Planner, Policy & Development

Are you looking for a challenging, dynamic and innovative job to fall in love with? Then look no further.

This is an exciting time at the City of Lloydminster and as a Planner, Policy & Development, your experience will range from policy implementation to creating planning documents from the ground up. Key roles include:

• Project management;
• Supporting the implementation and review of the Municipal Development Plan;
• Supporting the implementation of the newly approved Land Use Bylaw;
• Processing subdivision applications, road closures, and bylaw amendments;
• Policy writing and report writing;
• Community consultation;
• Facilitating intermunicipal relations with our counterparts on both the Alberta side and Saskatchewan side of our City;
• Aiding in the implementation of the City’s new Area Structure Plan policy;
• Supporting the creation and visioning of Area Structure Plans to facility future growth;
• Supporting the Development Officers regarding development permit reviews; and
• Reviewing and monitoring current internal processes to ensure alignment with legislation and to continuously improve processes.

Our Planning Department is seeking a highly motivated individual who is ready to learn and adapt to the ever-growing City we call home. Preference is given to individuals with a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution in planning or a related field. Registered Professional Planners or those in the process of obtaining their designation are preferred.

As the successful candidate, you are willing to adapt and learn about the legislative challenges we face as Canada’s border city, be able to respond professionally and creatively to unexpected challenges and shifting workload priorities, and be an independent thinker and problem solver who works well in a collaborative environment.

The City of Lloydminster offers a full compensation package including opportunities for flexible work arrangements, competitive benefits including $1,000 annually towards a health spending account, a voluntary vacation payment plan, a minimum of three weeks of paid vacation, pension contribution from the employer, free access to City recreation facilities and competitive wages in accordance with the CUPE Collective Agreement Band 7 ($44.48-$47.37/hr).

Over the last two years the City has adopted a new Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw. As the Planning Services Team works though implementation and ongoing monitoring of the documents, this is an existing time of change, growth and opportunity. To date in 2025, the City has approved several multi-million dollar permits (based on construction value) which will continue to entice and spark growth within our community and region. Contingent upon budget approval, there is on-going need for the comprehensive review of that statutory documents which effect our City on both the Alberta and Saskatchewan sides of our border.

Living in Lloydminster offers a range of urban, recreational and outdoor activities, including:

• enjoying local restaurants;
• attending community events including Heritage Days, Street Fest, Winter Fest, and Lloyd Ex Fair;
• enjoying activities at Bud Miller All Seasons Park like tennis, pickleball, ultimate frisbee, beach volleyball, minigolf, walking, skating, cross-country skiing and swimming;
• visiting the movie theatre;
• shopping at big-name stores and local shops;
• attending numerous community and sports events;
• easy day trips to Edmonton or Saskatoon; and
• camping, hiking, and fishing at nearby lakes.

Lloydminster is a youthful and active community ready to welcome you!

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Planning, the Planner, Policy & Development provides professional expertise in statutory planning, policy development, and community planning. Working with internal departments, the public, and external partners, the Planner interprets planning legislation, evaluates complex land-use issues, and ensures growth is managed sustainably. Key responsibilities include preparing, reviewing, and approving statutory planning documents, developing planning policies, and providing informed advice that is supported and upholds the public good.

Duties and Responsibilities

Statutory & Current Planning

• Reviews and processes applications to amend statutory planning documents, including but not limited to the Municipal Development Plan (MDP), Land Use Bylaw (LUB) and Area Structure Plans (ASP).
• Reviews and processes Neighbourhood Structure Plan applications in accordance with City policies.
• Supports Development Officer in processing Development Permits and completes comprehensive compliance reviews against the MDP and the hierarchy of planning documents.
• Processes and reviews subdivision applications in accordance with the applicable provincial legislation, statutory requirements, and City bylaws.
• Prepares final reports and recommendations for the Subdivision Approving Authority.
• Prepares and reviews plans and agreements related to conditions of approval (easements, cross-access, cross-servicing, deferred reserve caveats, development agreements, etc.).
• Prepares reports and recommendations for the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB).
• Processes road closure applications as required with the applicable provincial legislation.
• Ensures municipal compliance with relevant acts, regulations, bylaws, agreements, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure that the LUB is current, relevant and in alignment with current trends. Provides a recommendation to amendment where and when necessary with the appropriate planning rational to support the amendment.
• Supports the review, creation and approval of any necessary planning documents or agreements (including but not limited to Joint Land Use and Planning Agreement (JUPA)) in accordance with the applicable legislation.

Long-Range & Policy Planning

• Facilitates and project-manages the preparation of Area Structure Plans (ASPs) in alignment with the MDP and applicable policies.
• Facilitates procurement of required studies and documents.
• Facilitate the necessary engagement to support the scope of the project.
• Prepares all necessary documents and Bylaws for the final approval of Council.
• Provides ongoing reporting on the Municipal Development Plan and recommends amendments as needed.
• Conducts research and analysis on planning matters including land use, zoning, subdivision design, economics, demographics, urban development, parks and recreation, public services, utilities, environmental and social issues.
• Uses qualitative and quantitative data to prepare evidence-based policy recommendations.
• Works independently or in teams to prepare major planning studies, policies, and long-range plans for recommendation to senior staff, administration, and Council.
• Assists in implementing short- and long-term planning goals for the City.
• Assists the Manager, Planning in preparing the annual capital budget and long-range budget needs.

Intermunicipal & Regional Planning

• Supports intermunicipal relations with partner municipalities on both the Alberta and Saskatchewan sides of the border.
• Supports the review and monitoring of intermunicipal documents, including the Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) and Official Community Plan (OCP).
• Provides planning support to intermunicipal planning committees.

Research, Data & Analysis

• Collects, compiles, and analyzes data and information related to land use planning, growth, development, and emerging trends.
• Conducts specialized research to support internal departments and planning initiatives.
• Prepares detailed analysis to support policy development, decision-making, and planning recommendations.

Communication, Engagement & Customer Service

• Effectively and professionally writes bylaws, reports and memo’s as required.
• Communicates with internal departments, external stakeholders, developers, landowners, and the public on planning and development matters.
• Prepares reports and recommendations to Council, the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB), and other committees as required.
• Provides problem-solving support and responds to inquiries regarding development, building permits, planning policies, and development control matters.
• Follows up with landowners, developers, and builders on planning-related inquiries.
• Uses creative techniques to ensure meaningful public engagement on planning projects, including outreach to neighbourhoods, interest groups, and the community at large.
• Responds to public, staff, consultant, and developer requests for planning information.
• Attends evening and weekend meetings as required.

Other Duties

• Performs other related duties as assigned from time to time.

Qualifications

• Completion of a four year post secondary Bachelor’s degree in Planning or a related field from a recognized institution.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional planning experience.
• Project management experience within municipal planning is an asset.
• Ability to become certified as a Registered Professional Planner (RPP); Eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) required.
• Strong research capability, with demonstrated experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative planning data.
• Excellent report writing skills with the ability to prepare clear, concise, and well-supported planning documents, studies, and recommendations.
• Thorough understanding of planning principles, legislation, statutory processes, and best practices related to land use bylaws, subdivisions, and development permitting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfortable working with digital planning tools and datasets.
• Experience in graphic design software.
• Exceptional communication skills, including strong written, verbal, presentation, and active listening abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex planning information in a clear and respectful manner to diverse audiences, including the public, stakeholders, and elected officials.
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to provide professional, courteous, and effective support to residents, developers, staff, and external agencies.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to manage conflict, negotiate solutions, and maintain positive working relationships.
• Able to work independently with accuracy, attention to detail, and accountability while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, use sound judgment, and apply creativity to complex planning challenges.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence (Alberta or Saskatchewan) with an acceptable driver’s abstract; may be required to operate a municipal vehicle for business purposes.

Pre-employment Requirements

• Successful applicants must provide proof of qualifications.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check.
• Applicants with international education will be required to include an Academic Assessment from the appropriate governing body.

Working Conditions

This position is office based, normal working hours are between 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. with the occasional requirement to work outside these standard hours.

Compensation: In Scope Band 7 (Subject to CUPE 1015 Agreement)

Closing Date: Until suitable candidate is found