Chief Administrative Officer

Position Reports To:

Council

Job #:

P25-28

Community Profile:

Wheatland County has a population of 8,788 residents. The County is bordered on the west by Rocky View County, the south by Vulcan County and Siksika Nation, the east by the County of Newell and Special Areas 2, and on the north by Kneehill County and the town of Drumheller. The prairie's natural beauty fills the eye in all parts of Wheatland County. From the golden fields near Standard to the badlands of the northeast, to the tranquility of the Bow River near Carseland. Wheatland County is an ideal blend of rural and urban lifestyles; we are next door to the city of Calgary, the fastest growing city in the most vibrant province of Canada.

Our proud heritage of independence and hard work shows in our farms and ranches - and our pride in the past is still evident in community rodeos and fairs each summer and fall. Our work ethic and dedicated stewardship of the land, once primarily agricultural, is now our strength as we look forward to the future. Continuing growth and development in agribusiness, oil and gas, and manufacturing will add an exciting entrepreneurial outlook.

Position Summary:

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for managing the overall operations of Wheatland County and adherence to the Municipal Government Act (MGA), County policies, and bylaws. As a trusted advisor, the CAO is also accountable for strategic initiatives and priorities, as set out by Council and the strategic plan.

The CAO is a visionary leader for the County, elected officials, and its ratepayers, while serving as an inspirational ambassador for positive workplace culture.

The CAO has the following direct reports: General Manager of Corporate and Financial Services, General Manager of Transportation and Agriculture, General Manager of Community and Development, Director of People Services, Economic Development Officer, and Executive Assistant.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with Council to help set vision of County to ratepayers and employees.
• Deliver on strategic initiatives and priorities, as set out by Council and strategic plan.
• Ensure operations and budget align with strategic plan.
• General adherence and strong working knowledge of MGA.
• Performance of duties as outlined in Section 207 and 208 of the MGA.
• Performance of duties as detailed in County policies and bylaws.
• Attend Council Meetings and other board meetings and provide recommendations on behalf of Administration regarding operational matters.
• Build and develop strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate and attend community events and activities, as required.

Operational Responsibilities:

• As a senior manager with direct reports, participate in the recruitment and selection process, conduct new employee onboarding / orientation, train, coach, performance manage, participate in the progressive disciplinary process up to and including terminations, participate in employees' career development, and actively participate in other corporate-endorsed human resource management processes and procedures.
• As a member of senior management, participate in strategic planning; establish department business goals and objectives; oversee and monitor results of department programs, services, legislated duties, and reporting processes, to support the achievement of Wheatland County short and long term business goals.
• Direct the preparation of the department strategic plan and budget; establish objectives that ensure the budget meets deliverable targets set out in the County's Strategic Plan; develop department operating and capital budgets including long-range budgets that support the department's mandate, and meets the goals and objectives of the County's Strategic Business Plan.
• Provide reports and information on department services and attend meetings of the Council, Council Committees and Boards, as required.
• Direct the conducting of research related to bylaws, policies, management reports, etc.; ensure departmental bylaws are up-to-date.
• Make any necessary recommendations and adjustments to practices, operations, staffing, and positions.
• Organize and meet regularly with department staff to keep abreast of departmental operations; facilitate two-way information exchange and provide input for operational critique and improvements.
• Ensure departmental information is available to County residents through a broad range of communication tools including newsletters, County website / web page, and media releases.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable Wheatland County policies and bylaws.
• Relate to and communicate with senior management, Council, colleagues, customers, external agencies, government, and vendors sincerely, clearly, tactfully, promptly and courteously; respond to inquiries and complaints promptly and professionally.
• Perform tasks, consistent with the position, including special projects / assignments, as may be required on an ad hoc basis, and as assigned by Council.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the current OH&S policies, programs and resources to stated objectives of the department; review issues and make recommendations; work with other senior management members to ensure appropriate workplace health and safety objectives are met, and provide guidance to the Health and Safety Officer regarding the planning and implementation of occupational health and safety initiatives for the County.
• Maintain own compliance with OH&S and ensure all applicable employees are in compliance with OH&S including employee attendance at regular safety meetings, employees being properly trained in OH&S related topics, and ensuring employees complete work in a safe manner.

Qualifications:

• A degree or diploma from a recognized post-secondary educational institution in public or business administration, or in a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years related experience with progressively more responsibility in the operation of a municipality.
• Extensive and current working knowledge of MGA is required.
• Certified Local Government Manager (CLGM) Certification is considered an asset.
• National Advanced Certificate in Local Authority Administration (NACLAA) is considered an asset.
• Strong skills in public policy and bylaws development.
• Excellent communication skills including written, verbal / interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Effective problem solving and decision making skills.
• Effective organizational and time management skills; comfortable managing many different priorities concurrently in a fast paced environment.
• Valid Class 5 Alberta drivers' licence.

Working Conditions:

• This position works a 5 day work week, Monday to Friday; hours of work: standard 37.5 hour work week

Education : College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma from a program of 1 year to 2 years

Experience : 5 years or more