Manager of Development Control Services

West Hants Regional Municipality is a diverse collection of rural & urban communities conveniently located in equal proximity to Halifax, the Valley, and Truro; yet its own cultural blend that brings quality family living, diversity, fun & festivities, and service centres together. If you are enthusiastic and driven and want to be part of a fun, energetic and welcoming team; we’re INSPIRED and ask you to keep reading!

We strive to be an inclusive and diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, and of the citizens we serve. We welcome applications from Indigenous, Inuit and Metis People, African Nova Scotian’s, and other racially visible people, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQQIPAA community, and femme-identifying people. If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify, either in your cover letter or resume.

If you are inspired by this work environment, you are encouraged to apply for our Manager of Development Control Services position.  

The Manager of Development Control Services is responsible for overseeing the municipality’s development control processes to ensure that growth and development occur in a manner consistent with the municipality’s plans, policies and regulations. The Manager of Development Control Services offers clear guidance and support to Municipal Council and staff, assisting in shaping and managing future developments that align with the community’s strategic goals. Reporting directly to the Manager of Development Control Services is a Development Officer and a Development Control Technician.

What We Offer:

• Regular hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm (35 hours per week)
• Overtime opportunities as required
• Annual vacation leave
• Competitive benefits package including health, dental, and wellness benefits
• Company match pension plan

Job Duties

Application Review & Processing

• Oversee and manage the entire permitting process, from reviewing development permit, to site plan approval and variance applications.
• Enters applications into TownSuite software as required.
• Assists in resolving complex and sensitive development issues.
• Issues or refuses development permits and site plan approvals in accordance with the applicable land use by-law or development agreement and grants or refuses variances in accordance with the Municipal Government Act.
• Reviews subdivision applications and approves or refuses plans of subdivision in accordance with the applicable subdivision by-law and regulations. Coordinates the input of other staff, provincial departments and other agencies regarding subdivision applications.
• Arranges and administers bonding and agreements as needed for subdivision and development agreements.
• Reviews outstanding applications and takes appropriate follow-up action.

Policy and Process Improvement

• Recommend updates to by-laws, policies, and procedures to improve efficiency, consistency, and compliance.
• Ensure the municipality’s development control practices remain current, modern, and responsive to evolving community needs, planning trends, and legislative changes.
• Lead or support amendments to the Land Use By-law, Subdivision By-law, and related policies as required.

 Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement

• Provides detailed information, interpretations and technical advice on subdivision and development in response to general inquiries, applicants, elected officials, other staff, outside agencies, and committees.
• Build and maintain strong, proactive relationships with the local development and building community, including developers, builders, contractors and residents.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Delegates permit applications and projects to direct reports. Meets with direct reports on a regular basis (as necessary) to review work and resolve any employee concerns.
• Provides motivation and direction to direct reports.
• Responsible for training and discipline of direct reports in accordance with the Human Resources policies of the Municipality. Discusses and resolves matters of interest and concern to such staff.
• Assists the Director of Planning and Development with annual performance reviews for direct reports.

Budget

• Assists the Director of Planning and Development prepare the annual operating and capital budgets for Development Services.
• Monitors Development Services expenditures throughout the year.

Administration, Monitoring & Enforcement

• Administers land use and subdivision by-laws as provided by the Municipal Government Act.
• Administers all development agreements in effect.
• Undertakes monitoring to identify individual violations of land use and subdivision by-laws and development agreements and recommends appropriate enforcement action.
• Reviews policies and regulations and makes recommendations on their administration, development and amendment. Provides advice and recommendations on amendments to planning policies and subdivision and land use by-laws.

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in planning, public administration, geography, environmental design, or a related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressively responsible municipal planning and development control experience, previous experience in a supervisory or management role would be considered an asset.
• Membership with the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), the Licensed Professional Planners Association of Nova Scotia (LPPANS) or Municipal Development Officers Association of Nova Scotia (MDOANS) would be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of local, provincial, and federal regulations related to development of land, including experience in Development Control or Enforcement.
• Strong understanding of the Municipal Government Act building code and related standards.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex planning concepts to diverse audiences.
• Highly motivated, self-directed, and able to manage multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities, especially when evaluating development proposals and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Prior experience with land management software is considered an asset.
• The successful candidate may be required to attend evening meetings on occasion based on departmental needs

Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment and handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Nova Scotia.

Qualified applicants are invited to submit their CV or resume with cover letter (merged into one PDF document) with “Manager of Development Control Services” in the subject line no later than 4:30pm on Friday November 21, 2025, to the attention of Katie Rose, HR Manager at apply@westhants.ca.