General Manager Planning and Community Services

General Manager Planning and Community Services

Westlock County

Westlock, AB (and Area)

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About the Municipality

Westlock County’s Administration Office is located within the Town of Westlock approximately 90 kilometers north of Edmonton, Alberta. The official 2021 Census lists the County population at 7186. Westlock County is in North Central Alberta with a footprint of 3,171 km² with 2,100 km of roads, we are the home to some of the most productive agricultural lands in Alberta including grains, cereals, hay, and livestock.

The region’s industry mix is comprised of rolled pipe manufacturing, water distiller manufacturing, electronic power generating, feed mills, grain elevators, agricultural equipment sales, livestock auction facilities, trucking companies and oilfield services. Collectively the communities within the County offer access to many services and amenities including hospital, medical and pharmaceutical services, airport, public schools, fire protection, RCMP, seniors and supportive living care and housing, community organizations, retail, and dining.

The County is legislated under the Provincial Municipal Government Act and is governed by a Council comprised of seven (7) Councillors from which a Reeve and Deputy Reeve are appointed.

Vision Statement:
Westlock County: a proud agricultural community of communities, rich in history, culture and growth opportunities.

Mission Statement:
Through rural routes and cultural connections, Westlock county provides a safe, vibrant community for everyone.

Core Values:

Inclusiveness:
We work to make our County the best possible place for everyone to live, work, and play, regardless of individual circumstances.

Accountability:
We hold ourselves to the highest possible standard while operating as responsible stewards of our community’s assets and resources.

Commitment:
We understand our job, we hear what citizens want, and we will do what we say we will do.

Creativity:
We are imaginative when it comes to creating the best potential future for Westlock county.

Integrity:
We are honest, forthcoming, and transparent with each other, with residents, visitors, and everyone in Westlock County.

The General Manager of Planning and Community Services reports to the Chief Administrative Officer and is responsible for the overall management and direction of the Planning and Services, Economic Development and Community Services Departments to support the County’s commitment to excellence in municipal government. The General Manager will lead and provide strategic direction(s) to reporting departments, ensuring programs, service delivery and evaluations are completed to meet service levels and ensure operational effectiveness.

The General Manager is responsible for long-range community planning, economic growth, and major contract management. The General Manager is also responsible for the overall land use planning and development activities in the County, ensuring strategic direction is aligned with organizational goals. The incumbent participates directly in the preparation of operational and capital budgets and is responsible for the hiring and managing of staff within reporting departments.

Direct Reports:

• Senior Planning and Development Officer
• Community Services Coordinator
• Economic Development Manager
• Planning and Community Services Division Coordinator

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the CAO, the duties and responsibilities of the General Manager of Planning and Community Services include, but are not limited to:
• Preparing and implementing short and long term goals and objectives to ensure bylaws, policies and practices within the department are consistent with Westlock County’s Strategic Plan.
• Developing and managing department operating and capital budgets and long-range plans supporting goals and objectives of Council and CAO.
• Maximizing efficiency and service delivery.
• Providing senior leadership to the reporting departments assigned to the General Manager of Planning and Community Services.
• Responsible for recruitment, training and overall management of relevant personnel, departments, and consultants.
• Ensuring standards, policies and bylaws are developed, monitored for compliance and accuracy, and recommends additions or changes to CAO.

Planning and Development

• Advisor to the Municipal Planning Commission, Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, Council, CAO and other inter-agencies and authorities delegated by CAO as pertaining to matters of subdivision and development.
• Represent the County, corresponding with agencies, governments, developers, and other interested parties where required.
• Lead projects in terms of evaluation, negotiation, creation, amendment, and implementation of key planning documents such as statutory plans, Land Use Bylaw, outline plans, design briefs, and development agreements.
• Steering of planning and land use studies for the County and joint planning studies with neighboring municipalities.
• Coordinate special planning studies, research projects and investigations as required.
• Responsible for making comments regarding intermunicipal planning referrals.
• Responsible for administering and providing recommendations to Council regarding road closure applications, public land sales and municipal reserve allocation and disposals.
• Preparation of annual operating and capital budgets and responsibility to remain within the budget parameters throughout the year.
• Ensure municipality is aware of and in compliance with current legislative and related changes affecting land use and municipal planning.

Economic Development

• Sets Economic Development goals and objectives, based on Council’s strategic direction.
• Establishes policies and programs based on Council and/or the CAO directions and ensures clear communication to Economic Development employee(s).
• Directs policy implementation and ensures for adequate resources for implementation.
• Updates professional knowledge by remaining aware of new regulations, participates in educational opportunities, maintains current on professional publications, maintains personal networks, and participates in professional organizations.
• Leads change that maximizes desired results and outcomes for Westlock County.
• Cultivates effective relationships and networks with other departments, residents, regional partners, contractors, agencies, and other levels of government.
• Provides information to Council, staff, and the general public concerning existing and proposed policies, practices, and programs of the County.
• Responsible for overseeing the overall department-related functions and staff.

Community Services

• Ensures continued investment in parks and recreation facilities, and community-focused projects and programming for the well-being of Westlock County ratepayers.
• Establishes policies and programs based on Council and/or the CAO directions and ensures clear communication to Community Services employee(s).
• Provides direction as to policy implementation.
• Provides reporting of necessary information and recommendations to facilitate Council’s decision-making.
• Acts as liaison with local Boards and Community Groups.

Other

• Must adhere to all safety standards under the Occupational Health and Safety Legislation, Policies and Procedures and WHMIS Guidelines.
• Promotes a safe work environment, ensuring compliance with all government regulations, and Health & Safety policies and practices.
• This position may be called to perform duties as required by the General Manager of Emergency Management during a State of Local Emergency.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Overview

Education/Experience

• Post-secondary education in Business or Public Administration, degree in Land Use Planning or equivalent, or a combination of related education and experience. Minimum seven (7) years of experience in the planning field.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Senior Management Operations with supervisory experience preferred.
• APPI Regulated Membership preferred.
• Experience matching projects with grant funding opportunities and developing grant applications is an asset.

Knowledge

• Understanding of all aspects of business development from financing, land economics, marketing research, to real estate and building requirements.
• Considerable breadth and depth of knowledge of the Municipal Government Act, provincial planning and development regulations and related statutes.
• Good knowledge of project management practices and principles.
• Business planning, budgeting and reporting.
• General knowledge of Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Skills

• Skilled in building a positive workplace culture and has a successful track record coaching, mentoring, and developing staff in their career progression and growth.
• Proficient in various computer programs including, but not limited to Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project), Adobe, AutoCAD, and ArcGIS.
• Ability to work collaboratively, ensuring interpersonal skills contributes to effective team functioning and performance.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to provide accurate, clear and concise recommendations and supporting analysis in written and oral presentations.
• Strategic and critical thinking and use of sound judgement and diplomacy to make recommendations.
• Ability to adapt to varying workloads, proactively plan, establish priorities and allocate resources.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to monitor and adjust work plans to accomplish goals.
• Achieving results in a complex organization and political environment in a way that builds and maintains trust and relationships.

Compliance

• RCMP Criminal Records Check.
• Driver’s Abstract.

Westlock County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

A competitive compensation package commensurate with skills and experience along with a comprehensive Senior Management benefits package. The Successful candidate would be eligible to participate in the Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP). Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.

To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume in confidence to: