Land Use Planner
Help shape what comes next for Amherst. Join our planning team and make a lasting impact on the community around you.
Why the Town of Amherst?
At the Town of Amherst, you won’t just have a job. You’ll have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work, see the impact you make, and help shape a community of which you can be proud.
Home to about 10,000 people, with roughly 100,000 more within a 30-minute drive, Amherst offers the best of small-town living without feeling far from anything. Located in the centre of the Maritimes, near the New Brunswick border, we’re within easy reach of larger urban centres, airports, beaches, outdoor adventures and some of the region’s best-known destinations. Add in affordable living, a walkable downtown, great local shops and restaurants, and a strong business community, and Amherst is a pretty great place to put down roots.
Here, you can build a rewarding career with a supportive, close-knit team and enjoy the kind of community where life outside of work matters too.
Great work. Great people. A great place to call home. Come help us make Amherst even better.
About Your Role
This isn’t a role where you’ll simply administer existing plans. You’ll help shape what comes next. As part of our planning team, you’ll deliver a full range of planning and development services while playing a key role in the renewal of Amherst’s Planning Strategy. You’ll work with residents, developers, Town staff, the Planning Advisory Committee, Council and regional partners to help turn ideas into responsible, sustainable growth.
You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to community-defining projects that build and grow Amherst, from expanding residential and industrial development to major community infrastructure, such as the Dickey Park track and field facility redevelopment, while supporting sustainable development and a greener local economy.
If you’re an energetic, forward-thinking Planner who wants to see your work take shape in the community around you, this is your opportunity to make an impact.
What You'll Need to Get the Job Done
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
- University degree in land use planning or related field, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
- A solid understanding of local government roles and responsibilities.
- Strong communication, public engagement, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management skills.
- A valid driver’s licence and the ability to travel as required.
What Will Make You Really Stand Out
These aren’t requirements, but they’ll make our eyes light up:
- A graduate-level degree in planning or a related field.
- Eligibility to become a Licensed Professional Planner in Nova Scotia.
- Experience working in a municipal planning environment.
- Experience working with GIS.
- Experience leading programs, projects and/or major planning activities.
- Experience supporting community growth and sustainable development.
What You'll Love About Us
We take care of our people. Here’s some of what we offer:
- Being a part of work that directly supports your community’s growth and success.
- A collaborative culture that emphasizes innovation, autonomy and employee wellbeing.
- Flexible or hybrid work arrangements, where operationally feasible.
- Competitive salaries that are regularly benchmarked to the market via formal review every three years.
- Benefits package that includes a pension plan and health care plan with virtual health care services, dental, disability and life insurance coverages.
- Robust Employee and Family Assistance program.
- Generous paid vacation.
- Ongoing learning, professional development, and training support.
Ready to Make an Impact?
We’d love to hear from you. Submit your resume and cover letter to the Town of Amherst.
Application deadline: November 27, 2026
Email:
Download the Job Posting
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Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Accessibility
The Town of Amherst is committed to inclusive, diverse and barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are dedicated to treating people fairly and with respect and dignity. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender and/or gender identity or expression, disability or national origin in accordance with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Code.
Should you require an accommodation to assist in the application process, please contact Human Resources at
