General Manager of Community and Development Services

Organization

Wheatland County

Alberta

March 16, 2026

Full time

Corporate administration

The General Manager of Community and Development Services provides strategic leadership and oversight for Wheatland County’s Planning, Development, Protective Services, Fire and Emergency Services, and Community Services departments. As a member of the County’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the General Manager contributes to strategic planning, policy development, and organizational performance, ensuring alignment with Council’s Strategic Plan and the County’s long-term growth and service delivery objectives.

This position leads a diverse portfolio through collaboration, innovation, and strategic focus. Direct reports include the Manager of Planning and Development Services, Manager of Emergency and Fire Services, Manager of Protective Services, Community Services Coordinator, and the Administrative Assistant to Community and Development Services.

• Provide effective leadership to departmental teams by overseeing recruitment, onboarding, performance management, training, and employee development in accordance with County policies and procedures.
• Lead departmental strategic and business planning, ensuring alignment with Council’s priorities and corporate objectives.
• Oversee development and administration of department at operating and capital budget, including long-range financial planning.
• Champion continuous improvement, customer service excellence, and innovation across departmental operations.
• Provide regular reports and updates to Council, committees, and Boards, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Lead special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned by the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

• Ensure departmental compliance with all applicable County bylaws, policies, and provincial legislation.
• Lead policy and bylaw development, working collaboratively with legal counsel as required.
• Oversee and manage the preparation of reports, bylaws, and policy recommendations for Council and relevant committees.

• Foster effective communication and relationships with Council, staff, external agencies, industry stakeholders, and ratepayers.
• Support public engagement and information sharing through the County website, newsletters, and media releases in coordination with Communications.
• Represent the County at meetings, conferences, and inter-municipal partnership initiatives.

• Oversee the Manager of Planning and Development Services; establish objectives and monitor results of the Planning and Development department.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Planning and Development with respect to policies, programs, and resources to stated objectives of the department; review issues and make recommendations to the CAO.
• Work with the department to generate Key Performance Indicators for application workflow and bylaw / permit issuance; review processes and implement changes to provide a high quality of customer service.
• Translate technical knowledge into communication materials to all stakeholders.
• Establish objectives, oversee, and monitor administration and development of County Planning and Development, and Safety Codes policies and procedures.
• Organize and determine applications and projects for Municipal Planning Commission and Council review and approval.
• Establish objectives, oversee, and monitor the creation and results of all long-range land use planning updates and initiatives, including any revisions to the Municipal Development Plan, Inter-municipal Development Plans, and Land Use Bylaw .
• Establish and maintain positive inter-municipal relationships; facilitate and coordinate Inter-municipal Development Plans, Mutual Servicing Agreements to provide mutual services and partnerships for the County.
• Oversee and monitor preparation of agendas and minutes of the Municipal Planning Commission.
• Attend meetings and functions of Council and the Municipal Planning Commission, as required.
• Direct the preparation, implementation, and processing of…