Administration

Careers

Director, Planning and Development

Full Time Permanent – Non/Union

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is a community-based natural resource management agency that works to protect, enhance, and sustain healthy watersheds. With 60 years of experience, the NPCA offers watershed programs and services that focus on flood and hazard management, source water protection, species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, and land management.

The NPCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in the Province of Ontario. With 41 Conservation Areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed, the NPCA manages lands that are held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.

The Opportunity

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director and Planning and Development leads an interdisciplinary team of technical specialists and planners to deliver NPCA’s Mandatory Programs and Services including Planning and Permits, Compliance and Enforcement, Environmental Planning and Policy, Planning Ecology, Drinking Water Source Protection Program and providing input regarding watershed and land management planning.
As a senior leader and working closely with the Director of Watershed Strategies and Climate Change, this role provides advice to the CAO and Board on matters related to NPCA’s regulatory functions and associated legal matters. This position acts as designated signing authority for NPCA Section 28 work permits, supports NPCA Board Hearings and NPCA’s participation in Ontario Land Tribunal proceedings. The Director also represents NPCA as an expert planning witness when required.
As a key spokesperson on NPCA planning and regulatory matters, the Director maintains exceptional client services and strong relationships at all levels of governments, industry and community residents.
Driving identified strategic priorities relating to Planning and Development, this role will manage, motivate and guide a high performing technical team towards fulfilling the mandate and strategic vision of the NPCA.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Modeling exceptional client service to represent NPCA both internally and externally and act as a spokesperson communicating NPCA’s policy positions to municipal partners, interest groups, industry, community and residents.
Providing leadership to the department through assessing departmental needs, motivating high performing teams, implementing change, guiding staff development and succession planning.
Accountable for the development, execution, and evaluation of programs and services to ensure continued improvement and effective service delivery.
Providing internal customer service to, and integration with other departments as advisable.
Demonstrating effective financial management in developing and monitoring department budgets and monitoring and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures.
Overseeing the implementation of NPCA’s Policy Document, Policies for the Planning and Development in the Watersheds of Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Procedural Manual and related legislation as well as through the review and approval of NPCA Section 28 work permits.
Ensuring the NPCA’s natural hazard mandate to protect people and property from natural hazards such as flooding, and erosion is implemented effectively in accordance with provincial legislation and industry guidelines and standards.
Ensuring the effective implementation of the NPCA Client Service Standards for Plan and Permit Review and overseeing the annual reporting of NPCA performance to the NPCA Board of Directors.
Identifying, analyzing, and responding to internal and external risk factors including security, liability, legislative and confidentiality breaches.
Representing the NPCA regarding planning and regulatory matters at all levels of government and acting as an NPCA representative with various outside agencies, maintaining an established network of professionals in the field.
Overseeing the development, implementation and management of the compliance and enforcement functions and programs pursuant to Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act, Ontario Regulation 41/24 and other applicable legislation.
Acting as designated signing authority for NPCA Section 28 work permits and overseeing NPCA involvement in NPCA Board Hearings and Ontario Land Tribunal proceedings, representing NPCA as an expert planning witness when required.
Ensuring NPCA regulation mapping is updated and maintained to reflect best available data for the public and stakeholders.
Overseeing the Niagara Peninsula Drinking Source Water Program coordination and implementation.
Possessing the knowledge and experience relevant to the position, seeking professional development, and transferring knowledge to contribute to the success of others to advance the teams professional careers.

What you Bring

Degree from a recognized University in Planning, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Engineering, Public Administration or a related discipline
Ten (10) years progressive experience in the field of planning, with at least five (5) years managing a senior portfolio and as a member of the Senior Management Team
Solid understanding of relevant legislation including the Conservation Authorities Act and associated Regulations, Clean Water Act, Niagara Escarpment Plan, Planning Act, Drainage Act, Aggregate Resources Act, Environmental Resources Act and other associated regulations
A Registered Professional Planner Designation
Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability prioritize workloads
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage staff and stakeholders at all levels

What We Offer You

An annual salary starting at $141,805 (35 hours/week – 2024 rate)
Comprehensive benefits including health and dental and access to the Employee Assistance Program
A Health Care Spending Account, allowing you to use your benefits where you need them.
Enrollment in the OMERS pension plan
Free access to all the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Areas
A hybrid remote work opportunity
An opportunity to make a difference as part of a highly engaged and passionate team of professionals.

Home Base Location: NPCA Main Office – 3350 Merrittville Highway, Thorold, with travel within the watershed

Application Deadline: Wednesday, August 14th, 2024 – 4:00 pm

The NPCA is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in the workplace. We do not condone or tolerate discrimination on the basis of citizenship, race, place of origin, ethnic origin, colour, ancestry, disability, age, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, or record of offence.

Our hiring policies help ensure a consistent, diverse and objective hiring process that is non-discriminatory in nature, and compliant with the Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code, Occupational Health & Safety, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act as well as any other related legislation ensuring equal employment opportunities.

We can provide accommodation for a disability in all employment activities, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require an accommodation, please contact recruitment@npca.ca