Development Officer Planning

Posted on: Sep 1, 2026
Posted by: Town of Drayton Valley

Summary

The Development Officer is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Town’s Land Use Bylaw, including the review, processing, and issuance of development permits, and for ensuring that development activity within the Town complies with the Municipal Government Act (MGA), the Land Use Bylaw, and other applicable statutory plans and regulations.

This position provides advice and support to applicants, landowners, Administration, CAO, on planning and development matters and represents the Town at Subdivision and Development Appeal Board hearings and other boards or tribunals as required.

They must understand and adhere to all worker responsibilities as outlined in the current Town’s Policy and Procedures.

They must understand and adhere to all Town Health & Safety policies, work procedures, rules, and relevant directives.

Key Responsibilities

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
● Reviews, processes, and issues (or declines) development permit applications in accordance with the Land Use Bylaw, the MGA, and other applicable regulations and policies.
● Interprets and applies the Land Use Bylaw, Zoning Regulations, and statutory plans; drafts recommendations on development applications.
● Updates municipal bylaws, regulations, and statutory plans as necessary.
● Assesses completeness of applications and supporting materials and works with applicants to resolve deficiencies.
● Monitors and enforces permit conditions and Land Use Bylaw compliance, including on-site inspections of new construction and development during the construction process.
● Investigates development complaints and works with property owners, businesses, and other stakeholders toward resolution.
● Coordinates with the Safety Codes contractor to support compliance with the Safety Codes Act.
● Assists applicants, landowners, and stakeholders in understanding departmental processes, bylaws, and permit requirements.
● Participates in pre-application meetings and supports applicants through development and subdivision processes.
● Responds to public inquiries and complaints by phone, email, or in person, ensuring a positive customer experience.
● Presents to and advises the Municipal Planning Commission, CAO, the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, and other boards or tribunals as required.
● Maintains accurate records of applications, permits, compliance activity, and enforcement actions.
● Supports the development and maintenance of the Town’s mapping files and GIS data related to planning and development.
● Liaises with the Town’s Solicitor, Peace Officers, Bylaw Officers, and other departments (including Public Works) on enforcement and development-related matters.
● Reviews existing bylaws and municipal policies and recommends changes as required.
● Assists in budget preparation and policy development for the department.
● Performs other related duties as assigned.
● Conducts on site inspections and visits when appropriate.
DECISION MAKING ROLE
Works under the general direction of the Chief of Staff. A high degree of independent judgment is required in interpreting and applying the Land Use Bylaw and related regulations to individual applications, and in resolving compliance matters.
MAJOR INTER-PERSONAL CONTACTS
Externally meeting with applicants, landowners, developers, contractors, and the public regarding planning, development, and compliance matters. Internally working with other departments, including Public Works and Bylaw Enforcement, to ensure development activity complies with the Town’s requirements and bylaws.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
● Post-secondary education in land use planning or a related field, or a Certificate in Alberta Land Use Planning (or equivalent), is preferred.
● Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in planning and development, preferably within an Alberta municipal setting.
● Proficiency interpreting the Municipal Government Act, Land Use Bylaws, and related regulations.
● Knowledge of enforcement processes and planning principles.
● Ability to read and interpret construction plans, drawings, and site plans.
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), databases, and planning software.
● Valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle.
● Membership in the Alberta Professional Planners Institute, Alberta Development Officers Association, or similar, is considered an asset.
● Strong customer service, communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills; ability to demonstrate tact, judgment, and political acumen, and to explain complex concepts clearly.

Job Type

Full Time

Employer Contact

No employer contact listed.

Salary Range

85,343 to 96,054

Closing Date

No closing date mentioned.
Posting ID: 39868