Program Manager, Human Resources and Safety

Requisition ID: 4241
Affiliation: Exempt
Position Type: Permanent Full Time
Number of Openings: 1
Bi-weekly Working Hours: 70 hours bi-weekly
Shift/Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 
Department/ Branch: Human Resources & Safety, Talent Management & Program Development
Job Location: Fort McMurray

Starting Salary Range*: $129,438.00 - $136,834.00 (Pay Band G)
COLA: Bi-Weekly - $480

Posted (dd/mm/yyyy): 30/05/2026
Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy): 14/06/2026
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. 

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:

At the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, our Human Resources & Safety department is dedicated to creating a workplace where people thrive and safety comes first. From attracting and developing top talent to fostering a culture of inclusion, wellness, and continuous learning, HR supports the organization’s most valuable resource — its people.

At the same time, our Safety team ensures that every employee goes home safe by championing proactive practices, compliance, and a culture of shared responsibility. 

Together, HR and Safety provide the foundation that allows every department to deliver exceptional service to the community. If you are passionate about people, workplace culture, and building a safer tomorrow, this is the team where your work will truly make a difference. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Program Manager, Human Resources and Safety is responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Human Resources (HR) and Safety programming and its related projects and initiatives. Utilizing consistent and standard approaches, the incumbent will be responsible for collaborating with leadership and clients in the design, planning, and delivery of programs and services to ensure programming is carried out effectively and aligned with the Municipality’s strategic goals. This position is responsible for capturing operational knowledge, developing procedures, monitoring progress, and contributing strategic and administrative guidance. The Program Manager leads multiple projects independently, facilitates the development of work scopes, as well as develops, monitors, and maintains accurate project documentation. Primary responsibilities include:

Program Management: Leads HR and/or Safety programs, projects, and initiatives through all stages of development. Plans and designs the program scope and its individual projects and develops detailed project plans. Engages and collaborates with leadership, operations, and other internal and external parties as required. Acts as facilitator, working with project teams, working groups, and others to develop and validate plans, strategies and solutions. Accompanies subject matter experts to document and understand practices necessary for documentation development. Conducts necessary research to ensure all projects and programs are developed according to legislation, industry standards, and best practices. Produces monthly progress reports for senior leadership. Works in partnership with leaders across the branch/department to provide strategic project and change management support for priority initiatives. Supports change management by developing strategies, plans, presentations, materials, workshops, information sessions, and other deliverables.

Continuous Improvement: Analyzes and develops strategies, tools, performance metrics, and project management processes and procedures based on best practices for continuous improvements. Monitors programming provided to the organization and conducts internal and external scans to identify trends, opportunities, common issues, and changing needs of the organization. Analyzes, evaluates, formulates, and enhances HR and Safety programming to ensure alignment with the Municipality’s strategic goals at the departmental and organizational level.

Departmental Guidance and Support: Assists in developing and promoting HR and Safety best practices, and policies. Compiles and produces procedures, policies, plans, standards, and other related documents, as necessary. Creates business process mapping and standard operating procedures (SOP) to drive operational efficiency and enhance service delivery. Assists in developing and maintaining controlled documentation access points for standards, procedures, templates, and other documents within HR and Safety.

SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• Ability to simplify complex concepts and develop practical but innovative plans that can be implemented.
• Skilled in building relationships, fostering collaboration, and influencing change.
• Experience with prioritizing workflow, managing projects, and completing 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.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to gather information, prepare a variety of documentation and reports, and deliver presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, employees, and internal and external parties; interacts in a manner that builds trust, credibility, and rapport.
• Strong leadership and facilitation skills, with the capability to provide oversight for program service and delivery, communicate vision and help others see the big picture.
• Knowledge of local government operations, including policy development and decision-making processes.
• A continuous improvement attitude that pursues opportunities to improve client service, streamline processes, and boost overall efficiency.
• 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 or degree in Human Resources, Health Sciences, Occupational Health and Safety, Education, Business, or related discipline is required.
• The following certifications or designation are assets: Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), Recognized Municipal Health and Safety Advisor (RMSA), National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO) certification, or Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (CRSP) designation.
• Completion of training or certification in change management or project management are assets.
• Auditor certification from Alberta Municipal Health and Safety Association (AMHSA), Incident Command System (ICS), H2S Alive, Fall Protection, Confined Space, and Ground Disturbance certifications are also assets.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE: 

• Five (5) years with a degree or seven (7) years with a diploma of progressive experience in a Human Resources or Safety capacity is required, with experience developing, designing and/or evaluating Human Resources or Safety initiatives and programs.
• Two (2) years of leadership experience is preferred.
• Experience working in a public-sector or municipal environment with unionized and non-unionized employees is considered an asset.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to provide a Criminal Record Check for review and acceptance.

SAFETY:

As an employee of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the incumbent is responsible and accountable for knowing and working in accordance with the organization’s Occupational Health and Safety Administrative Directive. As per section 2 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the incumbent shall ensure while in the employ of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo the health and safety of employees, contractors, and the public.

This position is not employed in a supervisory capacity. As such the employee is not required to obtain additional safety training in accordance with municipal procedures and directives.

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.