Job Description

Posted on: Feb 4, 2026
Posted by: Town of Claresholm
Summary
The Development Services Manager, under the direction of the CAO, oversees Claresholm's development services, and administers and regulates physical development in the community. The Manager is a member of the senior management team and will be involved in the formulation and execution of the town's strategic plan and supervises the town's economic development program to ensure the economic and physical development of the Town proceeds in a coordinated and efficient manner. The Manager provides excellent customer service, and advises Council, staff and the public on development regulations, processes, and statutory plans. The Manager reviews development applications to ensure compliance with provincial legislation and statutory plans. The manager also oversees the Town's municipal enforcement program and supervises the Peace Officer and/or Bylaw Enforcement Officer.
Key Responsibilities

• Reviews proposed developments to ensure compatibility with legislation including the Municipal Government Act, the Alberta Land Stewardship Act, the Subdivision and Development Regulation, the Municipal Development Plan, Area Structure Plans, the Land Use Bylaw, and other applicable legislation.
• Provides excellent customer service to residents and contractors in response to property development inquiries regarding zoning, land use, building setbacks, and other development guidelines.
• Reviews and makes decisions on Business License applications and Home Occupation applications and, where required, refers decisions to the Municipal Planning Commission.
• Serves as Secretary to the Municipal Planning Commission and notifies the public of discretionary use decisions, presents details of proposed developments at public meetings, and creates and maintains administrative records of all meeting business.
• Represents decisions of the Municipal Planning Commission when development decisions are appealed to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.
• Reviews Real Property Reports to determine compliance with the Land Use Bylaw.
• Collaborates with the contracted Safety Codes provider to administer Safety Codes approvals.
• Provides documents and reporting to the contracted assessors to update assessment information.
• Collaborates and coordinates with contracted Planners regarding any ongoing projects, land use bylaw updates, or any other matters.
• Coordinates and provides documentation to GIS contractors to update GIS information.
• Prioritizes, organizes, and monitors processes to meet the timelines and objectives of the department and client base.
• Maintains accurate records and current property files, including data entry and reconciliation of building permit statistics.
• Visits construction sites and other developments to advise and determine compliance with the Land Use Bylaw and the conditions of the Development Permit.
• Provides enforcement, including warning, violation notices, and stop orders when necessary to ensure compliance with the legislation and statutory plans.
• Assists with the administration of sales of town-owned properties.
• Leads and supervises staff on bylaw enforcement, planning and development, and economic development matters.
• Provide general counsel to the C.A.O. on all development matters
• Over sees the Town's economic development program, including supervision of staff, and economic development initiatives related to Business Retention and Expansion, Community Events and Tourism, and Investment Attraction.
• Implements policies, procedures, and organizational structure for assigned operating unit within the framework of town policy.
• Assists in the establishment, and ensure compliance of, the administrative units' short-term and long-term goals with overall municipal objectives.
• Plans, staffs, and supervises all assigned work unit activities through subordinate staff to ensure a cohesive operational unit.
• Is a member of the town's asset management team.
• Grant writing assistance and/or lead writer as directed by the CAO.
• Manages, in conjunction with the Management Team, the scheduling and performance of annual employee performance reviews.
• Other related duties as assigned from time to time.

Requirements

• Valid Class 5 driver's license
• Eligible to work in Canada
• Applied Land Use Planning Certificate or equivalent
• Clean criminal record check
• Effective attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy
• Ability to read and understand maps, survey plans, blue prints, and other graphical development plans.
• High level of proficiency with Windows based computers and Microsoft Office productivity suite
• Ability to respond appropriately in pressure situations with a calm and steady demeanour.
• Familiarity with techniques for interacting with individuals from various socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, in person and over the telephone
• Strong sense of ethics and the ability to handle sensitive or private information with tact and discretion
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work individually as well as part of a team
• Demonstrated time management skills
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability
• Demonstrated ability to be fiscally responsible and suggest cost-saving measures

Skills Required