Municipal Legal Counsel

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo; Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 141,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in Fort McMurray, AB seeks a Municipal Legal Counsel to provide legal services across the organization. You will handle civil litigation, enforcement, taxation and development matters, draft contracts, and advise on governance and compliance.

The role requires a Canadian law degree, Alberta licensure eligibility, and at least two years of post-articling experience. A public sector background is an asset; strong communication and discretion are essential.

Qualifications

• Law degree from a recognized Canadian university.
• Membership in good standing in the Law Society of Alberta or eligibility for membership.
• Two years of post-articling legal advice experience.
• Public sector experience is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Civil litigation matters including research, drafting, and coordination of litigation.
• Enforcement matters including bylaw prosecutions and drafting stop orders.
• Taxation and Assessment matters including handling assessment complaints and appeals.
• Planning and Development matters including opinions, drafting bylaws, and appeals.
• General counsel tasks including drafting/reviewing contracts and providing legal advice.
• Assist with other municipal legal matters as assigned by the Director.
• Regular communication with the Director of Legal Services and attendance at meetings.

Skills

Excellent writing

Analytical thinking

Time management

Discretion & confidentiality

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Law degree (Canadian)

Law Society of Alberta member

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal research databases

Outlook

Job description

Requisition ID: 4135
Affiliation: Exempt
Position Type: Temporary Full Time - Ends September 30, 2027
Number of Openings: 1
Bi-weekly Working Hours: 70 hours bi-weekly
Shift/Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
Department/ Branch: Legal Services,
Job Location: Fort McMurray, AB
Starting Salary Range*: $141,208 - $149,277
Re-posted (dd/mm/yyyy): 22/08/2026
Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy): Open Until Filled (Original Closing date (24/05/2026)
Posting Type: Internal and External

• The Municipality offers a competitive compensation package, including an attractive base salary, excellent benefits, retirement plans, and more. The starting salary for this position is within the range listed above and will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

We strive to make our hiring process accessible to all candidates. If you require accommodation for the interview or any other part of the application process, please let us know.

General Description

Municipal Legal Counsel acts as a legal advisor for the Municipality, providing legal services and support to all parts of the organization.

Administration

• Civil litigation matters including research, drafting, and coordination of litigation;
• Enforcement matters including bylaw prosecutions and drafting stop orders;
• Taxation and Assessment matters including handling assessment complaints and appeals;
• Planning and Development matters including providing opinions, drafting bylaws, and representing the Development and Subdivision Authority on appeals;
• General counsel matters including drafting/reviewing contracts, providing general legal advice, reviewing policies and procedures for legal compliance; and
• Assisting with any other municipal legal matters that may arise from time to time, as assigned by the Director.

Research and Implementation

Legal Counsel will be responsible for research and drafting as required, including but not limited to: reviewing and advising on legislative changes affecting Municipal operations in the areas of municipal governance, planning and development, corporate law, environmental regulation. Legal Counsel will also be responsible for providing legal updates on law in areas that impact municipal operations and governance.

Department Coordination

Legal Counsel will be required to regularly communicate with the Director of Legal Services. Legal Counsel may be required to attend meetings on behalf of the Director.

Skills Requirements

• Excellent writing and communication skills and ability to express points of view logically and persuasively.
• Analytical, planning, organizational, time management, conflict resolution, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize and work under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated high degree of professionalism, discretion, confidentiality and independence including ability to deal with the public in a tactful and professional manner.
• Strong listening, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Flexibility to manage a broad range of complex activities and deadlines.
• Computer literacy including basic skills with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook and legal research databases.
• Knowledge of those areas of law (i.e. contracts, municipal liability, municipal bylaws and real property) which directly impact the operations of the Municipality, and ability to interpret and explain complex policy and legislation.
• Knowledge of the legislative framework within which the Municipality operates (e.g. Municipal Government Act, Expropriation Act, Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act).

Education

• Law degree from a recognized Canadian University or recognized equivalent.
• Membership in good standing in the Law Society of Alberta or eligibility for membership.

Experience

• Two (2) years of experience (post-articling) providing legal advice.
• Experience working in a public sector environment considered an asset.

Other Requirements

• Ability to provide a Criminal Record Check for review and acceptance.
• A valid Class Five (5) Operator’s Licence is an asset.

Safety

As an employee of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the incumbent is responsible and accountable for knowing and working in accordance with the Health and Safety Directive. As per section 2 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the incumbent shall ensure while in the employ of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo the health and safety of employees, contractors, and the public.