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Thank you for considering the Senior Planner, Policy (Official Plan Review) opportunity with the Town of Ajax.
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About Ajax:
Nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario in the heart of Durham Region, the Town of Ajax is a progressive, diverse, and vibrant waterfront community where people, nature, and history come together. Known for its welcoming spirit and strong sense of inclusion, Ajax is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the eastern Greater Toronto Area (GTA), with over 65 languages spoken and a rich multicultural fabric that defines its identity.
Today, Ajax is forward-thinking and future-focused. The town is redeveloping its downtown core, including the creation of a vibrant new civic space at Pat Bayly Square. The vision for Downtown Ajax is guided by five key principles: it will be active, promoting walkability and transit; livable, supporting a range of residential and commercial uses; innovative, with creative planning and design; vibrant, with urban squares and gathering places; and eco-focused, aiming to minimize environmental impact.
Ajax is committed to being a place for everyone. The Town champions diversity and celebrates inclusivity through community programs and partnerships. This dedication is reflected in every aspect of the community—from public spaces and cultural initiatives to planning and policy-making.
Environmental stewardship is a key value in Ajax. As a Great Lakes community, 100% of its drinking water comes from Lake Ontario, making the protection of natural resources a shared responsibility. The town features a 70-hectare, 7 km stretch of pristine waterfront land, as well as more than 400 hectares of parks, trails, and conservation areas—providing residents and visitors with endless opportunities to connect with nature.
Ajax also has a proud historical legacy. The town was established during World War II to support the Allied war effort through Defence Industries Limited (DIL), North America’s largest defense industry at the time. Named after the HMS Ajax, a Royal Navy ship that famously battled the German battleship Graf Spee in 1939, the town honors its military heritage through street names and commemorative plantings, creating a lasting connection to its past.
With a strong foundation of community values, a deep respect for history, and an eye toward the future, Ajax is a place where everyone can feel at home. Whether you're visiting, relocating, or investing, the Town of Ajax invites you to be part of its exciting journey forward.
Nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario in the heart of Durham Region, the Town of Ajax is a progressive, diverse, and vibrant waterfront community where people, nature, and history come together. Known for its welcoming spirit and strong sense of inclusion, Ajax is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the eastern Greater Toronto Area (GTA), with over 65 languages spoken and a rich multicultural fabric that defines its identity.
Today, Ajax is forward-thinking and future-focused. The town is redeveloping its downtown core, including the creation of a vibrant new civic space at Pat Bayly Square. The vision for Downtown Ajax is guided by five key principles: it will be active, promoting walkability and transit; livable, supporting a range of residential and commercial uses; innovative, with creative planning and design; vibrant, with urban squares and gathering places; and eco-focused, aiming to minimize environmental impact.
Ajax is committed to being a place for everyone. The Town champions diversity and celebrates inclusivity through community programs and partnerships. This dedication is reflected in every aspect of the community—from public spaces and cultural initiatives to planning and policy-making.
Environmental stewardship is a key value in Ajax. As a Great Lakes community, 100% of its drinking water comes from Lake Ontario, making the protection of natural resources a shared responsibility. The town features a 70-hectare, 7 km stretch of pristine waterfront land, as well as more than 400 hectares of parks, trails, and conservation areas—providing residents and visitors with endless opportunities to connect with nature.
Ajax also has a proud historical legacy. The town was established during World War II to support the Allied war effort through Defence Industries Limited (DIL), North America’s largest defense industry at the time. Named after the HMS Ajax, a Royal Navy ship that famously battled the German battleship Graf Spee in 1939, the town honors its military heritage through street names and commemorative plantings, creating a lasting connection to its past.
With a strong foundation of community values, a deep respect for history, and an eye toward the future, Ajax is a place where everyone can feel at home. Whether you're visiting, relocating, or investing, the Town of Ajax invites you to be part of its exciting journey forward.
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Why Ajax? Working as a Senior Planner for the Town of Ajax is more than just a career move—it’s an opportunity to shape a growing, vibrant community while enjoying the security, balance, and professional satisfaction that come with it.
Here’s why this role stands out:
With a competitive salary (approximately $100,000 annually), this position offers financial stability and recognizes your professional expertise. As a five-year, full-time contract working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, it supports a healthy work-life balance, allowing you to enjoy your evenings and weekends.
The Town of Ajax invests in its employees’ well-being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and dental coverage, paid sick and vacation days, and access to the Employee & Family Assistance Program. A strong Health & Wellness Program and free membership to the Town’s Fitness Centre support your physical and mental health.
Planning professionals will appreciate the opportunity to contribute to a diverse and fast-growing municipality where innovation and community engagement are valued. Ajax is a town on the move—strategically located in Durham Region, with a strong vision for smart growth, sustainability, and inclusive development. As a Senior Planner, your expertise will help shape that future.
You’ll also benefit from the Hybrid Work Program, which offers the flexibility to work from home some of the time—ideal for professionals who value autonomy and modern work arrangements. And with participation in the OMERS defined benefit pension plan, your future is as well-cared-for as your present.
Ultimately, this is more than a job—it’s your chance to make a lasting impact, grow your career, and enjoy a rewarding lifestyle in one of Ontario’s most progressive municipalities.
Here’s why this role stands out:
With a competitive salary (approximately $100,000 annually), this position offers financial stability and recognizes your professional expertise. As a five-year, full-time contract working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, it supports a healthy work-life balance, allowing you to enjoy your evenings and weekends.
The Town of Ajax invests in its employees’ well-being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and dental coverage, paid sick and vacation days, and access to the Employee & Family Assistance Program. A strong Health & Wellness Program and free membership to the Town’s Fitness Centre support your physical and mental health.
Planning professionals will appreciate the opportunity to contribute to a diverse and fast-growing municipality where innovation and community engagement are valued. Ajax is a town on the move—strategically located in Durham Region, with a strong vision for smart growth, sustainability, and inclusive development. As a Senior Planner, your expertise will help shape that future.
You’ll also benefit from the Hybrid Work Program, which offers the flexibility to work from home some of the time—ideal for professionals who value autonomy and modern work arrangements. And with participation in the OMERS defined benefit pension plan, your future is as well-cared-for as your present.
Ultimately, this is more than a job—it’s your chance to make a lasting impact, grow your career, and enjoy a rewarding lifestyle in one of Ontario’s most progressive municipalities.
Job Description:
Experience it – Ajax!
The Town of Ajax, situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, is an innovative municipal sector leader that provides a variety of services to one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario. With over 130,000 residents, Ajax's rich heritage and culturally diverse community make it a great place to work and live.
Senior Planner, Policy – Temporary Full Time (5-year contract)
The Senior Planner is an integral member of the Planning Policy Team and initiates, participates in, analyzes, and coordinates specialized, complex and controversial planning projects including: policy planning initiatives and planning studies; official plan amendments and review, and zoning by-law amendments, and the preparation of secondary plans; environmental assessments; environmental impact studies; heritage impact assessments; community improvement plans; and/or other planning related initiatives and studies. The primary responsibility for this position will be to act as the project manager for the Town’s upcoming Official Plan Review.
Key Duties
Qualifications/Skills
Salary: $56.07 - $70.08 per hour. Approximately $100,000 per year.
Hours: This 5-year contract is a non-union position that works 35 hours per week. The hours of work are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Perks:
Hybrid Work Program: The Town offers a Hybrid Work Program. A flexible work arrangement, including the option to work from home some of the time, is currently a possibility with this position, and can be discussed during the interview process.
Written, oral and practical testing may form part of the selection process.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Town of Ajax is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and accessibility within the workplace where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. The Town embraces diversity and gender expression through policy, staff training and providing positive spaces. The Town encourages applications from all qualified candidates. If selected for an interview, please inform Human Resources staff of any accommodation you may require during the process.
The Town of Ajax, situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, is an innovative municipal sector leader that provides a variety of services to one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario. With over 130,000 residents, Ajax's rich heritage and culturally diverse community make it a great place to work and live.
Senior Planner, Policy – Temporary Full Time (5-year contract)
The Senior Planner is an integral member of the Planning Policy Team and initiates, participates in, analyzes, and coordinates specialized, complex and controversial planning projects including: policy planning initiatives and planning studies; official plan amendments and review, and zoning by-law amendments, and the preparation of secondary plans; environmental assessments; environmental impact studies; heritage impact assessments; community improvement plans; and/or other planning related initiatives and studies. The primary responsibility for this position will be to act as the project manager for the Town’s upcoming Official Plan Review.
Key Duties
- Conducts research, long range planning and undertakes special projects related to land use and policy matters including, Town initiated changes to Official Plan policies, secondary plans, environmental matters, housing policy, development regulations, heritage conservation, development related municipal finance tools (i.e. parkland dedication by-law), and the establishment and administration of Community Improvement Plans.
- Prepares and/or assists with the preparation and/or amendment of municipal guidance documents, such as by-laws and/or guidelines.
- Prepares and/or comments on terms of reference, prepares project plans, consults with stakeholders, prepares formal and technical reports and other documents that are clear, defensible, realistic and practical.
- Prepares or assists in the preparation of various agreements, such as CIP rebates/grants, lease agreements, or affordable housing agreements.
- Facilitates, coordinates, implements and monitors land use, urban design, housing policy, heritage conservation, policy and environmental studies/guidelines and initiatives.
- Provides in-depth analysis and reports and correspondence and confidential advice/recommendations to Council, CAO, Directors and other Town staff.
- Provides planning information and professional planning advice to Council, Department Heads, agencies, landowners, advisory committees, the general public and the development industry.
- Mange and provide direction to external consultants, including but not limited to, monitoring performance, and taking remedial action if required to ensure project timelines and expectations are achieved.
Qualifications/Skills
- Four (4) year University degree in Planning or a combination of education and experience deemed equivalent.
- Registered Professional Planner (RPP).
- Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP), the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI).
- Minimum five (5) years relevant and current work experience.
- Experience in the broader public sector.
- Experience providing expert testimony before the Ontario Land Tribunal.
- Strong knowledge and demonstrated implementation of legislative requirements under the Planning Act and Provincial policy framework, including but not limited to, the Provincial Policy Statement, Growth Plan, and Greenbelt Plan.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Bluebeam, and AMANDA.
- Committed to quality customer service and innovation to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- Strong mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Strong problem-solving ability: proactively developing workable and creative options to project related issues.
- Strong ability to work within a multi-disciplinary environment to effectively manage and coordinate planning projects.
- Strong organizational, time management and planning skills.
- Demonstrates a high level of ethics and professionalism, as required under municipal and professional codes of ethics.
- Ability to provide a current criminal reference check that is satisfactory to the Town.
Salary: $56.07 - $70.08 per hour. Approximately $100,000 per year.
Hours: This 5-year contract is a non-union position that works 35 hours per week. The hours of work are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Perks:
- The Town offers temporary full-time staff a comprehensive benefit package with paid sick and vacation days;
- Health & Dental benefits coverage;
- Employee & Family Assistance Program;
- Health & Wellness Program;
- Town of Ajax Fitness Centre Combo membership; plus
- a defined benefits pension plan (OMERS pension).
Hybrid Work Program: The Town offers a Hybrid Work Program. A flexible work arrangement, including the option to work from home some of the time, is currently a possibility with this position, and can be discussed during the interview process.
Written, oral and practical testing may form part of the selection process.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Town of Ajax is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and accessibility within the workplace where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. The Town embraces diversity and gender expression through policy, staff training and providing positive spaces. The Town encourages applications from all qualified candidates. If selected for an interview, please inform Human Resources staff of any accommodation you may require during the process.
