Coordinator, Committee of Adjustment

JOB SUMMARY

The Committee of Adjustment derives its jurisdiction from the Planning Act of Ontario. The Committee regularly holds public hearings and are mandated to consider and make decisions on applications for Minor Variances, Permission, Consents, Validation of Title and Power of Sale.

You are responsible for reviewing and processing a high volume of applications made to the Committee of Adjustment to meet tight legislated timeframes set out in the Planning Act, and providing administrative support to the Committee of Adjustment in conducting daytime and evening Public Hearings in accordance with the Act, its regulations and the Committee’s Procedures By-law.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 3 year community college diploma or university degree in Public Administration, business or law, building development, urban planning or architecture, or related field.

Minimum of 3 years of experience in land use planning or development.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES

KNOWLEDGE

• Must possess technical knowledge of the following and their inter-relationship:  Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement, City of Ottawa Official Plan, City of Ottawa Zoning By-law, Site Plan Control Approval By-law, Land Titles Act, Ontario Building Code Act, Planning and Building Permit Approval Processes (Site Plan Control Approval, Plan of Subdivision, Heritage, Part Lot Control, Cash-in-lieu of Parkland, Minimum Distance Separation Guidelines), Ontario Municipal Board, Conservation Authorities Act, Compliance Reports, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and other related Municipal By-laws including the Private Approach By-law and the Property Standards By-law.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the regulations and practices governing the proceedings of the Committee of Adjustment. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of the function of the Ontario Municipal Board.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret Survey Plans, Compiled Plans, Registered Plans and Architectural drawings.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the performance standards of the Zoning By-law, including official interpretations and updated amendments and to recognize deficiencies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of real estate conveyancing practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of general land use planning principles.
• Knowledge of municipal organizational structure.
• Demonstrated knowledge of general office practices and procedures, records management and office equipment, including Liberty Court Player and Wolfvision Visualizer.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Suite, E-Registration Process (Teraview), MAP, Public Notification System Records Management, CommonLook software, and database/web-base applications for SIRE and SharePoint.
• Demonstrated understanding of a wide-range of complex and technical construction and development issues and their inter-relationship with the Zoning By-law performance requirements.
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to explain and educate clients and the general public on applicable provincial statutes as they relate to the role of the Committee of Adjustment and the day-to-day activities of the position. 
• Demonstrated writing skills with a demonstrated analytical ability to extract key points dealing with legal and planning issues, and construction-related proposals and convey those, in writing, in a non-technical manner, paying strict attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret plans of survey, architectural drawings, site plan drawings and to perform mathematical calculations.
• Strong communication skills to deal effectively and tactfully with Committee Members, elected officials,  management, solicitors, architects, development professionals and the general public and to deal with people in an emotional state whose property interests are being impacted.
• Excellent organization and time management skills and techniques, with proven ability to work under pressure in a fast paced, detail-oriented environment to meet tight legislated deadlines.
• Ability to conduct background research and analyze information collected.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement and independent decision-making, utilizing discretion as required.
• Work independently and as a flexible and co-operative member of a team.
• Ability to establish priorities and to work under stressful conditions to meet strict legislative deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills to deal effectively, both verbally and in writing, with people representing a wide of range of interests and authorities.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Positive approach in resolving conflicts.
• Self motivated and resourceful.
• Client-focused.
• Results-oriented.
• Tactful and discreet.