Manager Improvement Districts & Land Use Planning

Role Responsibilities

The Manager, Improvement Districts (IDs) and Land Use Planning is an experienced leader who inspires and leads a team of professional subject matter experts who provide guidance to municipalities and the public on land use planning, and who fulfill the ministry's legislated obligation to administer governance of the province's IDs. This position works closely with appointed and elected councils and other ministries as needed to ensure the effective governance and administration of IDs. There are significant financial accountabilities and contract management responsibilities associated with this position.  Some limited travel will be required. 

Job Responsibilities for  Improvement Districts:

• Manage administrative responsibilities for Improvement Districts (IDs) including Jasper, Elk Island, Wood Buffalo, and Willmore Wilderness Parks, as well as overseeing contracted service providers for Waterton and Banff IDs.
• Provide guidance and support to IDs with councils and collaborate with municipal officials, auditors, and financial officers.
• Advise senior management on significant municipal issues or emerging trends affecting financial health.
• Build relationships with external stakeholders, including other ministries and levels of government, and regional neighbors to support municipalities and IDs.
• Ensure timely preparation of budgets, tax rates bylaws, and other legislative requirements in compliance with municipal legislation.

Land Use Planning Leadership:

• Lead professional staff to advise on land use planning for municipalities, providing clarity on legislative requirements and municipal procedures.
• Guide cross-ministry and multi-stakeholder initiatives impacting municipal planning, including strategies for housing, hazard mitigation, and sustainable growth.
• Analyze policy issues and develop recommendations for legislative or regulatory improvements.

Compliance and Training:

• Monitor compliance with the Municipal Government Act and other related regulations impacting land use.
• Oversee the creation of resources and training to assist municipalities in adapting to legislative changes and members of the public to understand municipal process.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment.
• Provide clear communication on departmental goals and priorities while ensuring project standards and deadlines are met.
• Empower staff with professional growth opportunities through coaching, supervision, and feedback.

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

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.

Systems Thinking: You anticipate outcomes and potential impacts across interrelated areas and will factor this into planning.

Agility: Identifies and manages competing priorities in a highly politically sensitive environment.

Creative Problem Solving: Breaks down problems, undertakes appropriate research and investigation and draws on experiences to solve problems. 

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

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.

University graduation in a field related to the position assignment such as Public Administration, Business or Economics supplemented by Six years related experience. Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one for one basis. 

Equivalency:
Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Assets:

• Six years of progressively responsible experience in public administration, municipal land use planning, and governance (equivalencies considered).
• Proven leadership with extensive knowledge of municipal government operations and stakeholder management.
• Strong working knowledge of the Municipal Government Act and its application in municipal affairs.
• Experience engaging with senior management, municipal elected officials, and external stakeholders.
• Membership in the Alberta Professional Planners Institute and/or the Society of Local Government Managers of Alberta (preferred, not required).
• Designation or certification in land use planning or municipal administration (preferred, not required).

Notes

This position is a  permanent position with the standard weekly work hours of 36.25, Monday to Friday (8:15 am – 4:30 pm).

Pre-Employment Checks will be completed to assess the candidate’s suitability for a role. These checks may include (but are not limited to): references, criminal record check, academic verification, etc.

Candidates with lesser qualifications may be considered at a lower classification and salary.

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.

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

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• 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
• Christmas closure directive – https://www.alberta.ca/christmas-closure-directive.aspx 
• Special leave directive – https://www.alberta.ca/special-leave-directive
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
• Opportunity to participate in a modified work schedule agreement
• Leadership and mentorship programs