Development Officer - Jobs in Chester, NS

Job Description

Development OfficerThe Municipality of the District of Chester is seeking an individual for the full-time position of Development Officer. This position is responsible for the administration of Municipal planning documents and responds to inquiries related to land use, development, and subdivision.A copy of the Job Description may be requested from the undersigned or found on the Municipality’s website at www.chester.ca.This competition will remain open until successfully filled. While we thank you for your interest, only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.Qualified candidates are invited to send their resume and cover letter along with three professional references, in confidence, using one of the following options:Emailemployment@chester.caFax(902) 275-4771Regular MailPamela Myra, Municipal ClerkPO Box 369,Chester, NS B0J 1J0(902) 275-4109The Municipality of Chester is committed to treating people fairly, with respect and dignity, and to offering equal employment opportunities based upon an individuals qualifications and performance — free from discrimination or harassment because of Age, Race, Colour, Religion, Creed, Ethnic, national or aboriginal origin, Sex (including pregnancy and pay equity), Sexual orientation, Physical disability, Mental disability, Family status, Gender Identity, GenderExpression, or other protected characteristics, in accordance with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Code.The Municipality of Chester is committed to the principles of the Accessibility Act. As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment, and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact employment@chester.ca.Position Title: Development OfficerSalary Band: Middle Managers/CoordinatorsDepartment: Department of Community Development & RecreationReports to: Senior Development OfficerStatus: Permanent FulltimeClassification: AdministrativeLocation: Municipal Complex (186 Central/151 King Street), subject to ChangeHours: Normally 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with other hours for meetings outside of normal office hours, subject to change.Date: May 2022SCOPEThe Development Officer reports to the Senior Development Officer and is responsible for:

• Ensuring planning documents of the Municipality and any other municipal unit under contract with the Municipality of Chester for Development Services are effectively and efficiently administered.

• Effective analysis and interpretation of statutes, regulations and By-Laws.

• Acting effectively as the authority in matters related to land use, development and subdivision.

OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER LEGISLATION

• The Municipality of the District of Chester is committed to workplace safety and all employees are expected to actively participate in the Municipality’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy and Program and Occupational Health and Safety Legislation as well as Regulations of the Province of Nova Scotia.

• The Municipality of the District of Chester complies with the Employment Legislation of Nova Scotia and all employees are also expected to act in accordance to the appropriate Legislation as well.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary education as a Planner or an acceptable combination of education and experience in the development or planning field or in a related field such as GIS technician, surveying, architecture, civil engineering or landscape architecture.

• Certification as a Development Officer by the Municipal Development Officers Association of Nova Scotia is an asset.

• Two years previous employment experience as a Development Officer, or a combination of related training and experience that demonstrates a capability to assume the duties of the Development Officer.

• Thorough knowledge of the Municipal Government Act and other legislation relevant to administration of Land Use By-Laws, Subdivisions By-Laws, and Subdivision Regulations.

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• Personal suitability demonstrated by effective listening skills with good verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills and a high level of personal organization and attention to detail.

• Effective public contact skills by telephone, email and face-to-face.

• General knowledge of planning theory, techniques, and tools.

• General knowledge of local government responsibility, organization and procedures.

• Working knowledge of various computer word processing, database and mapping packages considered an asset.

• General knowledge of property law.

• Demonstrated competence at planning and development control work.

• General knowledge of computer systems and computer applications used in a planning office.

• Ability to manage the computer database and the paper filing systems.

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings such as site plans, engineering drawings, and survey plans.

• Ability to facilitate, negotiate and resolve conflict required.

• Ability to work in a high-pressure deadline-oriented environment required.

• Valid Nova Scotia Driver’s license.

SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONSPrinciple Duties and Responsibilities:Performs the duties of a Municipal Development Officer, subject to statutory provisions of the Municipal Government Act.Land Use ControlInterprets and administers the provisions of various Land Use By-Laws.

• Processes and reviews development permit applications.

• Approves or refuses development permits in accordance with the Municipal Land Use and By- Laws and Policies.

• Processes variance applications and issues or refuses requests.

• Processes Site Plan Approval applications and issues or refuses requests.

• Conducts site inspections.

• Works with Building Inspectors related to development permits and related building permits to assure compliance of the Land Use by-law.Assists in preparing Development Agreements.

• Interprets the regulations within the Land Use By-Law for applicants, the public, developers, staff, councillors, lawyers and real estate agents, etc.

• Responds to and, if warranted, acts on complaints filed with respect to land use and/or development.

• Administers the applicable sections of the Nova Scotia Municipal Government Act.

Subdivision ControlInterprets and administers Municipal Subdivision By-Laws and Provincial Subdivision Regulations.

• Processes subdivision applications including working with other departments and external agencies to obtain relevant comments.

• Assists in preparing bond or legal documents for the transfer of roads and services to the Municipality, including reporting to Council.

• Processes and Reviews Public Open Space, including assisting in the transfer of lands and fees, review of potential land for suitable recreation space, reporting to Council.

• Approves or refuses subdivision plans.

• Files approved and endorsed documents at the Registry of Deeds.

• Conducts site inspections.

Office Administration

• Maintains filing system for subdivision plans, development permits and development files, both hard copy and in a computer database.

• Maintains appropriate correspondence, plans and logs of all development, subdivision or zoning activities;

• Gathers data related to development and subdivision; and prepares statistical reports as necessary.

Communication

• Consults with Municipal Solicitors and other Municipal and Provincial staff as necessary.

• Prepares reports for the Director, Planning Advisory Committee, C.A.O. and Council on a wide range of planning and development matters as required. Conducts necessary research and field investigations pertinent to these issues.

• Makes presentations to Council and committees regarding administration of By-Laws and regulations.

• Speaks to groups on matters of development control.

• Responds to email, telephone and in person queries relating to planning and development control matters. Responds to written correspondence as required.

• Conducts property research regarding subdivision and development permit applications.

• Provides advice to surveyors, developers, real estate agents, lawyers, and general public.

• Prepares reports on development control.

• Assists the Municipal Solicitor in preparing for and conducting Review Board Appeals and court actions.

• Appears as a witness at Review Board and Court hearings when required.

• Co-ordinates the input required from other local, provincial departments or agencies relative to development matters and approval processes.

Other Duties

• Provide advice and consultation to Council and staff on issues of development control.

• Assists planners with amendments to planning documents as necessary.

• Attends Planning Advisory Committee, Council, and other Committees/Community meetings as necessary;

• Work with Bylaw Enforcement Officer related to compliance and the administration of Land Use and Subdivision By-Law.

• Represents Community Development & Recreation Department on internal committees.

• Attends meetings and advises specific Council Committees as assigned by the Senior Development Officer or Director.

• Keep current on matters relating to development and subdivision by attending training seminars offered by the Municipal Development Officers Association of Nova Scotia (MDOANS).

• Provides development control and subdivision services to any other municipal unit under contract with the Municipality of Chester for Development Services.

• Administer other licenses and permits under different by-laws, as required.

• Travel within the Municipality, as required.

CONTACTS

• General Public

• CAO

• Council

• Community Development & Recreation Director

• Municipal Staff

• Building Inspector

• Municipal Solicitor

• Council, Staff and Public of other Municipal Units under contract for services

Education : College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma from a program of 1 year to 2 yearsExperience : 2 years to less than 3 yearsQuick Apply

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