LAND USE PLANNER

Town of Cochrane, Ontario

Salary: $78, 706 to $88,573 (under review)

The Town of Cochrane is embarking on an exciting phase of growth and community development. From downtown revitalization to expanding residential opportunities, we are committed to enhancing quality of life for our residents while fostering sustainable economic growth.

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Land Use Planner to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of our community while working in a collaborative and supportive environment.

The Position

Reporting to the CAO, you will be responsible for all matters under the Planning Act such as consent, minor variances, zoning, official plan amendments, plans of subdivision, site planning, public inquiries, and pre-consultations to processing complete applications. You will ensure that all inquiries, proposals and applications are moving forward promptly and according to legislative requirements and the Town’s planning and economic development strategy. This is a full-time position with evening and occasional weekend meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

Key Qualifications

• Post secondary Degree in Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Geography, or a closely related field.
• Approximately 3-5 years related experience in a land use planning office
• Eligible for membership with OPPI, OAA and/or OALA
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Creative problem-solving skills, initiative and reliability.
• Ability to: create graphic designs, development strategies, and render site plans via sketches and/or computer graphics; to work on several projects or issues simultaneously; to work independently or in a team environment; and to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind
• As an asset, Crime prevention through environmental design and the ability to review projects from a CPTED and accessibility perspective; and LEED certification.

Requirements & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Development

• Reviewing and processing development applications, including consents, minor variances, rezonings, official plan amendments, and site plans
• Evaluating moderately complex development proposals for compliance with applicable policies, regulations, and standards
• Preparing and present detailed reports and recommendations to Council
• Conducting research and analysis related to land use, growth trends, and planning initiatives
• Collecting and interpreting data to support planning decisions (e.g., land use, census data, tax base, occupancy rates)

Advisory & Governance

• Providing professional planning advice to Council, staff, developers, and the public
• Acting as staff liaison to the Committee of Adjustment and the Cochrane and Suburban Planning Board, including attendance at meetings and preparation of related reports
• Coordinating and participating in public consultations and stakeholder engagement processes
• Assisting in resolving land use and development-related inquiries and concerns

Collaboration & Community Development

• Working closely with internal departments, external agencies, developers, and community organizations
• Supporting community planning initiatives, including neighbourhood planning and urban revitalization efforts
• Collaborating with the CAO and EDO on economic development initiatives, including administration of Community Improvement Plan (CIP) programs
• Promoting Cochrane’s economic and social advantages to support growth

Project Coordination

• Coordinating the review of public and private development projects
• Overseeing consultants and technical studies as required
• Conducting site visits, inspections, and field evaluations

Additional Details

Please submit your detailed resume via email by 4:30 pm, Thursday, May 21, 2026 to: hr@cochraneontario.com quoting “Land Use Planner” in the subject line.

If you would like more information and the full job description for this opportunity, please contact Jolyne Morin, Executive Assistant to the CAO/Mayor at jolyne.morin@cochraneontario.com.

The Town of Cochrane is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. We encourage applications from people with disabilities and will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment & selection process. Please advise the CAO if you require accommodation(s) and we will work with you to meet your needs throughout any stage of the process.

Personal information collected will be used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of candidate selection.

This is a vacant position and will be open until filled. AI will not be used in the selection process.