urban planner jobs

Development Planner

Design Build Solutions

About Us

Design Build Solutions is a Nova Scotia-based development and construction company with more than 25 years of experience delivering residential, seniors living, long-term care, and mixed-use development projects throughout Atlantic Canada and Ontario.

As part of the ACL Group of Companies, Design Build Solutions specializes in development planning, regulatory approvals, design coordination, project management, and construction services. Our team works collaboratively to transform development opportunities into successful projects that create long-term value for residents, communities, and stakeholders.

We are committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and the effective use of technology to enhance project delivery and operational efficiency. As our development portfolio continues to grow, we are seeking a Development Planner to help advance projects through the planning and approvals process.

The Opportunity

As a Development Planner, you will play a key role in advancing development opportunities for Design Build Solutions. Reporting directly to the President of Design Build Solutions, you will support the planning, evaluation, permitting, and approval of residential, commercial, mixed-use, and seniors housing developments.

You will be responsible for conducting site evaluations, assessing development feasibility, preparing planning applications, coordinating approvals, and managing relationships with municipalities, consultants, and regulatory agencies. From initial site analysis through project approvals, you will help guide projects through the planning and development process and support the growth of the company's development portfolio.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys combining technical planning expertise, project coordination, regulatory analysis, and problem-solving. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a wide variety of development projects.

Key Responsibilities

Site Evaluation & Development Planning

• Conduct site evaluations and preliminary planning assessments for prospective development projects.
• Conduct development feasibility assessments, including zoning analysis, servicing considerations, site constraints, permitting requirements, approval pathways, and development potential.
• Review municipal planning policies, Municipal Planning Strategies (MPS), Land Use By-laws (LUB), subdivision regulations, and development standards.
• Assess development opportunities and identify planning, regulatory, and servicing constraints.
• Prepare site evaluation reports, feasibility assessments, and planning recommendations.
• Provide guidance regarding approval requirements, development options, and project viability.
• Support project teams during the early planning and pre-development stages.
• Assist in maintaining and advancing the company's development project pipeline through planning analysis and regulatory review.

Planning Applications & Regulatory Approvals

• Prepare and submit planning applications, development permits, variance applications, rezoning applications, subdivision applications, site plan approvals, and related approval requests.
• Prepare planning rationale reports and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with municipalities, government agencies, and regulatory authorities throughout the review process.
• Track application progress and manage approval timelines.
• Respond to municipal comments, requests for information, and approval conditions.
• Support public consultation and stakeholder engagement activities when required.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of applicable planning policies and regulatory requirements.

Project Coordination

• Collaborate with internal design, engineering, permitting, construction, and project management teams.
• Coordinate with external consultants including surveyors, engineers, architects, environmental professionals, geotechnical consultants, and legal advisors.
• Assist in developing project schedules related to planning approvals and regulatory reviews.
• Maintain accurate project files, application records, correspondence, and approval documentation.
• Monitor project milestones and proactively identify issues that may impact approvals, schedules, or project success.

Innovation & Process Improvement

• Utilize planning software, GIS tools, mapping systems, and project management platforms to support project delivery.
• Identify opportunities to improve planning workflows, application preparation processes, document management, and project tracking systems.
• Support the implementation and ongoing use of technology solutions, automation tools, AI-assisted workflows, reporting systems, and digital platforms that improve planning and development operations.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal procedures, templates, standards, and reporting systems.

Qualifications

Education

• Degree in Urban Planning, Community Planning, Environmental Planning, Geography, Land Development, or a related discipline.
• Eligibility for membership with a recognized professional planning association is considered an asset.

Experience

• Experience in planning, land development, municipal approvals, permitting, consulting, or a related field.
• Experience preparing development applications and supporting documentation.
• Experience conducting site evaluations, planning analysis, or development feasibility assessments.
• Experience working with municipalities, regulatory agencies, consulting firms, developers, or engineering firms is considered an asset.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of land use planning principles and development approval processes.
• Knowledge of municipal planning policies, zoning by-laws, subdivision regulations, and development standards.
• Excellent report writing, research, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to interpret planning policies, regulations, technical reports, and development requirements.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, project management software, and digital collaboration tools.
• Experience with GIS, mapping software, planning software, or development tracking systems is considered an asset.
• Comfortable learning and leveraging technology, automation tools, and AI solutions to improve productivity and project outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build productive relationships with municipalities, consultants, regulatory agencies, and project stakeholders.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of residential, mixed-use, seniors housing, and commercial development projects.
• Direct collaboration with senior leadership and decision-makers.
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial, and growth-oriented work environment.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact communities throughout Atlantic Canada.

Location

This is a Hybrid role based in Ontario (GTA), with occasional travel required for site evaluations, municipal meetings, consultant coordination, and project-related activities.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and interest in the position.

Design Build Solutions thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Pay: $80,000.00-$120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• RRSP match

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Greater Toronto Area, ON