Director of Legislative Services / Development Officer

Position Details:

Employer: MD of Fairview No. 136

Location: Fairview, AB

Industry: Municipal Government

Position Outline:

Spanning approximately 1387 square kilometres, the Municipal District (MD) of Fairview No. 136 is among the smallest rural municipalities in Alberta.  The MD is bordered by the mighty Peace River on the west and south sides and boasts one of the most picturesque welcomes in the province across the Dunvegan Bridge (colloquially known as the "Golden Gateway to the North"). 

As of 2021, the MD has a population of 1580 residents.  The rural municipality surrounds the Town of Fairview and includes the Hamlets of Bluesky and Whitelaw within its boundaries.

Vision:

The MD of Fairview endeavours to provide a high quality of life and services for all residents while maintaining a strong sense of community pride and natural beauty. 

The main economic activities within the Municipality include agriculture, agricultural processing, oil and gas, tourism, and manufacturing.  The preservation and strengthening of agriculture continue to be a primary focus, however progressive development, economic growth, and an environmentally responsible approach helps us move towards a financially sustainable future.

Please visit our website for additional information (www.mdfairview.com).

Position Title:  Director, Legislative Services / Development Officer

Reports To:  Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Supervises:  Administrative Assistant

Position Summary:  The Director, Legislative Services is responsible for assisting the CAO with all legislative duties including handling sensitive political issues and public concerns, conducting research, arranging meetings and appointments, maintaining office administration, records retention and management, and completing special projects. The Director, Legislative Services is the Deputy Director of Emergency Management and plays a key role in Emergency Management Services.

The Development Officer assists developers, ratepayers, and the public with development, subdivision, and rezoning applications including appropriate inspections and enforcement.

Position Category:  Permanent Full-time

Regular Hours of Work:  8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday

     Occasional evening meetings

The role involves the following:

General

• Function as:
  • Director, Legislative Services 
  • Development Officer
  • Deputy Director of Emergency Management
  • Deputy Returning Officer for municipal elections
  • FOIP Coordinator
  • Backup to Director, Agriculture and Parks
• Participate in strategic Municipal planning, establish departmental goals and objectives, monitor departmental programs and services, and support the Municipality’s Integrated Community Sustainability Planning (ICSP).
• Communicate with CAO, Council, Directors, and employees as required to facilitate information exchange and provide input regarding operational improvements.
• Supervise the Administrative Assistant position.

Legislative Services

• Acts as the key liaison and assistant to the CAO and Council.
• Ensure legislative compliance, accurate management of statutory documents, and provide support to the governance process.
• In collaboration with the CAO, ensure the timely preparation and distribution of all agenda packages and all pertinent supporting information, correspondence, and reports.
• Attend and record minutes of Council, Boards and Committee meetings.
• Implement, coordinate, and monitor actions resulting from direction given by the CAO as it relates to the legislative function.
• Conduct research and compile data for bylaws and policies for the Municipality.
• Maintain up-to-date records of all agendas, minutes, bylaws, policies, and other legislative records.
• Assist with the management of Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) Agreements. 
• Draft correspondence for the Reeve and/or the CAO as required.
• Function as the Municipality’s primary contact for matters related to the Access to Information Act and the Protection of Privacy Act, including coordinating information requests and supporting compliance with legislative requirements.  Record meeting dates and appointments and send meeting notices.
• Arrange bookings of Council Chambers or other meeting rooms.
• Oversee registration and travel arrangements for CAO and Councilors as required.

Development and Planning

• Performs the duties, fulfills the responsibilities, and exercises the authority of the Municipal Development Authority as prescribed under the Municipal Government Act.
• Prepare and monitor Planning and Development budget.
• Function as the key contact with contract planners, safety codes agencies, and other community/industry stakeholders.
• Assist with updates to Intermunicipal Development Plans.
• Responsible for the coordination of the development and/or amendments of the Land Use Bylaw, Municipal Development Plan (MDP), Area Structure Plans (ASPs), and other planning documents.
• Respond to inquiries from the public, developers, builders, and their agents regarding planning and development.
• Review and process land use planning and development applications.
• Review and assist the Municipal Subdivision Authority with subdivision applications.
• Conduct research regarding development and planning.
• Conduct field inspections related to compliance requests, development applications, and complaints; issue warning letters and stop orders where necessary.
• Function as lead in GIS information systems.
• Liaise with municipal contract planners to maintain all rural Municipal addressing.
• Consult with Corporate Services and Taxation departments regarding improvements and developments.

Administration

• Assist with telephone reception and customer service.
• Maintain agreements, leases, and cemetery records, including all related records thereof.
• Monitor and maintain Municipal Website, Ratepayer Email Distribution Software, Facebook, and other social media or communication systems under the oversight of the CAO.
• Coordinate and produce quarterly newsletters in conjunction with the CAO.
• Assist with maintenance of municipal maps and oversee the general filing system.
• Review and revise a wide range of documents, reports, and communications.
• Lead the coordination, planning, and execution of Municipal events and activities.
• Provide administrative support to other municipal departments including Corporate Services & Finance, Agriculture and Parks, and Public Works.
• Function as backup to the Administrative Assistant position.

Human Resources

• Demonstrate advanced human resource ability and good judgment in department employee recruitment, hiring, and retention.
• Ensure department employees are competent to perform the tasks they are assigned in an efficient, healthy, and safe manner
• Provide training or arrange for training for department employees to foster the continuous development and improvement of employee knowledge skills.
• Plan and support department employee development through regular meetings, coaching, and conducting regular performance management reviews and plans.
• Supervise, evaluate, and discipline the department employees in accordance with Municipal policy, procedures, and practices.
• Ensure department employee compliance with all Municipality’s policies, directives, procedures, and practices.

Professional Development

• Ensure all operating licenses and professional or technical designations and certifications remain valid and current.
• Attend and participate in courses, workshops, seminars, and conferences to keep abreast of trends, best practices, and developments within the applicable scope of work.
• Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to continuous education and professional development.

Health and Safety

• Make every reasonable effort to protect the health and safety of all workers.
• Participate in the Municipal Health and Safety Program and demonstrate a commitment to the continuous improvement of the Municipality’s Health and Safety Program.
• Ensure Municipal and employee compliance with the Municipality’s Health and Safety Program, as well as the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulations, and Code. 
• Ensure timely reporting of incidents to the Municipal Safety Coordinator and Alberta Occupational Health and Safety as required by the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Participate in the Municipality’s Health and Safety meetings, the Health and Safety Committee and any COR certification, maintenance, or baseline audits.
• Complete Occupational Health and Safety training, as required.

As the Director of Legislative Services / Development Officer, you will demonstrate the following:

• Possession of advanced public relation skills; ability to interact well with others and to effectively address concerns and inquiries in a professional and respectful manner.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills that enable clear communication of complex matters.
• Ability to develop and present reports, briefings, plans, and ideas, orally and in writing. 
• Ability to develop budgets and accomplish established objectives within an approved budget.
• Proven leadership and human resource skills with the ability to evaluate, develop, motivate, and manage employee performance.
• Ability to effectively work as a part of a diverse management team to meet the overall goals and objectives of the Municipality. 
• Strong time management, critical thinking ability, organization, planning, and delegation skills; capable of maintaining even, accurate and productive work output.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Municipal Government Act, Access to Information Act and the Protection of Privacy Act, the Local Authorities Election Act, the Alberta Emergency Management Act and other applicable Municipal bylaws and policies, Provincial and Federal Acts, Regulations and Codes.
• Ability to use a computer with demonstrated proficiency and knowledge of software such as Municipal Business software, Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, websites, social media, and records management.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information System Mapping (GIS) and ability to productively use related software.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and complete all assigned tasks with a high degree of professionalism, objectivity, and political sensitivity.

The successful candidate will possess:

• Post-secondary diploma in an administrative or business field (designation or certificate in governance or related field is desired).
• Completion or willing to complete the Applied Land Use Planning Certificate (ALUP).
• A minimum of two years’ working experience (or equivalent combination of education and work experience) using the required skills.
• Class 5 Operator’s License with suitable Driver’s Abstract.
• Certification, or willingness to obtain certification in:
  • Predator Control Device Permit (Form 7)
  • WHMIS
  • Standard First Aid / CPR-C
  • Leadership for Safety Excellence
  • FOIP (Introduction to Privacy, Access to Information, and Managing a FOIP Program)

A competitive compensation package will be provided to the successful candidate.  This includes an attractive and competitive base salary, a comprehensive municipal benefits package, and LAPP (Local Authorities Pension Plan).  Details will be discussed in further conversations.

James Davies                               

Managing Director

DCG Executive Search Services Ltd.

Phone: (780) 758-9796

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.daviescg.com