Manager, Policy Passenger Rail / Senior Policy Advisor - Passenger Rail

Role Responsibilities

The GoA, on behalf of Albertans, is exploring passenger rail in the province through the development of a Passenger Rail Master Plan. In July 2023, Premier Danielle Smith tasked Minister Dreeshen of Transportation and Economic Corridors with exploring passenger rail in Alberta. Work on this mandate will enhance the province’s transportation network and ensure a more safe and efficient transportation system in Alberta. 
 

Alberta’s government recognizes the importance of passenger rail for the future of a rapidly growing province seeks to chart the path forward for passenger rail in Alberta. Passenger rail services connected to urban mass transit have the potential to increase transportation choices, shape and strengthen communities, support jobs and the economy, and improve access to employment, tourism destinations, as well as education and other services for all Albertans. The Master Plan will assess feasibility and financial implications, consider governance options, and hear Albertan’s perspectives on passenger rail. 
 

Come be a part of the team that takes this work forward!
 

Manager, Policy Passenger Rail
 

As a Manager, Passenger Rail Policy, you will lead the development of strategic, evidence-based policy to guide Alberta’s passenger rail system. You will provide expert advice, oversee key projects, and develop briefings and reports for senior and elected officials that shape decision-making.
 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead policy development for Alberta’s passenger rail, including Cabinet reports and legislative and regulatory frameworks.
• Develop implementation plans and operational policies related to passenger rail.  
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on passenger rail-related issues or trends, including assessments of ministry, cross-ministry or stakeholder impacts.
• Develop engagement plans and support effective implementation of engagement activities. 
• Lead the development of project status reports and oversee the branch’s input into the ministry’s planning and accountability requirements, including Business Plans, and Annual Reports.
• Lead project teams, ensuring alignment with the Passenger Rail Master Plan, and represent the branch on key ministry and cross-ministry committees, as required.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

Role Responsibilities cont.

Senior Policy Advisor - Passenger Rail
 

As a Senior Policy Advisor, you will play a key role in passenger rail research, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and planning for Alberta’s first passenger rail network.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct research and policy analysis and provide recommendations on passenger rail legislation and regulations.
• Support the development of key policy documents including briefing notes, presentations, and Cabinet Reports to inform government decision-making.
• Conduct ongoing jurisdictional scanning on passenger rail-related trends and issues. 
• Coordinate the planning and execution of engagement activities with internal and external partners.
• Contribute to project advancement and ensure alignment with provincial transportation priorities and ministry accountability requirements.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.
 

To be successful in these positions, you will demonstrate:
 

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and systems-thinking skills.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and deliver on tight timelines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex information for decision-makers.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.    
 

Qualifications

Required for Both Positions:

• A related university degree (e.g., Public Administration, Business), supplemented by at least four (4) years of related experience. Equivalencies may be considered. 
• Cover letter detailing how your skills and experience align with the role's responsibilities, used to assess writing and communication skills.
• Experience with public policy development.
• Strong communication skills, including experience preparing briefing notes, presentations, speaking notes, and key messages.

Preferred for Both Positions:

• Experience in transportation or rail policy.
• Strong political awareness and experience handling sensitive, high-profile issues.

Additional Requirement for the Manager Role:

• Demonstrated experience in leading initiatives, projects, or teams.

Equivalencies are:
 

• A related two-year diploma and a minimum of six (6) years of related experience; a related one-year certificate and a minimum of seven (7) years of related experience; or a minimum of eight (8) years of related experience in lieu of formal education.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.
 

Notes

Additional Position Details:

• We have two (2) permanent, full-time positions available, working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday (8:15 am - 4:30 pm).
• Location: Twin Atria Building, 4999 98 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6B 2X3

Recruitment Process:

• Pre-employment checks will be conducted to assess candidates’ suitability. These checks may include (but are not limited to): references, criminal record check, academic verification, etc.
• Testing may be administered as part of our assessment process.
• Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 
• Candidates with lesser qualifications may be considered at a lower classification and salary.
• The classification will be determined at the Manager Zone 2 or Program Services 4 Market Adjustment level based on the qualifications identified during the assessment process.
   

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.
 

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and a modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.