Director of Development Services

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.

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. The role includes overseeing the conception, implementation, and project management of high profile development projects such as long range plans and Council priority projects. The position also carries responsibility for building inspection and bylaws. The Director will play a key role in creating policy for the Town, including social policy, environmental and sustainability plans, and provide recommendations to Council to aid in decision-making to support and shape the vision of the Town by balancing economic, social, and environmental needs. 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 for client service orientation, solutions-focused approach, and timely processing of development applications. The Director will lead the implementation of the Waterfront Area Plan and fulfills the statutory responsibility of Approving Officer.

The Director will provide direct and indirect leadership, supervision, guidance, and oversight to the Development Services department and a range 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, service providers, developers, and community partners. The office of Development Services includes several full time staff working in 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, and significant interaction with the general public. Provincial travel may be required.

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.

• 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

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.

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

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:

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