PLANNER PARKS DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING

City of Toronto • $108K — $119K *

Toronto, ON M3C 0E3In-Person

Education, Government & Non-Profit

5 - 7 years of experience

Today

Be an Early Applicant

By clicking Apply, I agree with Ladders' Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

Post-secondary education in urban and regional planning, environmental studies, landscape architecture or a related field.
Experience in park and open space planning and recreation planning.
Proficient in data analysis, report writing, and presentations with relevant software.
Expertise in public consultation and stakeholder engagement within the planning realm.
Membership or eligibility for membership in Canadian professional planning institutes is a plus.

Responsibilities

Identify and strategize on the development of new parks and recreation facilities.
Review and evaluate new park opportunities for compliance and strategic fit.
Analyze provincial parkland policies and their implications for city planning.
Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations using various software tools.
Conduct detailed site analyses to assess parkland development potentials.
Lead parkland planning studies and provide draft recommendations for Council review.
Manage consultant studies and ensure timely delivery of projects.

Benefits

Work in a hybrid model with flexible scheduling.
Collaborate within a supportive team environment.
Access to professional development opportunities.
Contribute to impactful community projects that enhance public spaces.
Engage in equitable and inclusive planning practices.

Full Job Description

Job ID: 65039
Job Category: Policy, Planning & Research
Division & Section: Parks & Recreation, PFR PPSI Parks Planning & Strategic Init
Work Location: Metro Hall, 55 John Street (Hybrid)
Job Type & Duration: Full-Time, Temporary (15 months)
Hourly Rate and Wage Grade: $52.38 - $57.39
Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Affiliation: L79 Full-time
Number of Positions Open: 2
Posting Period: 06-JUL-2026 to 20-JUL-2026

Job Summary:

The Planner, Parks Development & Planning, reporting to the Senior Project Manager, Parkland Strategy, or reporting to the Senior Project Manager, Facilities Plan, will work with a team of professionals in the Parks & Recreation Division to expand and improve the City's parkland, and recreation facilities and amenities. The primary function of the role is to support long-term planning through the review and implementation of the Parks & Recreation Division's Strategic Plans, including the Parks & Recreation Facilities Plan, the Parkland Strategy, and local area studies from a parks planning perspective.

Major Responsibilities:

Identifies and develops plans and strategies related to the planning and development of new parkland and new recreation facilities for community and city-wide, area-based and facility specific initiatives.
Reviews, evaluates, provides comments and makes recommendations on new park and facility opportunities, for reporting to Committees and Council or under staff's delegated authority, with regard to the Planning Act and applicable Municipal Code, Parkland Strategy, Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan and Official Plan policies and legislation.
Analyzes provincial changes to parkland conveyance policies (i.e., legislative and regulatory changes to the Planning Act, and supports the City's response to these changes, which could include making updates to the Official Plan, the Municipal Code, and Secondary Plans.
Prepares evidence-based reports and presentations using computer applications, statistical software, geospatial software (including ESRI GIS software) or any other relevant programs.
Analyzes and documents demographic, social, economic, cultural and physical data, and produces maps, charts and other summary analysis to support preparation of reports and presentation materials on parkland and recreation facility planning affecting various geographic scales including local community, area-based and citywide.
Undertakes detailed site analysis including conducting field visits of sites for parkland development, acquisition potential, connections and expansion of existing assets to ensure they meet divisional standards, programming and operating requirements as well as requirements reflected in the City of Toronto's Official Plan.
Conducts parkland planning studies and initiatives, develops recommendations and drafts reports for Committees and Council.
Develops and supports recommended amendments for new official plan policies and prepares reports to address the implications of parkland and recreation facility planning.
Supports preliminary design and consultation to guide the development of new Community Recreation Centres and outdoor recreation facilities.
Provides information and advice to requests from elected officials, other city divisions, property owners, consultants, agencies, boards and the public.
Conducts research, data collection and analysis, including surveys, and supports public consultation activities such as public meetings, as required.
Review and comments on technical drawings and reports and undertakes land use planning analysis including parkland and facility needs assessments, geospatial analysis, application of Official Plan policies and zoning/land use designations, property information.
Provides work direction on research, analysis and report writing assignments to staff.
Prepares terms of reference and study designs, conducts, reviews and contributes to parkland and recreation facility planning studies, develops recommendations and drafts report for Committees of Council.
Supports the management of consultant studies, including developing terms of reference, day-to-day coordination to assist in ensuring that studies are completed on time and within budget, and preparing status reports.
Supports implementation of the approved capital budget for parks and recreation facilities and provides advice on new budget requests to advance land acquisition or park development.
Presents evidence and provides professional opinion as an expert witness at proceedings before Ontario Tribunals on parkland matters as they relate to the Planning Act, Official Plan, and the Toronto Municipal Code; and prepares witness statements and other documentation to support the City and Council.
Identifies, negotiates, mediates and resolves conflicting positions with groups that have varied objectives including developers, landowners, City Divisions and agencies, residents and elected officials, amongst others to meet parkland and recreation facility objectives of the City of Toronto's Official Plan, the Ontario Planning Act and Provincial Policy Statements.
Serves as divisional representation and maintains effective communication and partnerships with other City Divisions and Agencies, Boards and Commissions and provincial agencies.
Establishes and maintains effective communication and partnerships with City Planning, Real Estate Services, Legal Services, Transportation Services, and other City Divisions
Applies an equity lens to all work, supporting the Division's commitment to the Reconciliation Action Plan, Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism, and Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, among others.

Key Qualifications:

Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:

Post-secondary education in urban and regional planning, urban geography, environmental studies, landscape architecture or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Considerable experience with park and open space planning, recreation planning, land use planning, real estate, architecture, landscape architecture or urban design.
Considerable experience with reviewing plans, planning methodologies and processes including report writing, data collection, analysis and presentation, utilizing appropriate computer applications, i.e., GIS, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Creative content applications e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud or equivalent.
Experience in public consultation and acting as an effective liaison between groups (e.g., internal and external groups) in planning for parks and recreation services.
Membership or eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute considered an asset.

You must also have:

Ability to anticipate and resolve issues related to parks and recreation planning.
Ability to think critically and problem solve, with acute attention to detail.
Ability to scope project assignments, manage and meet critical timelines for processing pertinent work assignments for applications and approvals.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing at a professional level with senior management, consultants, and staff from other divisions, other agencies, and the public.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Familiarity with government legislation in the area of occupational health and safety.
Ability to undertake quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
Ability to use appropriate computer applications including GIS, databases and Adobe Creative Suite or equivalent.
Understanding of relevant legislation, policy requirements and master plans related to park and recreation planning and development, including the Planning Act, Official Plan.

NOTE TO INTERNAL FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME CITY OF TORONTO EMPLOYEES:

City of Toronto employees must apply to full-time or part-time employment opportunities posted on the City's Internal Job Posting Portal.

About City of Toronto

City of Toronto provides its users with information on the lifestyles, business, and locations of Toronto. Lifestyle information consists of health, energy, services, children’s services, arts, culture, festivals, events, housing, and transportation. Business-related information consists of investments, startups, reports, event planning, and city-based partnerships. Furthermore, it provides its users with history, facts, images, events, and attractions of Toronto. City of Toronto is based in Ontario.

City of Toronto Careers

There has never been a better time to explore the diverse job opportunities at the City of Toronto—the hub of professional growth and innovation in the region.

Work You’ll Experience

Join the City of Toronto’s dynamic team to assist in transforming the city through public service and innovative leadership. The City of Toronto offers a unique position in the marketplace, combining public administration with cutting-edge initiatives that enhance the lives of its residents. Engage with a team of skilled professionals dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Toronto is not just a place of employment; it is a place where careers flourish and where the professional environment encourages continuous personal and professional development.

City of Toronto Jobs and Employment

The City of Toronto is building a market-leading workforce that supports the city’s vision through strategic leadership and proactive management. This team helps to master the challenges of urban growth and community service.

Innovative Work

At the City of Toronto, innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it's a practical approach to solving real-world issues that affect millions of people. With projects that range from improving municipal services to enhancing urban sustainability, employees at the City of Toronto push the boundaries of what is possible in public service.

Professional Growth and Development

The City of Toronto is committed to nurturing the careers of its employees with unmatched training, development programs, and leadership opportunities. Whether through professional development workshops, leadership training, or diversity training, the City ensures that every team member has the tools to succeed.

Explore Career Opportunities

From internships to full-time positions, the City of Toronto offers a range of job opportunities that cater to various skills and career aspirations. Positions in healthcare, engineering, finance, urban planning, and more are available, providing a broad spectrum of career paths for job seekers.

The City of Toronto Employment Culture

The City’s employment culture is centered on creating a supportive and inclusive workplace. This culture is evident in its commitment to diversity and innovation, where each team member’s contributions are valued and celebrated.

Stay Connected with City of Toronto Careers

Join the Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. The City of Toronto looks for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Explore the various benefits, from health insurance to retirement plans, that make the City of Toronto a premier employer.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the professionals who are part of the City of Toronto team.

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at the City of Toronto.

SEARCH CITY OF TORONTO JOBS

READ CAREERS BLOG

Learn more about City of Toronto

Size

10,001 employees

Industry