SENIOR PLANNER POLICY & RESEARCH

• Job ID: 62953
• Job Category: Policy, Planning & Research
• Division & Section: City Planning, CP Zoning & Committee of Adjustment
• Work Location: Metro Hall, 55 John Street W.
• Job Type & Duration: Full Time, 2 Temporary Vacancies 
• Hourly Rate and Wage Grade: $71.44 - $78.27, Wage Grade 18
• Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
• Affiliation: L79 Full-time
• Number of Positions Open: 2
• Posting Period: 19-Mar-2026 to 2-Apr-2026
•  
• Durations:
  • • One (1) Temporary vacancy located at Metro Hall, 55 John Street W, 12 months
    • One (1) Temporary vacancy located at Metro Hall, 55 John Street W, 18 months
  •  

Major Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Manager in the Zoning Section, the Senior Planner leads and coordinates complex planning, policy and research assignments and initiatives in the City Planning Division. The emphasis for this position will be on Toronto Zoning By-law 569-2013 and the development of zoning regulations that achieve city-building and implement the Official Plan and other public policies.

• • Conducts complex planning studies, policy analysis and/or research, including the coordination of staff and consultant teams to support the preparation and evaluation of policy, research and analysis.
  • Investigates, analyzes and makes recommendations on planning issues both individually and as the lead of a team of professional planners to the Division and/or Standing Committees and City Council.
  • Identifies approaches and methods of analyzing complex planning issues and emerging trends.
  • Provides policy advice.
  • Develops innovative solutions to planning challenges and informs colleagues, elected officials, stakeholders and the public through reports, presentations and other appropriate means.
  • Maintains current knowledge of municipal policy and research activities and develops information management techniques and methodologies.
  • Develops and coordinates multiple work programs to support planning, research and policy studies and initiatives.
  • Serves as a team leader and coordinator of other planners and support staff to ensure high quality work and on time project delivery.
  • Represents the Division and provides professional advice and support in regards to corporate initiatives, planning and policy studies and in the review of development applications to Council, Community Councils and Standing Committees and at meetings with community groups, stakeholders, elected officials and other divisions.
  • Prepares reports and a broad range of presentation materials for consideration by City Council and its Standing Committees, the community and various stakeholders.
  • Provides policy leadership, professional advice and support to the Division as a participant in and team lead of corporate initiatives and in intergovernmental relations.
  • Prepares and/or coordinates the development of terms of reference and study designs to support planning, research and policy studies.
  • Coordinates consultants’ studies, including leading both the overall and day-to-day scope of work for the study and ensuring the successful completion of the required deliverables.
  • Facilitates stakeholder meetings and major community engagement initiatives. Leads the engagement discussion by providing relevant expertise, information and analysis. Carries out special planning tasks as assigned.
  • Acts as an expert witness on behalf of the City at the Ontario Land Tribunal.

Key Qualifications:

Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:
 

1. 1. Post-secondary education in planning, urban geography, or public policy, or in a professional discipline pertinent to the job function, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
   2. Extensive experience delivering complex planning, research, policy, and zoning projects, with minimal direction, while balancing political, community and other stakeholder interests.
   3. Extensive experience in community engagement.
   4. Considerable experience with the development and implementation of policy and regulations, including interpreting and applying such policies and assessing their application to the development of land and buildings.
   5. Considerable experience leading projects for planning, policy, zoning, research studies and coordinating a team, including overseeing the scope of external consultants' work.

You must also have:
 

• Advanced knowledge of the Planning Act, provincial policies and legislation related to land use planning, the Official Plan, Zoning By-law and the development review processes, as well as current regulations, research activities/methodologies and evolving policy trends in the city.
• Ability to interpret zoning by-law regulations and enabling legislation.
• Conflict resolution skills to manage complex and multi-stakeholder situations.
• Excellent project coordination, accountability and prioritization skills to complete multiple project assignments. Ability to use critical judgment, innovation and analytical thinking to undertake planning analysis.
• Highly developed presentation and communication skills to communicate complex subject matters and the division's interests to all levels of the organization, elected officials and the public, both internally and at community meetings or public forums in a clear and effective manner.
• Highly developed interpersonal and teamwork skills, including a customer- or client-focus, to develop/maintain solid internal and external relationships.
• Proficiency in research methodologies and their connection to long range policy formulation.
• Knowledge of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and other regulations/legislation that apply to the job duties.

• Membership in the Ontario Provincial Planners Institute or another provincial professional planners institute and/or the Canadian Institute of Planners would be an asset.

NOTE TO INTERNAL FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME CITY OF TORONTO EMPLOYEES:

City of Toronto employees must apply to full-time or part-time employment opportunities posted on the City's Internal Job Posting Portal.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.