Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason
Job ID #31123: Business Facilitator - Development Planning
Union: CUPE 5167
Job Description ID #: 5365
Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on June 11, 2025.
Duration: 18 months
This vacancy is for a period of 18 months as a result of a special project/backfill.
Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
Reporting to the Manager of Development Planning, under the general supervision of the Coordinator of Business Facilitation, the Business Facilitator – Development Planning works with a multi-disciplinary team to provide technical assistance required to facilitate the City’s growth and redevelopment through a “customer first” approach to quality assurance, issues management and overall transparent service perspective. The Business Facilitator will be a central contact person, a “business ambassador” to assist new and growing businesses through the development approval process. The Business Facilitator is responsible for facilitating, coordinating and providing advice on all development approvals and to recommend changes to processes to improve the City’s business environment. Functions as a ‘go to person’ for problem resolution on complex development approvals and issues. Provides back-up to Senior Development Planning staff across all Planning Teams during vacations/absences in the administration and processing of development applications.
The Business Team assists management in supporting the strategic direction for the Planning Division, by developing standard operating procedures, providing mentorship and training to staff across the Division and assisting in City-wide business improvements that deliver enhanced customer service. The Business Facilitator may assist in the preparation of sectional reports identifying how the operation performed against established benchmarks related to services, financial, administration and staff performance. A key priority of the Business Facilitation team is to assist in the coordination and prioritization of applications identified by key City stakeholders.
GENERAL DUTIES
Acts as a liaison with applicants, area residents, City Departments, elected officials, provincial ministries and outside agencies to streamline and expedite the development approval process and provide a more effective business environment.
Promotes/implements effective business facilitation systems/”one-stop shopping”.
Uses knowledge and familiarity of the development planning process, staff and Departments across the organization to provide a one stop point of contact for applicants.
Provides mediation and dispute resolution services.
Public Relations Officer for Development Planning; customer satisfaction surveys; designs pamphlets, brochures explaining processes, standards, guidelines and fees.
Reviews, comments and prepares reports to Standing Committee and Council on complex development applications, including Site Plans, Zoning Applications, Official Plan Amendments, Subdivision Plans, Part Lot Control and Condominiums.
Lead staff person assigned to Special, City Wide, projects established in the Divisional Work Program.
Evaluates planning and design/landscape merits of development applications; incorporates planning and municipal objectives and makes recommendations on proposed developments for action by Council.
Develops and requires conditions of approval on development applications.
Negotiates development planning requirements and conditions to settle disputes and policy interpretations.
Prepares and presents evidence at Ontario Land Tribunal Hearings.
Develops documents and monitors procedures to streamline the development approvals process.
Conducts site inspections.
Receives and answers inquiries from elected officials, staff, the public, municipalities, ministries and outside agencies.
Represents the Planning and Economic Development Department at public meetings, client and inter-departmental meetings.
Interprets applicable acts, codes, regulations, by-laws and reviews, comments, and prepares reports to Standing Committee and Council on the implementation of Legislative changes to the planning process.
Inputs, manipulates and retrieves data.
Development Planning’s “Lead” on development, implementation and training for application tracking computer systems.
Assists in the preparation of annual work program.
Creates and implements research methodologies, terms of reference, and study designs for projects.
Co-ordinates studies to review and establish development standards and design criteria.
Designs and produces conceptual plans and graphic materials for presentations and inclusion in studies, design guidelines and policy documents.
Collects and compiles, analyzes and interprets data, identifies and evaluates alternatives, formulates conclusions and recommendations.
Co-ordinates and arranges meetings, prepares agendas, acts as resource person.
Trains staff and functions as a direct resource to the Manager of Development Planning on planning and development issues.
Composes correspondence.
Reviews and interprets reports and documents from other departments, consultants, outside agencies, area municipalities and provincial ministries.
Prepares by-law amendments and reviews draft by-laws.
Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.
Performs other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.
QUALIFICATIONS
Degree in Land Use Planning or a directly related field with a minimum of five years of professional experience in land use development, review and implementation, or extensive years of demonstrated experience and credentials in development planning/real estate matters/business approvals.
Conflict resolution and mediation skills.
Demonstrated excellence in customer service and public relations.
Ability to plan, assign and co-ordinate the work of subordinates in a work team environment.
Some supervisory experience would be desirable.
Knowledge of the corporate organizational structure; “who does what”.
A high level of skill in research, problem solving, verbal and written communications, and interpersonal relations.
Excellent analytical abilities with a thorough knowledge of analytical research methodologies and computerized analytical techniques.
Excellent writing skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to express ideas effectively through formal presentations.
Working knowledge of development application processes.
Experience before the Ontario Land Tribunal.
Full membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners would be an asset.
Disclaimer:
Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.
Terms:
The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.
