Public Works Manager

Town of Drayton Valley; Drayton Valley; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Drayton Valley seeks a Public Works Manager to lead the Public Works and Parks team responsible for roads, utilities, parks and cemetery. This is a hands-on leadership role that drives maintenance planning and project execution.

You will oversee budgeting, staff supervision (unionized), asset management and coordination with Community Services to keep the town safe and well-maintained for residents.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of municipal or public works operations experience.
• 3+ years of supervising employees in a unionized environment.
• Good working knowledge of heavy equipment, fleet and small engines.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and support Public Works and Parks staff; delegate with confidence.
• Plan, prioritize and schedule maintenance and projects for roads, sidewalks, sewer/storm, parks, trails, rinks, green spaces and cemetery.
• Prepare and manage the department's operating and capital budget; monitor spending within limits.
• Champion a safety-first culture and ensure safety documents and reporting are completed.
• Communicate with residents, other departments and consultants with strong customer service.
• Make staffing decisions and oversee contractors as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Budgeting

Safety culture

Project planning

Fleet management

Communication

Asset management

Education

Post-secondary education

Tools

Heavy equipment

Asset management systems

Job description

Company Description

Drayton Valley is a vibrant community of approximately 7,000 residents located about 90 minutes southwest of Edmonton and serves as a key centre for the oil and gas industry, with forestry and agriculture also supporting the local economy. As the primary service hub for the surrounding region, the Town offers facilities, shops, recreational amenities, and restaurants typically found in larger municipalities. The Town is governed by a Mayor and six Councillors, who set strategic direction through policies and programs as outlined in the Municipal Government Act. Under Council’s direction, the municipality delivers essential and non-essential services, including road maintenance, water and sewer services, garbage collection, and family and community services. Interested applicants can learn more about the Town and its services by visiting the municipal website.

Role Description

The Public Works Manager leads the Town’s Public Works and Parks team in caring for the infrastructure residents use every day – roads, sidewalks, sewer and storm systems, parks, trails, outdoor rinks, green spaces and the cemetery.

This is a hands‑on leadership role. The Manager plans and schedules the work, supports and develops staff, manages the department budget, and works alongside Community Services, Recreation and other departments to keep Drayton Valley safe, well‑maintained and enjoyable for residents. Safety is always top of mind, and the Manager leads by example in following Town policies and procedures.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Leading the Team

• Lead, coach and support Public Works and Parks staff; set a positive example and delegate with confidence.
• Hire, train and schedule staff (including seasonal staff) in line with Town policy and the collective agreement.
• Complete annual performance reviews and support staff training and development.
• Review and approve timesheets and overtime.

Operations and Projects

• Plan, prioritize and schedule maintenance and projects for roads, sidewalks, sewer/storm, parks, trails, rinks, green spaces and the cemetery.
• Keep the maintenance program running smoothly and asset management and work order records up to date.
• Manage the Town’s fleet and equipment, including maintenance and replacement recommendations.
• Act as on‑site lead for capital projects; help prepare tenders and oversee contractors and trades.
• Work with Community Services and Recreation on outdoor programs and new green spaces.

Budget and Planning

• Prepare and recommend the department’s annual operating and capital budget, and manage spending within approved limits.
• Review department invoices and look for grants and other funding opportunities.
• Contribute to service plans, long‑range plans and the annual report.

Safety and Compliance

• Champion a safety‑first culture and work with the Safety department on a department safety program.
• Make sure safety documents are completed and submitted on time.
• Stay current on regulations and ensure required testing and reporting is completed.

Communication

• Respond to questions and concerns from residents, other departments and consultants with great customer service.
• Prepare reports, briefing notes and RFDs, and attend senior management and Council meetings as needed.
• Other duties as required.

DECISION MAKING ROLE

Works with the General Manager on the annual budget and is responsible for managing the Public Works budget.

Makes staffing decisions to keep service levels on track, including hiring and day‑to‑day direction, and hires trades and contractors as needed.

MAJOR INTER-PERSONAL CONTACTS

General Manager, Infrastructure

General Manager, Community & Recreation

Other internal municipal managers

Contractors

Members of the public

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• Post‑secondary education in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3+ years of experience in municipal or public works operations
• 3+ years of experience supervising employees in a unionized environment
• Good working knowledge of heavy equipment, fleet and small engine equipment
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to juggle priorities
• Valid driver’s licence

Assets (or willingness to obtain)

• Certified Public Works Supervisor (Level I or II)
• Fleet management certification
• Emergency Management training (Basic Emergency Management to ICS 300)
• Experience with work order and asset management systems
• Experience with budgeting, grant applications and project planning