Job Description

Posted on: Oct 9, 2025
Posted by: Town of Westlock
Summary
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for community services, innovation, and public service? The Town of Westlock is looking for a dynamic Director of Community Services to join our Senior Leadership Team.
Located just under an hour northwest of Edmonton, Westlock is a thriving rural hub where ambition and collaboration thrive. With a solid foundation and a clear vision for the future, we invite you to help us build on the momentum and shape what comes next.
The Opportunity
The Town of Westlock is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Community Services to lead the planning, delivery, and oversight of recreation, cultural, and community programs. Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer, this senior leadership role balances big-picture strategy with the hands-on management needed to ensure the effective daily operation of key facilities including the Aquatic Centre and Rotary Spirit Centre.
Why Westlock?
Westlock offers the best of both worlds-rural charm and community spirit with quick access to major urban amenities. This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of Westlock by shaping recreation and cultural services that strengthen community pride and quality of life. This position plays a key role in supporting community safety and resilience, including participation in the Town's Emergency Management and Incident Command activities. We're looking for a leader who can combine strategic vision with operational excellence-someone who inspires staff, engages stakeholders, and ensures Westlock remains a vibrant place to live, work, and play.
The Town of Westlock offers a competitive salary and excellent employee benefit program including Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP). Satisfactory background screening is required for this position including a criminal and vulnerable sector record check, and 5-year drivers abstract upon acceptance of the position.
Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision, and direction to Community Services staff, including Municipal Enforcement, Building and Facilities, Westlock & District FCSS, the Rotary Spirit Centre, and the Westlock Aquatic Centre.
• Oversee facility operations, programming, promotion, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with community groups, sports organizations, schools, and regional partners.
• Drive long-term planning for recreation and community services, including facility development and future growth.
• Seek and secure alternate funding sources such as grants, sponsorships, and donations.
• Support budget preparation, ensure fiscal accountability, and align spending with Council's approved priorities.
• Foster a positive workplace culture that emphasizes staff development, training, and safety.
• Act as a liaison with Council, committees, and the public, representing Community Services at meetings, events, and conferences.

Requirements
Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Recreation Administration, Business Management, or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of municipal experience and 10 years of supervisory/management experience.
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Completion of or willingness to obtain Incident Command System (ICS) Canada training at a minimum of ICS-100/200 level; higher-level ICS (ICS-300/400) considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to support and participate in the municipality's Emergency Management Program, including coordination of community services during emergencies and activations.
• Proven ability to balance strategic vision with operational demands, managing multiple priorities with diplomacy and tact.
• A commitment to accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.

Questions: Please call Simone Wiley, Chief Administrative Officer, 780-349-4444.
Apply today and be part of our dedicated team: Join the Town of Westlock and help us build a prosperous and sustainable future! If you're ready to take n a senior leadership role in a community that values integrity, innovation, and collaboration, we want to hear from you.
This competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. The Town of Westlock thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and, if available, a portfolio showcasing your relevant experience and qualifications, along with three references, in confidence to:
Town of Westlock
10003-106 Street
Westlock, Alberta T7P 2K3
Phone: 780-349-4444
Fax: 780-349-4436
Email: employment@westlock.ca

Skills Required