Manager of Development and Environmental Services

at  City of Maple Ridge

THE OPPORTUNITY: MANAGER OF DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Maple Ridge is seeking a dynamic Manager of Development and Environmental Services (“Manager”) to lead the environmental and development sections within the Planning Department. In this key role, the Manager is responsible for managing a team of professionals, overseeing the establishment and administration of development guidelines, and directing processes related to Official Community Plan amendments rezoning, development permits, subdivisions, A.L.R. applications, and other development initiatives.
This Manager’s leadership is also crucial in coordinating professional staff in environmental quality control reviews, addressing critical issues such as tree, soil and fill permits, air and water quality, stream and habitat protection, and effluent discharge. As the primary contact for the development community, the Manager engages with Council, the public, industry professionals, and external agencies, exercising significant independence in their decision-making. The Manager’s ability to navigate complex and contentious projects will be essential to achieving desired outcomes, all while working within established guidelines and policies.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced planning leader to take the development and environmental team of a rapidly growing community to the next level. With a focus on mentoring staff and developing team capacity, while collaborating across the City’s divisions, the Manager will make a significant impact in the ongoing cultural transformation and customer-centric approach that is underway at Maple Ridge. With an eye to responsiveness, innovation, and efficiency, developing strong relationships inside and outside of the organization, the Manager will create a results-driven departmental culture that signals that Maple Ridge is “open for business.”

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Urban Planning Environmental Studies, Architecture, or Engineering, or other related discipline, or a combination of a Bachelor’s degree and training and experience;
• Broad related experience, including seven+ years of supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience;
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques used in managing municipal physical, social and economic planning projects and operations;
• Membership or eligibility of membership in the Planning Institute of BC, and Canadian Institute of Planners, or equivalent membership or certification;
• Thorough knowledge of the relevant policies, rules, bylaws, and regulations governing the work;
• Knowledge of current development practices and trends within the development industry, coupled with experience in processing complex development applications;
• Knowledge of subdivision process and related legislation;
• Knowledge of the methods, procedures, equipment, and instruments used in environmental quality control programs, and of the trends related thereto;
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of a group of professional, technical, and support staff;
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with Council, within the department and across the organization, governmental and business officials, developers and the public;
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and represent the Department and the City in meeting and dealing with Boards, Committees, and Commissions on planning matters and projects;
• Ability to prepare professional and technical planning and administrative reports / studies, and to analyze and evaluate data for complex problem solutions;
• Ability to establish and maintain databases and files and to review and analyze the information contained therein using standard database, spreadsheet, word processing, and other software packages;
• Ability to perform research activities, to prepare and maintain records, to prepare and present technical reports, correspondence, and related material;
• Ability to deal with, support, coach and mentor staff of all levels in an effective and positive manner; and,
• Skill in dealing with politically sensitive topics in a tactful manner.

• Directs the environmental and development sections of the Planning Department, including providing significant input over the recruitment, selection, training, performance and discipline of staff, and the maintenance of safe work practices;
• Recommends the development, establishment and maintenance of policies and operating procedures related to his/her section of the department;
• Recommends improvements to the Municipality’s standards, bylaws, policies and procedures as they relate to environmental and current planning issues;
• Provides the Director of Planning, CAO, and the Council with professional advice, including analysis of issues, options available and the advantages and disadvantages and policy issues associated with alternative Council actions;
• Ensures that Council decisions affecting the sections are carried out in a timely and efficient manner and that Council is informed of actions taken and issues that may come before Council;
• Directs the expeditious and consistent processing of applications for Official Community Plan amendment, rezoning, subdivision, development permit, variance permits, and exclusions of property from the Agricultural Land Reserve;
• Implements and co-ordinates environmental quality control reviews of municipal development projects involving such matters as tree, soil and fill permits air, water quality, stream and habitat protection and effluent discharge;
• Responds to a wide variety of inquiries from the public, landowners, developers, and other parties;
• Undertakes or contracts for studies and community surveys and directs the work of consultants hired on a contract basis for special projects;
• Attends and presents at Committee of the Whole meetings, Public Hearings and Council Meetings; and,
• May act for the Director of Planning and as Approving Officer.