Town of Ladysmith

Nestled along the eastern shores of stunning Vancouver Island, the Town of Ladysmith is home to approximately 9,000 residents and offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and connected living. With a warm, welcoming community, exceptional recreation and amenities, and a scenic natural setting, the Town provides an outstanding quality of life.  Residents enjoy year-round outdoor adventures, vibrant community spaces, and the convenience of being a short commute to the services and opportunities of an urban centre.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Development Services /Approving Officer will provide strategic planning and policy leadership in urban design, community planning, and development. This includes overseeing the conception, implementation, and project management of high profile development projects such as long range plans and Council priority projects.  Included in the position’s portfolio is responsibility for building inspection and bylaws. The Director will play a key role in the creation of policy for the Town including, social policy, environmental and sustainability plans and will provide recommendations to Council to aid in its policy decision-making to support and help shape the vision of the Town by balancing the economic, social and environmental needs of the community. The Director will provide oversight to the Town’s permitting processes and help to ensure the Town is adequately resourced to maintain a strong reputation as being client service oriented, solutions-focused, and timely in processing of development applications.  The Director will lead the implementation of the Waterfront Area Plan. This position also fulfills the statutory responsibility of Approving Officer.   

JOB CONTEXT

The Director will provide direct and indirect leadership, supervision, guidance and oversight to the Development Services department and an array of colleagues, partners, consultants and service providers to ensure immediate to long-term planning and development deliverables are completed.  With a significant focus on fostering and maintaining positive internal and external relations, collaboration, adaptability, and flexibility is crucial. On a regular basis the Director interacts with senior leadership, administrative support, varying external consultants and service providers, developers, and community partners.  The office of Development Services includes several full-time staff working in the areas of planning, development approval, project management and administrative assistance.

This role will require reporting to and interaction with elected leadership from the Town and Stz’uminus First Nation as well as significant interaction with the general public. This role may require provincial travel.

Summary of Specific Accountabilities 

Please see Job Description for specific details.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate will have a Master’s Degree in regional, urban, city or community planning, or related discipline (e.g. Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Urban Studies, Environmental Planning, and Sustainability) supplemented by seven (7) years of progressively responsible management experience in the planning field. Comparable combinations of education and experience will also be considered. 

The Town of Ladysmith offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package, a supportive team-oriented work environment and opportunities for career and professional development.

Additional Information: 

• Employees currently receive Wellness Initiatives, including use of facilities at Frank Jameson Community Center
• Hours of work: 35 hours/week 
• Salary Range: $137,180 – 154,098 (Band 5, Step 1-5)

• Applicant must provide proof of legal eligibility to work in Canada

  Please view the Director of Development Services Job Description for additional details related to the qualifications and responsibilities of this position:

  https://www.ladysmith.ca/city-hall/careers-volunteering/current-vacancies

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please submit your combined resume and a covering letter by 4:00pm Monday May 18, 2026, to:

Trish McConnell, Manager of Human Resources
E-mail: careers@ladysmith.ca 

The Town of Ladysmith wishes to thank all applicants in advance for their interest.
However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.