Municipal Legal Counsel

at  Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

Requisition ID: 3225
Affiliation: Exempt
Position Type: Permanent Full Time
Number of Openings: 1
Bi-weekly Working Hours: 70 hours bi-weekly
Shift/Work Schedule: Monday to Friday
Division/ Department: Office of the CAO, Legal Services
Job Location: Fort McMurray
Starting Salary Range*: $141,208 to $149,277 (Pay Band G)
COLA: Bi-Weekly - $480
Posted (dd/mm/yyyy): 13/01/2025
Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy): 27/01/2025

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.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Municipal Legal Counsel acts as a legal advisor for the Municipality, providing legal services and support to all parts of the organization.

Administration: Legal Counsel will be responsible for providing general legal support on a variety of matters as they arise, including, but not limited to the following:

• Civil litigation matters including research, drafting, and coordination of litigation;
• Enforcement matters including bylaw prosecutions and drafting stop orders;
• Taxation and Assessment matters including handling assessment complaints and appeals.
• Planning and Development matters including providing opinions, drafting bylaws, and representing the Development and Subdivision Authority on appeals;
• General counsel matters including drafting/reviewing contracts, providing general legal advice, reviewing policies and procedures for legal compliance; and
• Assisting with any other municipal legal matters that may arise from time to time, as assigned by the Director.

Research and Implementation: Legal Counsel will be responsible for research and drafting as required, including but not limited to: reviewing and advising on legislative changes affecting Municipal operations in the areas of municipal governance, planning and development, corporate law, environmental regulation. Legal Counsel will also be responsible for providing legal updates on law in areas that impact municipal operations and governance.
Department Coordination: Legal Counsel will be required to regularly communicate with the Director of Legal Services. Legal Counsel may be required to attend meetings on behalf of the Director.

SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent writing and communication skills and ability to express points of view logically and persuasively.
• Analytical, planning, organizational, time management, conflict resolution, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize and work under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated high degree of professionalism, discretion, confidentiality and independence including ability to deal with the public in a tactful and professional manner.
• Strong listening, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Flexibility to manage a broad range of complex activities and deadlines.
• Computer literacy including basic skills with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook and legal research databases.
• Knowledge of those areas of law (i.e. contracts, municipal liability, municipal bylaws and real property) which directly impact the operations of the Municipality, and ability to interpret and explain complex policy and legislation.
• Knowledge of the legislative framework within which the Municipality operates (e.g. Municipal Government Act, Expropriation Act, Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act).

EDUCATION:

• Law degree from a recognized Canadian University or recognized equivalent.
• Membership in good standing in the Law Society of Alberta or eligibility for membership.

EXPERIENCE:

• Two (2) years of experience (post-articling) providing legal advice.
• Experience working in a public sector environment 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 an asset.

• Civil litigation matters including research, drafting, and coordination of litigation;
• Enforcement matters including bylaw prosecutions and drafting stop orders;
• Taxation and Assessment matters including handling assessment complaints and appeals.
• Planning and Development matters including providing opinions, drafting bylaws, and representing the Development and Subdivision Authority on appeals;
• General counsel matters including drafting/reviewing contracts, providing general legal advice, reviewing policies and procedures for legal compliance; and
• Assisting with any other municipal legal matters that may arise from time to time, as assigned by the Director