General Manager of Transportation and Agriculture

Position Summary:

The General Manager of Transportation and Agriculture is responsible for the leadership and oversight of transportation, roads, bridges, water and wastewater, solid waste, fleet and equipment, facilities, Wheatland County lands and properties, and agricultural and environmental programs.

As a member of the County’s senior management team, the General Manager provides expertise in the development of policy recommendations, municipal strategic planning and implementation, issue resolution, and corporate management and operational matters.

The General Manager provides direct leadership to the Manager of Technical Services, Manager of Operations, Manager of Agriculture and Environment, and Administrative Assistant to Transportation and Agriculture.

Key Responsibilities:

• As a senior manager with direct reports, participate in the recruitment and selection process, employee onboarding and orientation, training, coaching, performance management, progressive discipline, career development, and other corporate human resource processes and procedures.
• As a member of senior management, participate in strategic planning and implementation; establish department business goals and objectives; and oversee the delivery, performance, and reporting of department programs, services, legislated responsibilities, education and awareness activities.
• Direct the preparation and implementation of the department’s strategic priorities, operating and capital budgets, including long-range financial plans, ensuring alignment with the County’s Strategic Plan and approved service levels.
• Oversee the procurement and disposal of department operating supplies, equipment, and capital assets in accordance with County policies and applicable legislation.
• Direct the preparation of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for engineering, consulting, construction, maintenance, and other services as required.
• Oversee the implementation of capital projects and coordinate with consultants, contractors, government agencies, and Wheatland County staff to ensure projects are delivered effectively.
• Prepare and deliver reports, presentations, and information sessions for Council, committees, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor departmental performance, identify emerging issues and opportunities, and make recommendations to the CAO regarding policies, programs, services, resources, and operational improvements.

Transportation

• Provide leadership and oversight of Transportation programs, policies, and resources, ensuring they effectively support approved service levels and departmental objectives.
• Oversee the planning, administration, and delivery of the multi-year capital program for transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, land acquisition, and land disposal.
• Review transportation related issues and provide recommendations to the CAO regarding service levels, priorities, infrastructure needs, and operational improvements.

Technical Services

• Provide leadership and oversight of utilities and technical services, including water, wastewater, solid waste, and related infrastructure and facilities.
• Oversee the planning, administration, and delivery of the multi-year capital program for water and wastewater treatment, and distribution systems, solid waste transfer locations, and associated infrastructure.
• Maintain effective working relationships with the Wheatland Regional Corporation and other relevant utility partners.
• Review technical services and utilities related issues and provide recommendations to the CAO regarding policies, programs, resources, and service delivery.

Fleet and Equipment

• Provide leadership and oversight of the County’s fleet and equipment operations, including current and future fleet requirements, policies, programs and resources.
• Oversee the planning, administration, and delivery of the multi-year fleet and equipment capital program.
• Ensure fleet and equipment operations comply with applicable Alberta Transportation requirements and other relevant legislation and standards.

Monitor fleet utilization, lifecycle requirements, and operational needs and recommend improvements as required.

Facilities

• Provide leadership and oversight of County facilities, including the Building Management System (BMS), building maintenance agreements, and maintenance programs.
• Establish appropriate maintenance and service level objectives and monitor the quality and effectiveness of facility services.
• Oversee the administration of the building maintenance operating and capital budgets.
• Identify facility maintenance, renewal, and lifecycle requirements and make recommendations regarding priorities and long-term needs.

Agriculture and Environment

• Provide leadership and oversight of Agricultural Services Board (ASB) operations and the County’s agricultural and environmental programs.
• Ensure agricultural and environmental programs meet legislative requirements, approved service levels, and Council priorities.
• Oversee the administration of the Agriculture and Environment operating and capital budgets.
• Review agricultural and environmental issues and provide recommendations to the CAO regarding programs, policies, resources, and emerging priorities.

Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)

• Provide leadership in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and support the implementation of the County’s occupational health and safety policies, programs, and initiatives
• Work with the CAO, senior management, and the Health and Safety Advisor to establish and achieve workplace health and safety objectives and provide support continuous improvement of occupational health and safety initiatives.
• Ensure personal compliance with OH&S requirements and promote compliance among departmental employees, including attendance at regular safety tailgate meetings, completion of required training, and adherence to safe work practices.
• Ensure employees have the appropriate training, information, and resources to perform their work safely and in accordance with applicable legislation, policies, and procedures.

Other Responsibilities

• 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.
• Liaise with legal counsel regarding bylaw and policy matters and litigation.
• Make any necessary recommendations and adjustments to practices, operations, staffing, and positions.
• Meet regularly with managers and department staff to keep abreast of departmental operations; facilitate two-way information exchange and provide input for operational critique and improvements.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable Wheatland County policies and bylaws.
• Ensure departmental information is available to County residents through a broad range of communication tools including newsletters, County website / web page, and media releases.
• 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 the CAO.

Qualifications:

• A degree or diploma from a recognized post-secondary educational institution in the field of Civil Engineering or Civil Engineering Technology, or a related field
• Current professional membership in good standing with APEGA
• Five to seven (5-7) years of progressive experience in a management or supervisory role, preferably in a rural municipality
• Strong background of progressively more responsibility in the operation of a municipality
• High proficiency in the use of computer programs including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Excellent communication skills including written and verbal
• Excellent public relations skills
• Strong skills in public policy and bylaws development
• Effective problem solving and decision-making skills
• Effective organizational and time management skills; comfortable managing many different priorities concurrently
• Effective negotiation and conflict management skills
• Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment
• Valid Class 5 Alberta drivers’ licence

Working Conditions:

• This position works a 5 day work week, Monday to Friday, with one day off in a 3 week cycle; hours of work: standard 37.5 hour work week.