Why Our Administrative Professionals Enjoy Their Careers

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

"I am currently an Assistant to the Director of Traffic Control, Traffic Operations Branch, Transportation Department. I joined the City more than three years ago. Being an employee for the City of Edmonton has allowed me to bring up my self-esteem and self-confidence, and enabled me to be successful."
—Roshila Singh, Word Processing Data Clerk II, Transportation Services

"It has been eight years since I joined the City of Edmonton. I originally applied because I thought it would be an interesting place to work, and it is. I began as a Group Exercise Instructor with the Kinsmen. In my current role as a 311 Agent, I answer citizen inquiries about City of Edmonton services and projects."
—Abena Boateng-Queeley, 311 Customer Service Agent, Corporate Services

"I've been with the City since September of 2009. My position involves helping citizens find the bus trip they need to go to a doctor's appointment, or a friend, or an event in the City. It could mean helping citizens to register their pets, pay their taxes, apply for permits for a new home or deck, or to start a new business. I also help citizens report pot holes and broken branches, and assist them to find the recreation centre they want and what the public swim times are, and find tee times."
—Magda Mallory, 311 Associate, Corporate Services

"I joined the City more than two years ago, and now work with 311, an inbound call centre where citizens can call 24/7 to receive information. Whether it's to learn about recreation centers, upcoming attractions, bus routes, or contractors calling in to book an inspection, we provide them the information and/or direct them to the appropriate department."
—Brenda LaRush, Clerk III, 311 Call Centre

"I've been with the City of Edmonton for more than three years. I answer inquiries from the public regarding employment, assist people with our online recruitment system, process employment-related paperwork, run letters and index files."
—Milena Bruchsdruecker, Employment Assistant, Recruitment, Human Resources

SOME OF THE BEST REASONS TO JOIN US

"I joined the City because I wanted to be a part of a larger organization where I would be part of a team. Factors that helped me make my decision were compensation, stability, and the leadership structure."
—Milena Bruchsdruecker, Employment Assistant, Recruitment, Human Resources

"If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where you are providing a service to people just like you, then you should choose a career with the City of Edmonton. I am proud to work with the City because I was born and raised here, and have lived here my whole life. And I enjoy doing what I can to assist others. I have stayed because I enjoy the staff here and assisting the citizens of Edmonton. The great benefit package is an added bonus to working here."
—Brenda LaRush, Clerk III, 311 Call Centre

"The City offers growth, advancement, and variety. There are always new opportunities for advancement and different ways to challenge yourself. Knowing that you are in constant contact with citizens ensures that you are not only accountable to the job but to a citizen. It could be your neighbor or family member that you are helping."
—Abena Boateng-Queeley, 311 Customer Service Agent, Corporate Services

"You should choose a career with the City if you are someone who enjoys being involved with your community and want to help the citizens of Edmonton."
—Roshila Singh, Word Processing Data Clerk II, Transportation Services

"I decided to apply when former co-workers informed me of the City's new call center, how much they loved to work there, and all of the great benefits. The City is a stable employer with many opportunities for growth, either within one department or by moving into other departments. I am happy to have the work/life balance we all need."
—Magda Mallory, 311 Associate, Corporate Services

QUALITIES THAT DEFINE THE CITY AS AN EMPLOYER

"I would say that the words 'flexible,' 'fun,' and 'service-oriented' define the City as an employer. For the most part, the culture of the City is very easygoing. Supervisors are approachable and down-to-earth. Some public or private organizations tend to be more rigid in dealing with front-line staff and are not as open to employee feedback or opinions."
—Abena Boateng-Queeley, 311 Customer Service Agent, Corporate Services

"As an employer, I'd say that 'public involvement,' 'recognition,' and 'encouragement of health and wellness' would describe the City. As for the culture or philosophy, the words 'belief', 'integration' and 'success' come to mind. It's a fun place to work, helping the citizens of Edmonton with their needs."
—Roshila Singh, Word Processing Data Clerk II, Transportation Services

"The environment here is more stable, because employees tend to stay with the City. There is not the high turnover rate as there may be in other call centers. Edmonton is able to retain employees because they are well trained, feel confident, and the atmosphere is very positive. They also remain here because of the great pay scale and benefits."
—Magda Mallory, 311 Associate, Corporate Services

"The three qualities I would choose are diverse, compassionate/understanding, and accepting. The work environment is fairly casual, but everyone works hard to achieve the same goal: provide the citizens with the accurate information they need, and in a timely and concise manner. It is different from working at a public organization as it is very apparent that all the employees at 311 work together, not against each other. It's almost as though each employee has an 'I care' attitude. Staff morale is higher than at some of the other organizations where I have been employed. Maybe it's because staff that work for the City feel valued."
—Brenda LaRush, Clerk III, 311 Call Centre

"I would mention these three qualities: sets a good example, conscientious, and reasonable. The department is fairly relaxed, but with expectations of excellence."
—Milena Bruchsdruecker, Employment Assistant, Recruitment, Human Resources

WHY EDMONTON IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

"I am proud to work here and represent the City of Edmonton. The quality of the people I work with, and their variety of ages and ethnicities is a big plus. Edmonton has now grown into a wonderful mix of many cultures and become a cosmopolitan city. I look forward to coming to work each day, and see my position as one where I am in the profession of helping people. I love learning, but the big thing for me here is assisting our citizens. It's a big motivator."
—Magda Mallory, 311 Associate, Corporate Services

"You are getting to know the City better and helping citizens much like yourself. It is interesting getting to know how the City is run from the inside. It has been very insightful working in the different areas. Educating citizens has been my main goal, as many don't realize the wonderful things that the City of Edmonton has to offer. The services that we provide to our citizens are clearly top-notch. I find the City to be a very progressive place to work."
—Abena Boateng-Queeley, 311 Customer Service Agent, Corporate Services

"I stay because of the strong leadership, and my great co-workers. The City of Edmonton offers stability, strong resources, good people to work with, and fair wages. The culture is friendly, and our office atmosphere is relaxed yet productive. My boss adheres to the spirit of the open-door policy and works hard to make sure I can do my job properly, and to get us help right away if something comes up."
—Milena Bruchsdruecker, Employment Assistant, Recruitment, Human Resources

"Edmonton is a great place to work because management acknowledges our hard work and dedication to the City. Being part of the team allows me to gain a basic knowledge of all the departments, and meet great people. Working for the public sector, you have more opportunities for advancement, and the benefits are strong."
—Roshila Singh, Word Processing Data Clerk II, Transportation Services

"The City of Edmonton treats their employees with respect, and they offer a great benefit package. And the City provides ongoing training and refresher courses to keep the employees educated and up-to-date with changing policies and procedures, so we are able to provide the citizens with the most up-to-date information. We have many tools and resources that we can use to find the best solution in an efficient and timely manner."
—Brenda LaRush, Clerk III, 311 Call Centre

THE MOST REWARDING PART OF A CAREER HERE

"The most rewarding thing about working at 311 would have to be knowing that you were able to assist in making someone's day a little better. Some of the personal highlights would be the fact that you get acknowledged for the service you provide the citizens. And the friends you make are another personal highlight."
—Brenda LaRush, Clerk III, 311 Call Centre

"I have maintained a wonderful working relationship with my supervisor and all of my co-workers. I enjoy coming to work each day, and making a difference in my department."
—Roshila Singh, Word Processing Data Clerk II, Transportation Services

"I can be part of important projects that make a difference in the lives of our citizens. Many years ago, in my very position with the City, I was a swim instructor, and a great accomplishment at that time was teaching a small child to swim. In my current position, it is now being able to contribute on projects that will improve public transport to serve a large urban centre. For example, I was thrilled to be a part of the team that showcased the newest LRT stations (Southgate and Century Park) to members of the Capital Region Board Transit Committee."
—Alexandra Peterson, Methods Analyst II, Transportation Services

"My personal advancement opportunities have been great. Being encouraged to further my education and being rewarded with new challenges has opened many doors for me, both personally and professionally."
—Abena Boateng-Queeley, 311 Customer Service Agent, Corporate Services

"It feels great to be able to help citizens find what they need, or find resolutions to issues when they call. Our citizens help the City by reporting what needs to be fixed or changed. I feel good when I can thank them for helping to keep Edmonton a safe and wonderful place to live."
—Magda Mallory, 311 Associate, Corporate Services

"I get to mentor each Administrative student in his or her eight-week practicum. They've all seemed to enjoy working with us."
—Milena Bruchsdruecker, Employment Assistant, Recruitment, Human Resources