Manager, Development Engineering

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Manager, Development Engineering, to join Sturgeon County, an innovative and growing municipality. Reporting to the General Manager, Development and Economic Services, the Manager, Development Engineering provides strategic leadership and expert advice on development-related infrastructure and municipal servicing and supports near- and long-term infrastructure planning to advance Sturgeon County’s planned growth objectives.

Through effective people leadership, operational excellence, fiscal stewardship, risk management, and customer-focused service, the position oversees development engineering reviews, servicing requirements, developer-contributed infrastructure, and off-site levies, while providing key input into development agreements and related securities. Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, the Manager serves as the County’s principal advisor on technical development matters, infrastructure capacity, and development risk, ensuring development activities support long-term municipal priorities and sustainable growth.

The position serves as the County’s Municipal Engineer, with associated responsibilities regarding GMSS maintenance, development agreement approvals, and third-party contributed assets.

Sturgeon County is located in the northern Edmonton Metropolitan Region, covering approximately 2,100 square kilometres and serving approximately 21,000 residents. The County encompasses agricultural, residential, commercial and industrial areas, with major development areas including Sturgeon Valley, Sturgeon Industrial Park, Villeneuve Airport and Alberta’s Industrial Heartland. Sturgeon County is focused on responsible growth and economic development while maintaining its strong agricultural and industrial base. Its current strategic direction emphasizes aligning land use, infrastructure and servicing decisions to support financially sound and balanced growth.

Responsibilities

• People Leadership (20%): Manage, oversee, and lead the Development Engineering team. Focus on advancing the County’s strategic plan and outcomes related to planned growth through defined customer-centred processes and complex multi-disciplinary efforts. Create an open, positive working environment to stimulate open discussion that engages in-office, remote, and hybrid employees. Invest time in managing and developing people through career planning and professional development.
• Department Leadership and Management (25%): Provide strategic leadership and direction aligned with corporate priorities to improve service delivery. Develop and manage operational plans and the longer-term direction for the activities of the department, as well as participate in the development of policies and standards, in accordance with the priorities of the organization.
• Development Engineering (20%): Ensure the development and maintenance of the County’s General Municipal Servicing Standard, and, in consultation with the General Manager, is the final approver of any variances and updates to the GMSS. Oversee development engineering business requirements, including rural, residential, and commercial/industrial, to ensure that clients are served in a responsive and proactive manner.
• Strategic Growth Initiatives (20%): Serve as the County’s key point of contact on any development related matters in Sturgeon’s Industrial Heartland. Participate in the interdepartmental/interdivisional Integrated Growth Team to ensure ongoing alignment and coordination on growth related development.
• Representation, Engagement and Other Responsibilities (15%): Act as a liaison between the County and the development community, engineering consultants, shallow utilities groups, government agencies and other external agencies, for new development and to properly plan new projects.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of related experience in a private or government setting (or a suitable combination of experience and education).
• Post secondary degree in engineering, public/business administration, or another related field.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or a related designation, P.Eng. or related engineering designation, and/or master’s degree are considered assets.
• Experience in urban and rural settings is preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of land development practices and departmental service lines.

Key Competencies

• High-level communication skills to create and deliver verbal presentations, prepare written materials (briefings, reports, and publications), and achieve buy-in and agreement.
• Well-developed research, business analysis, and project management skills.
• Sound interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Solid political acumen with the ability to think critically and recognize and anticipate issues that could significantly impact the division, organization, and community.