Recruitment posting
Special Areas Board
Competition #: 836
Ministry : Municipal Affairs
Opening Date : 2024/10/11
closing Date : 2024/10/28
Role : Chair
It is recognized in Alberta as a fundamental principle and as a matter of public policy that all persons are equal. Diversity and inclusion are valued and supported on the boards of Alberta's public agencies
The Minister of Municipal Affairs is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving as Chair of the Special Areas Board (SAB).
The Special Areas is a remarkable rural community in Southeastern Alberta. Its boundaries outline over five million acres of land and are home to almost 5,000 residents. The Special Areas is a unique type of local government, administered by a board of four members appointed by Lieutenant Governor in Council. In addition to the board, an advisory council of 13 is elected in accordance with the Local Authorities Election Act and represents the residents of the three Special Areas.
The Special Areas Board was established to lead and coordinate efforts to rejuvenate and foster the economic, social, and environmental health of this unique region of the province in Southeast Alberta. This work is accomplished through the provision of effective, efficient. and responsive municipal services and the careful and prudent management of public lands. Public land management can include, where appropriate, the return of some of that land to private ownership and productive use.
The Special Areas’ main strength is its people; their prairie disposition coupled with the strength and stability of the Special Areas Board, frames a solid foundation to build programs, initiatives and governance. Special Area No.2, Special Area No.3 and Special Area No.4 make up this interesting and vibrant region.
The Special Areas offers diverse programs and services. These services include:
- Maintenance of over 6000 kilometers of local roads
- Construction of local roads
- Operation and maintenance of Special Areas Recreational Parks
- Provision of Water Services
- Public Land Management
- Operation and maintenance of community pastures
- Agricultural development & conservation programming
- Emergency and protective services
- Rural stabilization and economic development programs
For additional information go to the Special Areas Board web site at: http://specialareas.ab.ca
The Chair of the Special Areas Board is responsible for the overall management of the Special Areas through the development and delivery of cost effective and responsive local government services for a large geographic area (220 townships) and the development and implementation of land use policies on approximately 2.6 million acres of public land. The Chair is responsible to the Special Areas Board for local governance matters and also reports to the Assistant Deputy Minister, Municipal Services Division, on provincial matters.
This unique role functions, in effect, as both the Mayor and the Chief Administrative Officer of the Special Areas Board. There are significant responsibilities to represent the board to the public, industry, and the provincial government, while also overseeing the administration of the organization.
This position uses highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to chair meetings and facilitate effective decision making within the scope of duties delegated to the board by the Minister. The Chair will provide leadership and coordination for teams performing diverse work in several locations across the Special Areas.
This leadership role is accountable for the effective management of approximately 100 full time equivalencies and 140 seasonal staff with a budget of approximately $60 million. Key challenges involved with the role include:
- Managing situations where there are two groups with firmly held and opposing view-points and the issue must be resolved.
- Setting service levels that are reasonable and sustainable, particularly when there is an influx of industrial activity.
- Maintaining relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders and partners in a large geographical area.
Key duties the Chair is responsible for include the following:
- Providing leadership of and facilitate the effective functioning of the Special Areas Board.
- Leading the board in resolving issues and setting effective policy on matters relating to the operation and management of the Special Areas.
- Providing leadership and direction to a management team in the development and implementation of budget and projects, regulatory approvals and area operations.
- Development of long term financial and business plans that include set targets as approved by the Special Areas Board and the Minister.
- Undertaking the duties as delegated by the Minister for the administration of the public lands in the Special Areas.
- Establishing and maintaining relationships and partnerships with other municipalities and agencies and provide leadership in support of regional initiatives and issues resolution.
The Alberta Government is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion on Alberta’s agencies, boards, and commissions. Qualified individuals from all backgrounds, who embody a wide range of knowledge, skills, and expertise, are encouraged to apply.
The Chair of the Special Areas Board is required to have the following skills and experience.
- Extensive related senior leadership with experience in municipal and public lands administration.
- Thorough knowledge of municipal administration including financial, assessment, taxation, protective services, water and sewer, waste management, agricultural service boards and recreation.
- Excellent contract management skills relating to the development and implementation of large capital projects.
- Working understanding of road construction and maintenance.
- Knowledge of industrial and agricultural use of land.
- Understanding of environmental issues relating to land, air and water including endangered species and water management.
- An understanding of and sensitivity to the history, culture, opportunities and challenges for the Special Areas.
- Strong leadership skills including the ability to inspire the development and adoption of a shared vision.
- Strong interpersonal, collaborative, decision-making, and verbal and written communications skills.
- Advanced public speaking and facilitation skills.
- Proven analytical skills and the ability to take complex information and diverse points of view into consideration in making decisions.
- Knowledge of policy development, strategic business and operational planning, measurement and reporting processes.
- Skills and abilities to respond to contentious, controversial issues within political environments.
- Experience effectively managing significant fiscal and human resources.
(2) Academic Background
A university degree in a related field is preferred.
This is a full-time salaried position Compensation policies for public agencies | Alberta.ca
This Executive Manager I position offers a bi-weekly salary range of $5,082.46 - $6,679.30.
Meetings of the board take place in Hanna, Alberta.
Please note: This ad will close on October 28, 2024, or until suitable candidate found.
The posting may be used to fill current and future public agency vacancies.
In addition to your cover letter and resume, we require a biography. Click HERE to download the biography form.
Once the forms are completed, save them to your PC. When you click on submit application, you will be prompted to upload additional documents. Drag and drop or upload your completed biography form and others requested into the ‘Drop files below or click to upload’ section.
Executive Search, Alberta Public Service Commission.
Phone: 780-408-8460
Carefully read the Recruitment Posting and the Position Profile to ensure this is an appropriate opportunity for you. Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements.
Online applications are preferred. To apply, click on the 'apply' button, create or sign into your account in the ePAAS system; upload your resume, view the listing under Current Opportunities and click on 'submit application'. The uploaded resume will be automatically attached.
Provide a short 4 line biography using the Biography template found under additional documents section. Your biography should include your name, current work experience, board/committee experience and relevant education. Please note that biographies may be edited for length and clarity.
Once your biography and other required form(s) are completed, save it to your PC. When you hit 'submit application', you will be prompted to upload additional documents. Drag and drop (or upload) your completed cover letter, biography and other form(s) into the 'Drop files below or click to upload' section before clicking the 'apply' button.
If you are unable to apply online, please submit a cover letter and resume, quoting the recruitment posting competition number, to the contact provided on the posting. We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to assess which candidates' qualifications most closely match the agency's requirements. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted to advance to the next step in the appointment process. You can check the status of each competition on-line at https://www.alberta.ca/public-agencies.cfm.
The personal information in ePAAS is collected pursuant to section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information will be used to administer and manage recruitment for current and future public agency appointment opportunities. Questions regarding the collection, use, or disclosure of this information, may be directed to the Public Agency Secretariat, Public Service Commission, 3rd Floor, Peace Hills Trust Tower, 10011 109 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3S8 or by calling 780-644-3060. Applicants will be required to identify any real or perceived conflicts of interest and may be required to undergo additional screening.
Please Note: Successful applicants will have the following information about them made publicly available on the Public Agency Secretariat Website: name, biography, public agency, and position title.