Position Description:
A regular full-time opportunity is currently available for an experienced Assistant City Solicitor - Development and Planning in the Corporate Services Department at the City of Waterloo. This position reports to the City Solicitor. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing clear and concise advice with respect to all aspects of municipal law, in particular planning and land use development matters.
Please note: This position will remain open until filled.
Accountabilities:
- Providing a full range of legal services, opinions and advice to City Council, Senior Management, and City staff on all aspects of municipal law.
- Provides specialized legal services, opinions and advice to the Planning Division, Building Standards Division, and Engineering Services Division associated with land use planning and development related matters.
- Draft and review various legal documents, including development agreements (e.g., subdivision, condominium, site plan, noise, parking, special servicing supply, encroachment), by-laws, easements, and any other form of legal document required.
- Writing reports and providing advice to Council incamera.
- Develop and implement proactive strategies, and anticipate and identify legal challenges, to protect the interests of the City and reduce exposure to legal risks and claims.
- Review and prepare documents, policies and procedures for the City that are clear, concise and comply with all applicable laws and have regard to case law.
- Ensure that the Legal Services Division contributes to the effectiveness of programs and services that are delivered in the City by providing legal opinions and advice on matters that pose significant risk to the City, and assist decision-makers at all levels in making risk determinations regarding services and program delivery.
- Assist Legal Services with timely and efficient service delivery.
- Participate on City project teams and initiatives as required.
- Represent the City on appeals before the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and the like, and matters before the Courts and other judiciary bodies.
- Provide legal advice and support to City Departments and Committees of Council, as required.
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and training to other staff in the Legal Services Division.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Law degree from a recognized Canadian university or recognized equivalent
- Minimum of 5 years experience related to municipal and planning law in the public or private sector
- Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills as well as negotiations skills, with a demonstrated ability to provide sound legal advice to Members of Council, Senior Management, and City staff
- Experience appearing before the Ontario Land Tribunal and the Courts
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of key statutes, regulations and bylaws affecting the municipality, including the Municipal Act, Planning Act, Condominium Act, Municipal Heritage Act, Building Code Act, Construction Act, and Development Charges Act
- Ability to work independently without direct supervision
- Ability to manage multiple projects and assignments in order to meet deadlines in a very demanding service focused environment
- Ability to study and work in other areas of Municipal Law in a prompt manner
- Advanced skills with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)
- Ability to exercise discretion, judgment, diplomacy and high levels of confidentiality
- A Police Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check satisfactory to the City is required as a condition of hire
- Applicants may be required to undergo testing as part of the recruitment process
Application Process
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter in one document through the online application process. For posting and application details please visit: www.waterloo.ca/careers.
Job Eligibility
All qualified City of Waterloo employees may apply, however during the selection process there is a specific sequence that will be followed. Members of the City of Waterloo Staff Association who have completed their probationary period in their most recent position will be considered first for this posting.
Be You @ Waterloo
At the City of Waterloo, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. All interested and qualified candidates, including Indigenous persons, Black persons, non-Black racialized persons/persons of colour, women, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ and those interested in joining our team are encouraged to apply.
Accommodation
The City of Waterloo is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace that is welcoming, inclusive, and barrier-free. Accommodations in accordance with the Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation are available throughout all stages of the recruitment process. For accommodation during the application process, applicants are requested to make their needs known via email at [email protected], quoting the position and competition number. Applicants advanced through to subsequent stages of the recruitment process will be provided with additional opportunities to make their needs known.
We’ve Got You Covered
The City of Waterloo strives to be an employer of choice for strong talent dedicated to serving our community, and offer the following:
- Competitive wages and a fulsome employer paid benefits package, including paid sick leave, long-term disability, OMERS pension and an Employee and Family Assistance Program;
- A staff team dedicated to fostering and advancing action to support the organization’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous Initiatives, Anti-Racism, Accessibility and Equity;
- Substantial internal and external training and development opportunities;
- Compassionate and caring organization that promotes and embraces a culture of health, safety and wellness;
- Strong commitment to providing and maintaining a psychologically safe workplace that is respectful, inclusive, and where all individuals are valued;
- Paid vacation and personal days, paid float holiday(s), and the ability to bank overtime;
- Employee Purchase Programs (Corporate Cell Phone plans, Computer Purchase Plan, etc.);
- City of Waterloo Staff Recreation Pass;
- Anniversary milestone gifts, starting at 5 years of service for regular part-time and full-time staff; and,
- So much more!
Job Types: Permanent, Full-time
Salary: $111,953.00-$139,943.34 per year
Benefits:
Schedule:
Work Location: In person
