Program Manager, Public Works

Socket.dev; Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 129,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo invites applications for a Program Manager, Public Works in Fort McMurray. This permanent full-time role oversees program management of Public Works projects, coordinating with leadership, operations, and contractors to ensure timely delivery and compliance.

The successful candidate will lead planning, development, and continuous improvement of programming, with strong focus on budgeting, documentation, and stakeholder collaboration, supporting the

Qualifications

• Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology or equivalent required.
• Minimum seven years in maintenance or operations coordination.
• PM/PMO experience in public sector preferred.
• Strong financial acumen and budgeting experience.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead program management for Public Works projects and initiatives.
• Develop detailed project plans and manage schedules, costs, and documentation.
• Coordinate with leadership, operations, and external stakeholders.
• Prepare monthly progress reports for senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and standards.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Budgeting

Communication

Risk management

Public sector experience

Stakeholder relations

Planning and scheduling

Office365/SharePoint

Education

Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology

PMP or PgMP (preferred)

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

Visio

AutoCAD

Job description

Requisition ID:4502
Affiliation: Exempt
Position Type: Permanent Full Time
Number of Openings: 1
Bi-weekly Working Hours: 70 hours bi-weekly
Shift/Work Schedule:Monday - Friday
Department/ Branch: Public Works, Parks
Job Location: Fort McMurray

Starting Salary Range*:$129,438 - $136,834 (Pay Band G)
COLA:Bi-Weekly - $480

Posted (dd/mm/yyyy): 15/08/2026
Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy):30/08/2026
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.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) is looking for passionate, skilled and forward-thinking individuals to join our Public Works Department - a team that keeps our region running smoothly every day.

From road maintenance and fleet management to park enhancements and snow clearing, our Public Works team plays a critical role in daily life across the region. We’re seeking a hands-on professional who is committed to public service, enjoys meaningful work and excels in fast-paced environments.

If you take pride in seeing your work in action and want to contribute to a team that powers the municipality—this is your place.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Program Manager, Public Works is responsible for the program management of Public Works programming and its related projects, and initiatives. Utilizing consistent and standard approaches, the incumbent will be responsible for collaborating with leadership and operations in the design, planning, and delivery of projects and programs within Public Works to ensure programming is carried out effectively and aligned with the Municipality’s strategic goals. This position is responsible for capturing operational knowledge and developing procedures, monitoring progress, and contributing strategic and administrative guidance. The Program Manager, Public Works leads multiple projects independently, facilitates the development of work scopes for quotes and tendering packages, and develops, maintains, monitors, and enforces construction schedules, tracks, and controls project costs, and maintains accurate project documentation. Primary responsibilities include:

Program Management

Assists with overall service delivery via planning, development, and supervision of departmental operational programming and projects. Accompanies subject matter experts in office and field environments to document and understand practices necessary for documentation development. Manages through direct involvement in daily operations, risk mitigation planning, and budget management. Ensures all projects and programs are developed according to legislation, industry standards, and best practices. Manages operational support related to Public Works programs and projects and addresses program service delivery.

Program Development and Continuous Improvement

Analyzes, evaluates, formulates, and enhances Public Works programming to ensure alignment with the Municipality’s strategic goals at the departmental and organizational level. Plans and designs the scope of program and its individual projects, develops detailed project plans, closely monitors contractor and construction sites. Produces monthly progress reports for senior leadership. Analyzes and develops strategies, tools, and project management processes and procedures based on best practices for continuous improvements. Engages and collaborates with leadership, operations, and other internal and external stakeholders as required. Ensures all projects and programs are developed according to legislation, industry standards, and best practices. Compiles and produces manuals, procedures, plans, standards, and other related documents, as necessary. Assists in developing and maintaining controlled documentation access points for standards, procedures, Emergency Response Plans (ERP), and other documents within Public Works.

Planning and Coordination

Assists capital and operations program delivery team with direct involvement in construction meetings and planning. Supports 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. Assists in developing and promoting Public Works 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.
• Knowledge of local government operations, including policy development and decision-making processes.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholder groups such as industry, government, Indigenous groups, and members of the public.
• A continuous improvement attitude and ability to seek greater knowledge and understanding of the systems, processes, and hazards in the workplace.
• Ability to operate within a politically sensitive environment and deal with confidential and potentially sensitive issues.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office programs (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, Visio, and Outlook).

EDUCATION

• Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology, Environmental Sciences, Public Administration, Business Communications, or other Parks and Roads related diploma is required.
• A Project Management Professional (PMP) and/or a Program Management Professional (PgMP) designation, or a willingness to obtain, is preferred.
• 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, including identifying project scope, managing schedules, budgets, and stakeholder relationships is required.
• Experience in documentation development and updates, including operations training programs is asset.
• Experience working in a construction environment 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 public-sector or municipal environment with unionized and non-unionized employees considered an asset.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to provide a Criminal Record Check.
• A valid Class five (5) Operator’s Licence is required as the incumbent may be required to operate a personal or municipal vehicle for business use.

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.