Chief Administrative Officer

About the Town of Smoky Lake:

Smoky Lake, the “Pumpkin Capital of Canada”, is a friendly, active, and scenic community located about 45 minutes Northeast of Edmonton. With a population of 1031, it has most of the amenities and services of a major center with a charming small-town environment, including: a hospital, a new K-12 school, daycare, agricultural complex and other sporting amenities (including a hockey rink), library, active outdoor opportunities, RCMP detachment, supportive living, and more! If you can’t find it in Smoky Lake, it’s just a short drive away.

Position Overview:

Council is inviting applications for either an INTERIM or PERMANENT Chief Administrative Officer.  While a permanent CAO is preferred, Council is conscious of the upcoming election and is committed to a smooth transition for the next Council while ensuring competent administration.

The ideal Interim CAO will be qualified, experienced, and able to commit to working with the community through the end of January 2026 on a contract or employment basis. A hybrid work relationship where the Interim CAO is in the community at least 3 days a week with the other two days remote would be acceptable. There’s potential for this to become a permanent person should it be the right fit. 

Council is willing to negotiate a moving, mileage, and/or living allowance for the right candidate. The Town allows for a flexible schedule with normal hours being 35 hours a week, Monday through Friday. Smoky Lake has a robust CAO Bylaw and Personnel Policy, available on the website, which provide specific information about the role, including its expectations and benefits. 

Key Responsibilities:

For a full list of responsibilities, please see the CAO Job Description, available on the Town Website at smokylake.ca.

• Adhere to the Municipal Government Act RSA 2000 c. M-26 (as amended).

• Implement and promote the Town’s vision, mission, values, and strategic priorities as identified in the Town of Smoky Lake Strategic Plan. 

• Advise Council on strategy and provide quality information that enables good decision making, including keeping Council informed of progress in relation to corporate and strategic plans.

• Assist and provide direction to Council on planning, bylaw, and policy development. 

• Attend Council and Council Committee meetings, as required. 

• Plan, organize, and oversee all aspects of Town administration including, but not limited to, community planning and development, economic development, infrastructure and public works, financial planning, business and strategic planning, human resources, and bylaw enforcement. 

• Provide strong financial oversight of the municipality as a whole. 

• Oversee the implementation of the Municipal Emergency Management Plan and related processes including assisting with disaster planning.

• Ensure workplace health & safety practices are up to date and followed. 

• Serve as a liaison with Provincial, Federal, and Local Governments, as well as community organizations, as required. 

• Collaborate with regional partners.

• Maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the municipal field. 

• Maintain strong public relations with the community.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills:

• Relevant post-secondary education and professional designations, such as a bachelor’s degree in a related field, is an asset.

• NACLAA Certification, and/or CLGM Designation, or a willingness to obtain them, is an asset.

• Minimum of five years experience at a senior management level.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

• Knowledge of the Municipal Government Act RSA 2000 c. M-26, other relevant legislation, and their regulations.

• Good working knowledge of computer and office programs, including Microsoft Office Programs.

• Project management experience.

• Strong understanding of municipal finance and taxation, public works and infrastructure, planning and development, and bylaw enforcement.

• Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment with tight timelines and frequent interruptions.

• Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and perform duties in a non-partisan manner.

Anticipated Start Date: July 7, 2025

Salary:              $137,700 to $164,421 annually (dependent on qualifications and experience).

Benefits:          LAPP Pension, benefits through Alberta Municipalities

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter no later than 4pm on June 6, 2025 to Town of Smoky Lake Council c/o Angela Duncan at [email protected]. Please note in your cover letter if you are applying for an interim or permanent position. The Town of Smoky Lake is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified applicants. We thank all applicants for their interest but only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted. For further information, please visit the Town website, www.smokylake.ca, or contact Angela Duncan at the above noted email or at 780-868-5103.