About this role
Subdivision Parkland Planner
Job Posting: Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the permanent position of Subdivision Parkland Planner in Planning & 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.
Under the direction of the Principal Planner and working in a team environment, the Subdivision Parkland Planner is responsible for applying the requirements of the Subdivision By-law in the acquisition of parkland that occurs through subdivision development. The Subdivision Parkland Planner works with the municipality's Development staff to evaluate and comment on subdivision applications, and determine whether the municipality should acquire land, acquire lands with parkland improvements, accept cash-in-lieu of parkland, or a combination of the foregoing. Where the municipality accepts improvements to parkland, the Subdivision Parkland Planner evaluates proposals, assists with agreements, and oversees construction. This work is overseen by the Principal Planner, but is highly independent.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Reviews subdivision application proposals against the requirements of the Subdivision By-law. • Determines instances where land should be acquired, land should be acquired with parkland improvements, cash-in-lieu of parkland should be accepted, or a combination of the forgoing should be accepted by the municipality. • Evaluates proposals for improvements to parkland, assists with agreements, and oversees construction. • Acts as liaison between citizens, other staff, government agencies, developers and elected officials on parkland planning matters as may be assigned. • Conducts field evaluations and assessments. • Provides input on amendments to planning documents and development agreements • Works pro-actively and cooperatively with staff in developing procedures and standards for the acquisition of lands. • Researches and identifies emerging planning trends, policies and best practices from other jurisdictions and makes recommendations on business unit policies and planning initiatives to address community problems. • Develops and executes quality assurance checks and quality control procedures. • Implements, modifies, and executes procedures for data integrity and security. • Ensures files and data are maintained and managed on a regular basis. • Provides general technical support to staff and other clients. • Represents the municipality at tribunals such as the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board. • Contributes to periodic improvements to the Subdivision By-law and other related documents. • Performs other duties as required, including working outside normal working hours. QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience:
• University degree from an accredited planning program and two (2) 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 four (4) years of professional planning experience. • Candidacy as a Licensed Professional Planner (LPP) or equivalent Provincial or International designation is considered an asset. • Experience working in a municipal government environment is considered an asset. • A valid driver's license is required.
Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:
• Well-developed knowledge of the principles and practices of planning including cross-functional knowledge involving other disciplines. • In-depth knowledge of parks and recreation planning along with knowledge of community development, urban design, heritage conservation, housing, parks and recreation, transportation planning and environmental/natural resources planning. • Knowledge of relevant provincial and federal government regulations and programs • Knowledge of standard office software and technology including Microsoft Office Suite. • Internet applications, GIS and other similar systems and technology related to the business unit. • Thorough 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. • A broad knowledge of the legislative framework under which land use planning law operates and the ability to interpret and draft by-laws and contracts which affect the rights of landowners, neighbourhoods and communities. • Superior written and verbal communications and strong interpersonal and facilitation skills. • Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well-defined practical problems. • Ability to review plans and construction drawings to determine compliance with regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions. • Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously. • Ability to work independently or in a team environment. • Ability to attend to details while also applying big-picture goals. 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, Risk Management, Teamwork and Cooperation, Valuing Diversity.
WORK STATUS: One (1) full-time permanent position.
HOURS OF WORK: Monday - Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, 35 hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours and hybrid may be available.
SALARY: Level 9 $42.50/hour as per NSGEU Local 22 Collective Agreement.
WORK LOCATION: 3rd Floor of Duke Tower (5251 Duke Street, Halifax, NS).
CLOSING DATE: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm Wednesday September 9, 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 recruiter when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link: Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax
(Position # 72283782)