What Makes Our Team So Excited About Working with the City?

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

"I have been with the City since March of 2009, and support the Asset Management and Public Works Department (AMPW). Our team is made up of five Communications professionals. We are part of a larger team of 60, providing communications support to four branches that include Drainage Services, Waste Management, Parks and Corporate Properties. These branches are diverse in their business areas and require an array of communication support, with topics varying from the river valley to wetlands to urban development to recycling. We work to advise on communications strategies that support business needs and issues. This includes the ability to engage in a variety of topics, develop communications plans, and provide support in media relations and issues/crisis management."
—Kathy de Jong, Senior Communications Advisor, Office of the City Manager

"Having worked with the City since September of 2010, I provide support to the Community Facility Services branch of Community Services, and the Buildings, Design and Communications branch of Capital Construction. My job is to oversee a team of four Communications Officers, and to support the branch in all of its communications needs, whether it be communications planning, issues management, media relations or marketing."
—Mark Torjusen, Senior Communications Advisor, Community Services

"I have been with the City for more than two and a half years. In my current position, I'm assigned to the Transportation Department and the Capital Construction Department. I create and execute communications products, strategy, planning and coordination related to LRT design and construction."
—Graeme McElheran, Communications Officer, Office of the City Manager

SOME OF THE BEST REASONS TO JOIN US

"Working here provides the opportunity to serve the public in a growing city. The City not only affords the opportunity to grow and expand one's experiences, but also to move within the organization to tackle new challenges and opportunities."
—Mark Torjusen, Senior Communications Advisor, Community Services

"It's a dynamic place to work, with great people, and work/life balance. And there are lots of exciting projects happening in the City, so it's an exciting time to work here. There are good opportunities to gain experience for career growth, and you are able to work with clients who are experts in different fields. We get to provide communications support on projects that change the City's landscape, preserve our environment, and simply make it a better place to live."
—Kathy de Jong, Senior Communications Advisor, Office of the City Manager

"The City is such a worthwhile employer, and believes in mutually beneficial relationships. There is no exploitation, no unreasonable demands, simply an ever—present expectation that you will deliver the quality of products and services that you, as a citizen, would expect for yourself...and perhaps a bit of inspiration to exceed expectations. Even your own."
—Graeme McElheran, Communications Officer, Office of the City Manager

QUALITIES THAT DEFINE THE CITY AS AN EMPLOYER

"Three qualities that best define the City are conscientious, informative, and fair. Three qualities that best describe the Deputy City Manager's Office (DCMO) are innovative, essential, and team-oriented. The Communications branch culture and philosophy are best described as collaborative—everybody is working together toward a common goal of building a vibrant, responsive, and progressive relationship with Edmontonians."
—Graeme McElheran, Communications Officer, Office of the City Manager

"I would say that these qualities define the City of Edmonton as an employer: diverse, accepting, and exciting. And for the Communications department, the qualities would be diverse, challenging and interesting. The City's culture is diverse, and no two departments are the same. There are many people from different educational backgrounds, cultures and areas of expertise, and that makes the City an interesting place to work. I get to work with a lot of Engineers, but also Arborists, Biologists, Park Rangers, Land Sales Experts, Planners, and of course, other Communications professionals."
—Kathy de Jong, Senior Communications Advisor, Office of the City Manager

"Qualities for the City of Edmonton would be these: supportive of employees, committed to serving the public, and accountable. And for the Communications branch, I would say that innovative, creative, and thinking outside the box would all apply."
—Mark Torjusen, Senior Communications Advisor, Community Services

WHY EDMONTON IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

"You get to work with great people, and be involved with interesting projects that shape the City physically and socially. I like providing communication support on a variety of projects that make our city livable and unique. I also enjoy what I like to call 'the unknown factor.' You never know what new challenges the day will bring. You need to be prepared for anything and be able to jump into action."
—Kathy de Jong, Senior Communications Advisor, Office of the City Manager

"The City of Edmonton is a great place to work because it provides opportunities for advancement and servicing the needs of the public. I think it will provide different challenges in a branch that is very much a team in the way that we all work."
—Mark Torjusen, Senior Communications Advisor, Community Services

"There is a great deal of flexibility and respect here. A month after I was hired, my wife gave birth to our first child. I needed some time off and did not have much vacation pay saved up. My supervisor helped me evaluate my options. I was able to take the time I needed without negative repercussions. Also, City operations are democracy in action. What could be more valuable or important than that? The City is making some great and innovative strides in what it means to be a modern and growing metropolis in the new millennium. It's a great thing to be a part of."
—Graeme McElheran, Communications Officer, Office of the City Manager

THE MOST REWARDING PART OF A CAREER HERE

"The most rewarding aspect of my job is contributing to something bigger than myself. There is an inherent duty in public service to deliver value for taxpayer money, and that is a responsibility I take pride in fulfilling. The City is doing great things—creating innovative and viable urban policies for growth and sustainability. Professionally, highlights include working my diplomacy skills every day. We work on the front lines of public relations and create a liaison between the City and the citizens. They want to know their City is listening, and we do the listening. Additionally, I've worked with the Mayor and Council on issues that matter most to them and their constituents. I particularly enjoy creating high-profile communications products, such as newsletters and web presentations, that inform citizens of how their tax dollars are being spent."
—Graeme McElheran, Communications Officer, Office of the City Manager

"Here are the things I have found most rewarding about working with the City: being part of large projects that impact residents' lives, helping clients share information and stories with residents, and receiving a positive response. I also like working on an issue and being able to find a solution that makes a positive impact. The most unique topic I've had is doing a media event for the discovery of dinosaur bones in a drainage sewer—tunneling project. We didn't see that one coming our way. And being part of a larger communications team that has talented professionals that make up a successful team is very rewarding."
—Kathy de Jong, Senior Communications Advisor, Office of the City Manager

"What I find rewarding is knowing that our actions have helped support the reputation of the City. The City is experiencing a time of great change with a new corporation strategic plan and vision to guide the actions of all civic employees. It is an interesting time to join the City as it works through this new approach to serving the citizens of Edmonton."
—Mark Torjusen, Senior Communications Advisor, Community Services