The successful candidate for the Planner 1 Environment position will bring a background and interest in integrating ecology with planning. The work undertaken will include involvement in a range of duties with respect to environmental policy including review of environmental studies and development applications, Official Plan policy, research, preparation of comments, reports and presentations, site visits, and public outreach. Guided by the goals and objectives of the City of Guelph Strategic Plan, the Official Plan, related environmental legislation and policy, and committed to the corporate values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Vision for an inclusive, connected and prosperous city.
Key duties and responsibilities
- Reviewing environmental studies submitted in support of development applications and preparing consolidated comments based on the review of technical documents, including but not limited to Environmental Impact Studies, Environmental Implementation Reports, Stormwater Management Reports and Tree Preservation/Conservation Plans to ensure technical accuracy and conformity with relevant policies and standards of practice.
- Consulting with subject matter experts to prepare environmental planning comments that integrate ecology and policy planning with considerations from hydrological, hydrogeological, engineering, or other areas of City interest.
- Prepare written recommendations for development applications to express environmental planning requirements. This position will focus on review of and commenting on Committee of Adjustment and Zoning Bylaw amendment applications, and will contribute to the review of Official Plan amendments and Plans of Subdivision, to ensure conformity with relevant environmental legislation, policies and regulations.
- Conduct research and provide support for policy and planning reviews with respect to long range policy planning initiatives and projects such as Official Plan updates, watershed and subwatershed studies, servicing and stormwater masterplans, and environmental assessments.
- Assist with the development of education and awareness programs, implementation guidelines, and technical manuals with respect to environmental policy and development processes.
- Attend site visits to review flagging and confirm limits or presence of natural heritage features in the field.
- Provide evidence before the Ontario Land Tribunal and other tribunals, as required.
- Facilitate public consultation, liaison and community outreach.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications and requirements
- A degree in Environmental Planning, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Planning or closely related field. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Two to three years experience in a role that integrates ecology and planning and includes experience interpreting ecology (preferably in field situations), interpreting and applying planning policy or legislation, and developing comments or recommendations based on environmental reports. Experience as an ecologist or planner with a private consulting firm, conservation authority or a municipality is preferred.
- Must possess a valid ‘G‘ drivers licence with a good driving record. Successful candidates will be required to provide a current driver’s abstract prior to their start date to confirm their licence is held in good standing and that it has not been suspended or revoked under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) or Criminal Code of Canada in the last 5 years. The City of Guelph will take into consideration the number of demerit points and/or nature of the infractions to determine if it meets our requirements.
- Applicants with practical field experience and a demonstrated ability to interpret ecology in the field, such as through the delineation of natural heritage features, certification in or application of the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System and/or Ecological Land Classification System would be considered an asset.
- Ability to interpret ecological data and information. The ability to synthesize and integrate ecological information with considerations from other technical disciplines such as engineering, hydrology, hydrogeology would be an asset.
- Knowledge of Planning and relevant legislation and policy including the Planning Act, Provincial Planning Statement and relevant Provincial regulations and guidelines.
- Knowledge of planning and environmental policy and legislation including the Environmental Assessment Act, the Clean Water Act, the Ontario Water Resources Act, the Conservation Authorities Act, and relevant Provincial and Federal regulations and guidelines.
- Membership or eligible for membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute or Canadian Institute of Planners.
- Ability to work effectively in both a team situation and independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to provide solution-oriented customer service using good judgment, creativity, strategic thinking and effective communication.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of staff, stakeholders and the general public.
- Capable of expressing technical information and direction in a clear and concise manner both in writing and verbally.
- Experience with GIS would be an asset.
- Ability to conduct research, evaluate options and develop recommendations.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a demanding environment.
- Intermediate skills Microsoft Office (Power Point, Word and Excel).
Hours of work
35 hours per week, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Occasional evening work may be required to attend meetings. This position is eligible for hybrid and flexible work arrangement options (as per current corporate policy).
Pay/Salary
CUPE 973 Grade 10: $42.91 - $52.66 per hour
How to apply
Qualified applicants are invited to apply using our online application system by December 21, 2025. Please note all applicants must complete the online questionnaire specific to this position at the time they submit their resume and cover letter in order to be considered.
The City of Guelph is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel welcome, valued and engaged. Our employment policies strictly prohibit all forms of discrimination on any of the grounds in relevant laws. All employment practices are solely based on individual merit, qualifications, and organization's needs at the time. In keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, we are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals in our job application procedures. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, you may contact us to make your needs known in advance.
Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.