Program Manager, Public Works

Requisition ID: 4640
Affiliation: CUPE Municipal
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 & Roads
Job Location: Fort McMurray
Pay Level: PL17
Start Rate: $ 60.90
Permanent Rate: $ 71.87 (Permanent rate effective after completion of probation)
COLA: Bi-Weekly - $480
Posted (dd/mm/yyyy): 31/10/2026
Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy): 15/11/2026
Posting Type: Internal and External

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 overseeing 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 effectiveness and alignment 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 incumbent 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• • Lead the delivery of Public Works programming and related projects through program planning, development, and monitoring; risk mitigation; and budget management. Ensure all projects and programs are developed according to organization policies, legislation, industry standards, and best practices, while supporting effective service delivery.
  • Accompany subject matter experts in office and field environments to document and understand practices necessary for documentation development.
  • Analyze and develop strategies, tools, processes, and procedures to ensure all projects and programs are developed according to legislation, industry standards, and best practices, promoting continuous improvement.
  • Manage operational support related to Public Works programs and projects and address program service delivery.
  • Analyze, evaluate, formulate, and enhance Public Works programming to ensure alignment with the Municipality’s strategic goals at the departmental and organizational level.
  • Plan and design the scope of program and its individual projects, develop detailed project plans, closely monitor contractors and construction sites.
  • Prepare monthly progress reports for senior leadership.
  • Engage and collaborate with leadership, operations, and other internal and external stakeholders as required.
  • 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 Public Works.
  • Assist capital and operations program delivery team with direct involvement in construction meetings and planning.
  • Provide advice with questions or work compliance concerns raised before, during, or after projects.
  • Prepare, review, and approve contract documentation, RFP information, and project specifications.
  • Review construction schedules and provide timely feedback to contractors and consultants to avoid any discrepancies between the specifications and the actual work completed.
  • Report all anticipated deviations to the project and management team.
  • Assist in developing and promoting Public Works templates, best practices, and policies.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

• • Ability to prioritize workflow, manage projects, and complete 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 leadership, 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 program is required.
  • A Project Management Professional (PMP) and/or a Program Management Professional (PgMP) designation, or a willingness to obtain, is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• • Seven (7) years of progressive experience in maintenance and/or operations coordination or project management is required. Experience to include identifying project scope, managing project schedules, budgets, and stakeholder relationships.
  • 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 for review and acceptance.
• 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Primarily based out of an office environment; however, travel with the region will be required, including field inspections and visits. Work may require accessing construction work sites, sometimes in all weather conditions. The incumbent will be expected to attend meetings, events, and public engagements, sometimes outside of regular working hours. Due to the nature of the position, this role may have contact with upset or disagreeable persons.

SAFETY:

As an employee of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the incumbent is responsible for understanding and actively participating in the RMWB’s health and safety management system, including all policies, practices, procedures, as well as properly utilizing all control measures including the required use of personal protective equipment. All employees must take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves and others, as well as immediately report any concerns, near misses, incidents, and hazardous conditions to their supervisor.

To apply: Please visit our website at jobs.rmwb.ca
Current employees must apply through the internal careers site. 
We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those individuals
selected for interviews will be contacted.  Late applications will not be accepted.