Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with Council to help set vision of County to ratepayers and employees.
• Deliver on strategic initiatives and priorities, as set out by Council and strategic plan.
• Ensure operations and budget align with strategic plan.
• General adherence and strong working knowledge of MGA.
• Performance of duties as outlined in Section 207 and 208 of the MGA.
• Performance of duties as detailed in County policies and bylaws.
• Attend Council Meetings and other board meetings and provide recommendations on behalf of Administration regarding operational matters.
• Build and develop strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate and attend community events and activities, as required.

Operational Responsibilities:

• As a senior manager with direct reports, participate in the recruitment and selection process, conduct new employee onboarding / orientation, train, coach, performance manage, participate in the progressive disciplinary process up to and including terminations, participate in employees’ career development, and actively participate in other corporate-endorsed human resource management processes and procedures.
• As a member of senior management, participate in strategic planning; establish department business goals and objectives; oversee and monitor results of department programs, services, legislated duties, and reporting processes, to support the achievement of Wheatland County short and long term business goals.
• Direct the preparation of the department strategic plan and budget; establish objectives that ensure the budget meets deliverable targets set out in the County’s Strategic Plan; develop department operating and capital budgets including long-range budgets that support the department’s mandate, and meets the goals and objectives of the County’s Strategic Business Plan.
• Provide reports and information on department services and attend meetings of the Council, Council Committees and Boards, as required.
• Direct the conducting of research related to bylaws, policies, management reports, etc.; ensure departmental bylaws are up-to-date.
• Make any necessary recommendations and adjustments to practices, operations, staffing, and positions.
• Organize and meet regularly with department staff to keep abreast of departmental operations; facilitate two-way information exchange and provide input for operational critique and improvements.
• Ensure departmental information is available to County residents through a broad range of communication tools including newsletters, County website / web page, and media releases.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable Wheatland County policies and bylaws.
• Relate to and communicate with senior management, Council, colleagues, customers, external agencies, government, and vendors sincerely, clearly, tactfully, promptly and courteously; respond to inquiries and complaints promptly and professionally.
• Perform tasks, consistent with the position, including special projects / assignments, as may be required on an ad hoc basis, and as assigned by Council.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the current OH&S policies, programs and resources to stated objectives of the department; review issues and make recommendations; work with other senior management members to ensure appropriate workplace health and safety objectives are met, and provide guidance to the Health and Safety Officer regarding the planning and implementation of occupational health and safety initiatives for the County.
• Maintain own compliance with OH&S and ensure all applicable employees are in compliance with OH&S including employee attendance at regular safety meetings, employees being properly trained in OH&S related topics, and ensuring employees complete work in a safe manner.