Utilities Strategist

Strathmore is a vibrant, welcoming community that is recognized as a regional hub for business and recreation. Continued investment in recreation facilities, parks projects, commercial revitalization, and community programming provides an exceptional quality of life for our residents and visitors. Strathmore is in southern Alberta on the traditional lands of the Siksika Nation, surrounded by Wheatland County and a short distance east of Calgary.

The Town of Strathmore strives to be a leader in municipal administration and operations. Our team of experienced, engaged professionals deliver a diverse range of services and programs that continue to help us set new milestones for quality of life.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Manager of Infrastructure, the Utilities Strategist is responsible for structuring, financial modelling, negotiating, project management and related communication associated with the renewal and extension of the Town's utility contracts with EPCOR, the City of Calgary, and Waste Management. Management of the existing communication tower lease agreement, and the related agreements is also the responsibility of this position.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Key Responsibilities Include:

Ensuring efficient and cost-effective delivery of contracted services, including planning, development, implementation and maintenance of infrastructure projects and services

Acting as the Town representative and primary contact for the Town’s major utility vendors for coordination of specific municipal services, budget planning, and monitoring performance to ensure operational objectives are met, and that any required reporting is completed

Examining, analyzing, negotiating, and revising contracts that involve major utility vendors and services such as: solid and organic waste collection and disposal, recycling, water, sanitary and storm-water operations, and other contracts as requested by the Manager

Monitoring financial activities for all contracts and coordinating budget realignments when necessary

Responsible for the day to day and long-term management of existing contracts with major utility vendors, including approval and any necessary changes that occur over the course of the contract

Assisting the Manager in preparing and managing the Town's water, wastewater, and solid waste budgets, and collaborating with other departments for applicable projects and communications for public relations activities

Developing, recommending, or amending plans and budgets to deliver all programs

Conducting appropriate research and analysis to support proposal and contract development

Developing or designing key monitoring and reporting mechanisms of major utility contracts

Ensuring Contracts, Bylaws, Policies, and Reports align and support each other

Developing and researching programs which align with the Town’s policies and strategies as well as industry best practices to assist with the effectiveness of contracts

Offering support for various department projects/programs and preparing strategic reports to senior management on department initiatives

Assisting with Asset Management development for the Town’s contracted assets

Other duties as assigned by the Manager of Infrastructure

Competencies & Behaviours:

Building positive relationships and partnering with stakeholders

High degree of problem-solving ability and judgement

Critical thinking and analysis

Proven communication skills

Attention to detail

Contract management – preparation and negotiation of contracts

Requirements:

Qualifications:

Engineering or commerce degree/technical or business administration diploma

P.Eng., CET, RET designation or equivalent is a definite asset

Contract Law education is a definite asset

5-7 years of related experience in project management, water management, environment as it relates to a municipality, contracts, budgets, and negotiations

Experience in contract negotiation and contract maintenance

Extensive working knowledge of Municipal Infrastructure

Clear understanding of the Municipal Government Act, specifically relating to planning and development engineering regulations

Experience in infrastructure system design, construction and/or operation including sanitary, sewer and water mains

Ability to foster positive relationships with members of the public, Council, contractors, developers, community, government agencies, and staff

Demonstrated experience in Project Management

Experienced in preparation and tendering of municipal projects and contracts

Broad knowledge of municipal construction practices

Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant software applications

Records Management experience is an asset (i.e., M-Files)

Asset Management experience is an Asset (i.e., Cityworks)

The Town of Strathmore has implemented a Mandatory Vaccination Policy requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Exemptions are available for those who cannot be fully vaccinated on the basis of a protected legal ground (i.e., medical, religious). The successful candidate will be asked to provide proof of vaccination or request an exemption as part of the recruitment process.

Hours:

This is a full-time permanent position. The work week is Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week.

Compensation:

The Town of Strathmore total compensation package includes a competitive salary, a comprehensive insurance and benefits package with flexible health spending component, and also LAPP pension eligibility.

Application:

Please submit a cover letter and complete resume of experience and qualifications, quoting Competition TOS2022-09 to: careers@strathmore.ca

This posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

The Town of Strathmore thanks all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels valued and respected. We will consider accessibility accommodations to applicants upon request.

This posting is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities and qualifications for this position. The job ad is not intended as inclusive of all duties an individual in this position might be asked to perform or of all qualifications that may be required either now or in the future.

Additional Job Information:

Posted Date: Feb 24, 2022
Closing Date: Mar 25, 2022