Program Manager, Environmental Services

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

Job summary

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo seeks a Program Manager for Environmental Services to lead a region-wide water quality monitoring program and Source Water Protection initiatives. You’ll collaborate with managers to plan, design, and deliver operations and maintenance projects, while developing procedures and training materials for utility operations.

Responsibilities include budgeting, documentation control, and contract oversight, with field and office duties across Fort McMurray.

Qualifications

• Seven years of progresssive experience in maintenance/operations coordination or project management.
• Experience documenting procedures, training materials, and controlled documentation.
• Ability to work with engineering drawings, reports and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead program delivery planning, budgeting, and project supervision for Environmental Services.
• Document practices for manuals, procedures, ERP, and related documents.
• Coordinate with capital and operations teams during planning and construction meetings.
• Review schedules, contract docs, RFP information, and project specifications.
• Provide leadership and maintain relationships with managers and external contacts.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Organizational skills

Analytical

Communication

Leadership

Municipal government knowledge

Continuous improvement

Office software proficiency

Education

Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology

ICS 100/200 training

Project Management Certificate

SAP experience

Equivalent combination of education and work experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

SharePoint/Visio/Outlook

Job description

Starting Salary Range*: $141,208 - $149,277 (Pay Band H)

Job Location: Fort McMurray

• 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.

About The Department

Step into a career that’s grounded in action and driven by purpose. At the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, our Environmental Services team is at the heart of sustainability and safety. Whether you're operating advanced water treatment systems or managing solid waste and underground infrastructure, you’ll play a vital role in protecting public health and the environment. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves for a career that combines purpose, precision, and progress, we’d love to hear from you.

General Description

This position will be dedicated to the development and implementation of a comprehensive region-wide water quality monitoring program and the advancement of a Source Water Protection framework.

Responsibilities

The Program Manager, Environmental Services Operations/ Environmental Services Maintenance (Program Manager) will collaborate with area managers and operations teams on operations and maintenance priorities in the design, planning, and delivery of operations and maintenance projects and programs within Environmental Services. This position is responsible for capturing operational knowledge and developing procedures and training materials to support various utility operations within Environmental Services. The Program Manager will work within Operations or Maintenance, with each role handling activities, programs, and projects specific to their work areas. Primary responsibilities of this position include:

Branch Management

Assists manager with overall program service delivery via planning, development, and supervision of departmental operations or construction projects. Accompany subject matter experts in office and field environments to document and understand practices necessary for documentation development. Manage through direct involvement in daily operations, budgeting and strategic planning of the overall design and implementation of all branch initiatives. Ensures all projects and programs are developed according to legislation, industry standards, and best practices. Manages operational support related to Environmental Services programs and projects, and addresses program service delivery.

Program Development and Continuous Improvement

Closely monitors contractor and construction sites. Produces monthly reports as required by senior leadership. Analyzes and develops strategies, tools, and project management processes and procedures based on best practices for continuous improvements. Compile and produce manuals, procedures, plans, standards, and other related documents, as necessary. Assist in developing and maintaining controlled documentation access points for standards, procedures, emergency response plans (ERP), and other documents within Environmental Services.

Planning and Coordination

Assists capital and operations program delivery team with direct involvement in construction meetings and planning. Supports the sponsor or Engineering department with any questions or work compliance concerns brought up before, during, or after projects. Prepares, reviews, and approves contract documentation, RFP information, and project specifications. Reviews construction schedules and provides timely feedback to contractor and consultants to avoid any discrepancies between the specifications and the actual work completed. Reports all anticipated deviations to the project and management team. Assist in developing and promoting Environmental Services templates, best practices, and policies.

Skills Requirements

• Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
• Experience with prioritizing workflow, managing projects, and completing time-sensitive tasks in a fast-paced project environment.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, with a demonstrated ability to use innovative approaches in situations involving rapid change, shifting priorities, and simultaneous demands.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial and budgeting processes, ideally in a public-sector environment.
• Strong analytical mindset, with the ability to understand and interpret technical data, plans, reports, engineering drawings, and safety requirements.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to gather information, prepare and deliver a variety of documentation and reports, and deliver presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, employees, and external contacts; interacts in a manner that builds trust, credibility, and rapport.
• Strong leadership and facilitation skills, with the capability to provide project management and oversight for program service and delivery.
• Sound knowledge of all aspects of municipal government, with strong political awareness and sensitivity.
• A continuous improvement attitude and ability to seek greater knowledge and understanding of the systems, processes, and hazards in the workplace.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office programs (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, Visio, and Outlook).

Education

• Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology, Environmental Sciences or other related diploma or trade is required.
• Ability and willingness to complete Incident Command System (ICS) 100 and 200 training is required.
• Project Management Certificate is an asset.
• SAP experience considered an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered.

Experience

• Seven (7) years of progressive experience in maintenance and/or operations coordination or project management experience is required.
• Experience in documentation development and updates, including operations training programs.
• Experience working in a construction environment and/or with water and/or wastewater processes, including operations and/or maintenance activities considered an asset.
• Experience in change management and document control programs is considered an asset.
• Experience working in a municipal environment with unionized and non-unionized employees considered an asset.

Other Requirements

• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s Licence
• Criminal Record Check
• Working from both field and office environments, the incumbent will be required to travel to various project site locations within the region. The incumbent must be willing to perform job duties outdoors in all weather conditions. Work will require accessing construction work sites. May be expected to work outside of regular business hours as per operational needs.

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. This position is not employed in a supervisory capacity. As such the employee is not required to obtain additional safety training in accordance with municipal procedures and directives.