Job Description

Posted on: Oct 27, 2025
Posted by: City of Wetaskiwin
Summary
CAO Office Full Time- Permanent Internal/External Competition No. CAO-25-35
The City of Wetaskiwin is the home of possibility!
Are you ready to be part of something truly unique in local government? Do you want to join a team that challenges the status quo, values innovation, puts people first and takes pride in finding better ways to get things done? If you're passionate about meaningful work, eager to contribute your leadership and strategic thinking skills, and driven to make a real difference in the community, this is your opportunity!
Here at the City of Wetaskiwin, we are more than just co-workers, we are a diverse, collaborative, and motivated team united by a shared vision and core values of, trust, resourcefulness, and integrity. Our journey began by listening to our citizens craft a 50-year Community Vision. Together, we are transforming ideas into action and turning creativity into progress.
Located only 35 minutes south of Edmonton and 55 minutes north of Red Deer, the City of Wetaskiwin provides all the amenities and quality of life of an urban- rural center.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the City Manager, the General Manager of Municipal Operations and Infrastructure Services plays a vital leadership role in overseeing the planning, coordination, and delivery of essential municipal services. This position provides strategic direction for the Municipal Operations and Infrastructure division, which includes Public Works (Parks and Transportation), Utilities PHUI contract management, Environmental Services, Fleet and Facilities, and the Wetaskiwin Airport. The General Manager develops and implements short-and-long-term operational and capital plans aligned with the City's overall strategic goals, provides expert technical advice to City Management, Council and other departments, and leads Managers and employees within the division to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.
Why Work With Us?

• A Collaborative and Inclusive Culture: We believe in the power of teamwork, a supportive work environment where everyone's voice matters and new ideas are welcomed. We are dedicated to cultivating positive relationships that enhance well-being of both our employees and the community.
• Guided by our Vision: Our City's 50 Year Community Vision focuses on growth, safety, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.
• Strategic Focus: Guided by the Council's Strategic Plan and our Corporate Business Plan, we prioritize a people first philosophy rooted in our values; Trust, Resourcefulness, and Integrity.
• Commitment to Community: We partner with our citizens to build capacity, nurture connections, and enhance the overall well-being of our community. Together, we are creating a future where the City thrives, now and for generations to come.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership to the Division, supporting all departments in alignment with the community vision, Council's strategic direction, corporate priorities, financial objectives, and governing legislation. Leads the development and implementation of short-and long-range plans and projects within areas of responsibility, gathers and analyses data to support studies, reports and recommendations, and coordinates departmental activities with other departments and external agencies as required.
• Establish clear objectives and annual performance goals for direct reports, aligning with organizational priorities. Set high-level performance expectations and provide strategic oversight of their activities. Offer continuous feedback, mentoring and coaching to support professional growth and success.
• Oversee major capital and operational projects to ensure adherence to timelines, budgets and quality standards,
• Assure assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget; perform cost control activities; monitor revenues and expenditures to assure sound fiscal control; prepare annual budget requests; assure effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time.
• Participate with the City Manager and Council to develop a strategic plan and guide for City development and growth.
• Identify, assess and make recommendations to the City Manager on internal and external issues that impact the City.
• Identify and support learning and development initiatives that enhance organizational capacity and align with the City's strategic priorities.
• Provide professional advice to City Manager and make recommendations and presentations to Council, civic groups and the public.
• Ensure effective, efficient, and equitable management and stewardship of financial resources (capital and annual budgets), and assets allocated to the Division.
• Ensure quality of decisions, integrity of actions, timeliness, and efficiency of work through effective management, presentations, meetings, and client working relationships with Elected Officials, City administration, the community and business leaders.
• Collaborates with managers to plan, coordinate, and optimize departmental operations, establishing standardized procedures and performance practices that promote efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with organizational goals. Develops and implements policies, procedures, and standards to ensure the effective operation and maintenance of departmental functions, and oversees regular reviews to maintain compliance, consistency, and relevance with corporate objectives.
• Foster positive and responsible working relationships with client departments, government agencies, community organizations and citizens.
• Represent the City in responding to public inquiries and issues related to areas of responsibility, ensuring transparent communication and effective resolution of complex or sensitive matters. Provide leadership in fostering positive community relations and maintaining public confidence through timely, professional, and accountable service delivery.
• Contribute to corporate reporting processes, including the annual State of the City report and other accountability measures.
• Adhere to applicable responsibilities and accountabilities as outlined in the City of Wetaskiwin Health and Safety Management System.
• Participate in the City Emergency Management program and procedures.
• Attend Council or Committee meetings, public events and industry functions which may be outside and in addition to normal office hours.
• Participate in a rotational process to be Deputy City Manager for 1/3 of the year.

Requirements
Education, Qualifications, and Work Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in a directly related field combined with a minimum of eight to ten years of progressive senior management experience, preferably in a municipal setting. Equivalent education and experience will be considered.
• Completion or enrollment of the National Advanced Certificate in Local Authority Administration (NACLAA) is an asset.
• Proven budgeting experience and expertise.
• Fully conversant with municipal legislation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional leadership and administrative abilities with a demonstrated capacity to guide, motivate, develop, and evaluate employees while providing strategic direction in the development of strategies, principles, and process to achieve organizational objectives.
• Outstanding interpersonal, communication and presentation skills to work with Council, employees, community, and business leaders, the public and all orders of government.
• Working knowledge of professional practices, related Federal and Provincial legislation, and local government practices.
• Exceptional vendor management skills, experienced in writing RFP's and building relationships with vendors, contractors, builders and the business community.
• Demonstrate a high level of integrity and professional conduct and is perceived as consistent, neutral, and objective in business activities.
• Have extensive knowledge of the municipal environment including associated risk management and liability concerns.
• Competent in forecasting industry trends.
• Proficient in financial management.
• Able to assume City Manager responsibilities in the absence of the City Manager.
• Able to make timely decisions, manage multiple projects with changing priorities and provide direction regarding complex or unique situations with high political profile, substantial financial implications, or community well-being.
• Able to work directly with elected officials in a highly political environment to resolve public and municipal issues with tact and diplomacy.
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office programs.

What We Offer

• Benefits (Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance) commencing on date of hire.
• Pension through Local Authority Pension Plan (LAPP).
• 4 weeks of paid annual vacation time.
• 4 Personal Days per year with an additional Anniversary Day off!
• Renumeration will also include Deputy City Manager (DCAO) pay of $5000 per rotation each year.
• Employee, Family Assistance Program.
• Wellness Benefit offering discounted (optional) membership to use the Manluk Regional Aquatic and Fitness Centre.
• Work life balance initiatives such as Earned Day Off (EDO) program.
• Opportunities for growth within the organization.
• Positive Work Culture.

Application Deadline and Details
Applications will be accepted online only. Submit your application directly to: or
This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. The first review of applications will be made on November 3, 2025.
The City of Wetaskiwin is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
The personal information submitted pursuant to this advertisement will be utilized for this Employment Opportunity only and is subject to compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Applicants are thanked in advance for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Skills Required