Senior Planner, Growth Forecasting and Data Analytics (2 Years)
The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 5th consecutive year as one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2025, the City of Markham is ranked 2nd among municipalities in Canada and 12th overall for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 366,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.
Are you looking for a rewarding and transformative policy planning role where you will be engaged in data management and analytic projects related to land use planning?
Applications are now being accepted for the Senior Planner, Growth Forecasting and Data Analytics position in the Planning and Urban Design department. To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume online by April 1, 2025.
Please note the salary range is based on 2023 rates.
Join us and make a lasting difference!
JOB SUMMARY
In this role, you will provide expertise in demographics, land economics, population and employment forecasting, and real estate market analysis to support a variety of land use planning and development projects in the department. Your primary responsibilities will include growth forecasting, data visualization and data monitoring and reporting. The Senior Planner - Growth Forecasting and Data Analytics reports to the Manager, Policy.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop models and tools to forecast population, employment, and unit growth projections to support the Official Plan and other growth-related studies
- Monitor and analyze Key Performance Indicators (KPI) related to development, demographics, socio-economics, and land use
- Review and interpret land use planning legislation, plans, policies, procedures and standards
- Implement best practices in growth forecasting and data collection/management
- Monitor and track municipal servicing allocation
- Utilize multiple data sources to create user-friendly outputs that assist in evidence-based decision-making
- Prepare annual reports on monitoring and performance of growth trends and development activity (i.e. Official Plan Monitoring)
- Develop project terms of reference and manage the hiring of consultants
- Liaise with staff from various departments to facilitate information exchange, identify issues, and support policy and development review
- Provide accountable and professional advice to staff and Council, and represent the City on behalf of the department
- Clearly and effectively communicate ideas, concepts and proposals in writing and verbally before Council, Committees, and in public meetings
- Participate in multi-disciplinary teams for various projects
- Act as expert witness at Ontario Land Tribunal hearings
- Attend meetings to provide technical or specialist support to internal and external stakeholders, Committees, and Council.
- Create and validate data in reports to Committee/Council
- Develop and maintain databases on key KPIs to assist staff with their decision-making
- Analyze complex issues and reveal patterns in data to facilitate informed decision-making
- Other duties as assigned
REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Must have a Degree in Planning, Economic Development or related discipline, a Master's degree is preferred
- Certification in data analytics, visualization, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be considered an asset
- Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a municipal planning context with detail-oriented duties (i.e. growth forecasting, data management and visualization, GIS mapping)
- Demonstrated ability to interpret land use planning legislation and policies and apply it to research and analysis
- Membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute is preferred
- A strong understanding of GIS applications, StatsCan data and other 3rd party data sources including the methodology required to create and share information
- Demonstrated proficiency in applications such as MS Office, Database applications, (GIS) and website content/authoring tools
- Working knowledge of desktop publishing applications
- Exceptional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills with an emphasis on customer service
- Must be able to attend site meetings at various locations throughout Markham and York Region during and after regular business hours
- Working knowledge of AMANDA Development Applications Tracking Software an asset.
- Superior analytical and written and oral communications skills
- Superior report writing, presentation and public speaking skills
- Superior project management skills, including the ability to set priorities, solve problems, and meet deadlines under pressure
- Excellent customer service skills
CORE BEHAVIOURS
- Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
- Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
- Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
- Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
- Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
- Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example
The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.
Please respect our scent free area by not wearing scented products when visiting the office.