Full details on this position is attached. To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume at  www.niagarafalls.ca (Employment Opportunities). 

Applications must be submitted online and will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 17, 2023.

POSITION SUMMARY:              

Senior Urban Designer/Landscape Architect provides professional advice and expertise in the urban design/landscape review on a variety of development applications and is responsible for the administration of the City’s Site Plan planning program including planning opinion on planning applications and site inspections. This position will also be responsible for undertaking special projects on urban design and supports activities and initiatives of other departments where expertise in urban design is required.

DIVISION:                                 

Planning, Building and Development (Current Planning)

RESPONSIBLE TO:                  

Manager of Current Planning

SUPERVISES:                           

Not Applicable

RESPONSIBLE FOR:

• The administration of the site plan program, including but not limited to planning opinion, urban design and landscape professional comments, site inspection, security release, agreement preparation and registration.
• Preparing and updating the City’s urban design policies and procedures, standards and guideline documents.
• Supports the development services department by reviewing and commenting on all planning development applications through the review of plans, drawings, reports, cost estimates and agreements.
• Prepare requests for proposals, request for quotations and tenders, manage projects and monitor consultant/contractor performance to ensure compliance with terms of reference if required.
• Provides professional advice in the preparation of the official plan secondary plans, master plans and other land-use studies as they relate to urban design.
• Provide professional development or policy related advice and comments in person and through correspondence to contractors, developers, co-workers, agencies, stakeholders and the public regarding development applications and other planning issues related to urban design or landscaping.
• Coordinate and prepare all necessary communications and presentation material, attend and lead open houses and public meetings as required to facilitate legislated and non-legislated public consultation.
• Research, prepare special studies, and recommend best practices and innovations on urban design matters.
• Review external urban design briefs and studies prepared by external consultants to ensure adherence to City Policies.
• Prepare and/or contribute to the preparation of studies, reports, policy and by-laws for Council and Committees. Liaise with Council, attend Council meetings, and make presentations as required.
• Provide expert planning evidence at Ontario Municipal Board/LPAT hearings if required.
• Prepare urban design alternatives and schematics.
• Review and assess tree preservation plans and other arborist reports if required.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited institution within the field of Urban Design and /or Landscape/Architecture.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant working experience.
• Membership in the Ontario Association of Landscaped Architects (OALA) is required.  
• Membership or Provisional membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and the Ontario Planners Institute of Planners (OPPI) is preferred.
• Strong Arboriculture skills and Urban Design Skills.
• Must have knowledge of the land development process in Ontario including working knowledge of the Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statements, Growth Plan. Greenbelt Plan, and the Niagara Escarpment Plan.
• Understanding of design excellence principles with demonstrated high quality work that elevates design.
• Strong visualization skills considered an asset.
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of assisting in the preparation of reports and developing design narratives.
• Knowledge of site plan control, subdivision, condominium and other development agreements and the administration of security reductions warranties and releases.
• Working aptitude with AutoCAD, GIS and MS office software.
• Knowledge and experience of the technical aspects of the Landscape Architecture field such as planting, grading, storm water management and construction detailing.
• Ability to work and function tactfully in a political environment with the public, elected officials, stakeholders, interest groups, other levels of government agencies and other professionals in a variety of settings.
• Experience in construction inspection.
• Highly developed written and spoken communication skills and ability to attend and make presentations at Council Committee and Meetings.

About City of Niagara Falls

The City of Niagara Falls is a dynamic and internationally renowned city with a prosperous business community and economic foundation anchored by tourism, manufacturing, retail and knowledge based sectors. Located at one of the natural wonders of the world and in the heart North America’s most affluent consumer markets, we are linked to the world by extensive road, rail, air, water and telecommunication networks. With over 14 million visitors a year and a growing resident population of over 85,000, we invite you to discover why Niagara Falls is a premier place to live, work, and play.

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