Advanced skills in the techniques of facilitation, mediation, negotiation and public participation
Superior written and verbal communications skills
Superior skills in the areas of research, analysis, writing, evaluation and presentation
Ability to anticipate the issues of community groups, Council, other business units, senior management, special interest groups and other stakeholders and can think critically and strategically in the resolution of those issues
Excellent interpersonal skills which enable credible and effective relationships with people at all levels, including senior management and elected officials
Advanced knowledge of the Municipal Government Act, the HRM Charter, the Heritage Property Act, the Heritage By-law, the Subdivision By-law, various HRM Municipal Planning Strategies and Land Use By-laws, and other relevant legislation and municipal by-laws related to construction approvals, engineering specifications, and planning applications, including a clear understanding of their interrelationships
Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.
Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.
COMPETENCIES: Analytical Thinking, Communication, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Organizational Awareness, Organization and Planning, Teamwork and Cooperation, Valuing Diversity
WORK STATUS: Term Full time (up to 12 months) position
HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30 pm, 35 hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours and hybrid may be available
SALARY: $49.67 per hour, as per NSGEU Local 222 collective agreement (Level 11)
WORK LOCATION: 3rd floor of Duke Tower (5251 Duke St, Halifax, NS)
CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59pm on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
This is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates.
Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.
To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of their qualifications, including, but not limited to, educational credentials, professional licenses, and relevant certifications.
During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link;
Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax
(Position #7228XXXXXX)
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Planner III position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Halifax offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
