Development Officer

ABOUT US

The City of Spruce Grove is a fast growing, dynamic city committed to building and maintaining a fiscally responsible community that serves our residents, attracts visitors, and promotes future growth.
The “Values, We Live By” are accountability, communication, leadership, integrity, and respect while we work towards maintaining a work/play balance.
We are an organization that cares, an organization that is committed to our city and committed to you. The City of Spruce Grove is committed to public service, where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best work. We believe that by working together in a spirit of collaboration and respect, we can achieve great things.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This position is responsible for the processing and decision-making for all types of development permit applications and development compliance to meet the City’s legislative, policy and statutory framework, and ensure a positive, solution-based customer experience. This position reports to the Supervisor of Development.
This is a full-time, permanent position.
Salary: 14A - $82,937.40 - $98,589.40 annually.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Development Review
• Process and review applications for and issue decisions on basic residential, commercial, industrial and signage Development Permit applications when volume is high to ensure timelines are met.
• Coordinate with other departments and affected federal, provincial or other agencies during application review.
• Prioritize applications for residential new builds.
• Conduct site visits to inform application processing.
• Review and prepare legal documents in support of amending agreements, license to occupy, etc.
• Prepare reports on Development Permit decision appeals for presentation to the Subdivision Development Appeal Board in accordance with the procedures in the MGA.
• Prepare and present Request for Decision (RFD) to Council when required.
• Administer the Traffic Bylaw in relation to signs and other appurtenances in the City's road right-of-way.
2. Communication, Customer Experience and Engagement
• Communicate and collaborate with team members, City departments, Provincial departments and key partners.
• Provide professional advice, information and feedback related to development and compliance to:
o Ensure understanding by applicants, internal staff or other users of Land Use Bylaw, Municipal Government Act, as well as pertinent Provincial and City regulations and procedures.
o Inform internal matters related to other City Departments.
o Provide feedback and guidance on applications, proposals and inquiries from internal and external parties.
o Respond to telephone, email and in-person inquiries and complaints from the public related to development, compliance and associated processes and applications.
• Provide a positive customer experience in all interactions.
• Attend and observe public meetings or open houses facilitated by applicants.
• Attend occasional and regular evening and weekend meetings, such as required Council meetings.
• Ensure consistent, clear and professional written communication and presentations.
• Facilitate meetings with applicants, staff or other parties to support applications or other related initiatives.
3. Development Compliance
• Track, monitor and follow up on development conditions from issued permits to ensure compliance.
• Monitor and track provision of Real Property Reports to ensure compliance.
• Investigate complaints related to development compliance and work with property owners and businesses to achieve compliance using an educate-warn-consequence approach as outlined in City policy and procedures.
• Process compliance letters, including review of Real Property Reports and City property files to ensure compliance with approved development permits.
4. Process Enhancements
• Support and participate in continuous improvement using innovation and creativity to streamline processes and enhance service levels.
5. Other
• Understand and adhere to City policies, procedures and standards, whether written or implied, as amended from time to time.
• Contribute to a positive safety culture by always acting in a safe manner and complying with City safety policies and procedures for staff and contractors.
• Act as a steward of the City's Corporate Culture by following the “Values, We Live By”.
• All employees shall act in a safe manner at all times and will report any unsafe conditions, procedures or acts for the benefit of the City. Continual adherence to the City Safety Policy is mandatory.
• Employee are expected to stay current on WHMIS and other safety-related procedures.
• Perform other job-related duties.
• Back up for Senior Development Officer.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post secondary one (1) year Certificate in Alberta Land Use Planning or equivalent.
• Minimum one (1) year of related experience.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of development and the planning process.
• Knowledge of Municipal Government Act and regulations.
• Knowledge of effective writing and presentation techniques, including the ability to write enforceable conditions and decisions.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS.
• Understanding of land titles instruments.
• Solid communication and interpersonal skills.
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems.
• Ability to review development permits to determine compliance with municipal bylaws and provincial regulations.
• Ability to interpret legislation, statutory plans, legal descriptions, Land Use Bylaw, titles and related instruments, and various site plans.
• Ability to perform analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to be discrete and confidential when dealing with sensitive information, concerns and Council matters.
ASSET QUALIFICATIONS:
• Previous experience in processing development permits.
• Related experience in an Alberta municipal setting.
• Eligibility for membership in Alberta Development Officers Association.
COMPETENCIES:
Thinking & Acting Strategically - Forward-thinking. Sees the big picture and imagines the future. Links long-range visions, strategies, and concepts to daily work. Aligns personal actions and initiatives with customer needs, and with organizational priorities and direction. To think and act strategically requires an understanding of our organizational direction, as well as the internal and external factors that influence decision-making.
Building Influential Working Relationships - Strengthening and developing working relationships and strategic alliances that are founded on ethics, trust, and guided by our corporate values of respect, leadership, accountability, communication, and integrity.
Optimizing Performance & Results - Reaches for excellence for oneself, one’s team, and the organization. Determined and focused on achieving outcomes that align with organizational goals. Creates goals and priorities that maximize resources while using an enterprising, resourceful approach to deliver outcomes and achieve customer expectations. Maintains accountability for results.
Growing Talent & Workforce Capacity - Honouring the individual differences that make each person unique. Being curious and committed to listening, reflecting, and learning. Developing individual and workforce capabilities to enhance the organization’s capacity to accomplish strategic goals, enhance program and service delivery, and provide an exceptional customer/client experience. Contributes to a learning and teaching culture.
Fostering Innovation & Steering Change – Creates an environment for transformation. Advances the City through improvement based on innovation and guides the associated change. Uses the skills, attitudes and behaviours needed to produce new or improved programs and services to meet current and future needs of our customers, our organization, and our community.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Class 5 Driver’s License.
• Must obtain a satisfactory review of a three-year Driver’s Abstract, with a maximum of six demerits.
• Criminal Record Check Clearance.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
• Monday to Friday
• Hours of Work: 8:30am to 4:30pm
• Hybrid Work Options
• Overtime may be required.
• Travel may be required.
• Working in an office environment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Sitting, standing, walking, climbing, stairs, kneeling, manual dexterity, visual acuity/color vision.
• Lifting to 5kg (11lbs).

NEXT STEPS

• You must apply through this portal to be considered. We do not accept applications through other forums.
• Only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.
• This posting may be used to staff other permanent or temporary vacancies.
• Candidates may be interviewed as applications are received.

WHY WORK FOR US?

• Competitive wage
• Pension
• Medical & Dental Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Wellness Initiatives
• Work/Life Balance
• Recognized General Holidays
• Leave Options
• Positive Work Atmosphere
• Employee Awards
• Volunteer and Fundraising Opportunities
• Professional Development