Planning & Development Manager

Posted on: Sep 9, 2025
Posted by: Athabasca County

Summary

Reporting to the Director of Community & Protective Services, the Planning & Development Manager is responsible for overseeing the Planning & Development Department, including staff supervision and the delivery of planning, development, and land management services. This role ensures the effective administration of planning legislation, bylaws, and policies; provides professional planning and land management advice to Council, the Municipal Planning Commission, and related boards; and manages subdivision, development, and land-related processes.

The Manager is accountable for departmental leadership, land management oversight, and ensuring excellent service delivery to residents, developers, and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Development

  • Oversee preparation, review, advertisement, adoption, and implementation of statutory planning documents (Municipal Development Plan, Intermunicipal Development Plans, Area Structure Plans, and Area Redevelopment Plans).
  • Supervise staff in the acceptance, review, and processing of development and subdivision applications in accordance with the Municipal Government Act, Land Use Bylaw, and County policies.
  • Provide professional planning advice to Council, the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC), the Subdivision & Development Appeal Board (SDAB), and other County committees.
  • Prepare and present reports, bylaws, and recommendations to Council, MPC, and committees as require

Land Management

Oversee land management activities including acquisitions, dispositions, leases, easements, encroachments, licenses of occupation, and road closures.

  • Ensure agreements are accurate, current, and compliant with legislation, bylaws, and County policies.
  • Coordinate with GIS, Records, Public Works, Utilities, and Taxation to ensure effective land and asset management.
  • Develop consultation strategies for land use planning, acquisitions, and dispositions.

Leadership & Supervision

  • Supervise, mentor, train, and evaluate Planning & Development staff, ensuring a professional and efficient team.
  • Foster a collaborative, customer-focused approach within the department.
  • Recruit, train, and manage staff performance in line with County policies.

 Financial & Administrative

  • Prepare and monitor departmental budgets, contracts, and consulting assignments.
  • Manage consultants, contractors, and service providers to ensure cost-effective and timely project completion.
  • Ensure records, land agreements, and mapping are accurate and compliant with County procedures.

 Other Duties

  • Promote positive public relations by providing clear, timely responses to ratepayers, developers, and stakeholders.
  • Participate in the County’s management team and support corporate initiatives.
  • Support the Director of Emergency Services in declared or undeclared emergencies.

Requirements

  • Post-secondary degree in Planning, Geography, Urban Studies, or related discipline.
  • Member or eligible for membership in the Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI) preferred.
  • Minimum five (5) years’ progressively responsible municipal planning and development experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
  • Strong knowledge of Alberta’s Municipal Government Act, Land Titles Act, subdivision and development regulations, and related legislation.
  • Demonstrated experience in land management, including acquisitions, dispositions, leases, easements, and road closures.
  • Excellent leadership skills, with proven ability to supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff. Strong communication, negotiation, and report writing skills.
  • Proficiency with GIS and land management software, as well as Microsoft Office applications.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
  • Valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s licence.
  • Ability to provide a satisfactory Criminal Record Check.

Job Type

Full time

Employer Contact

No employer contact listed.

Salary Range

98,000-122,000

Closing Date

September 21, 2025
Posting ID: 34021