What We Do and Why We Enjoy It

WHO WE ARE: OUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE CITY OF EDMONTON

"I've been working with the City for more than 28 years. When I began in 1981, I perceived it to be a place of stable employment, where every effort would be made to keep their investment (in terms of training, coaching and orientation)."
—Siri Fernando, Director of Design and Construction

"I have been with the City for 28 years and have remained because it is an excellent employer on so many fronts."
—Linda Cochrane, General Manager of Community Services

"I have been here for four and a half years, and stayed because the City has invested in my development through new portfolios, a diverse range of projects and several key opportunities to demonstrate my skills."
—Ian Howatt, Director of Strategy and Business Planning

"I've worked for the City for more than nine years, and I've stayed for a number of reasons. The City's support of my educational endeavors, the mentorship I've received from my manager and the people I work with have all contributed to my decision."
—John Wilson, Director of Complaints and Investigations Section

THE WORK THAT WE DO

"As the Director of Complaints and Investigations Section, I manage four areas: Animal Control, Parking Enforcement, General Enforcement and the Community Peace Officer Unit. I'm responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of these service areas, ensuring that department goals are met, and strategizing to guide the development of programs and services in the future."
—John Wilson, Director of Complaints and Investigations Section

"My first position was Junior Engineer for special projects within the Water and Sanitation Department, now known as Drainage Services. In my current post as Director of Design and Construction, I am responsible for the implementation of drainage infrastructure projects. This involves design and construction of underground sewer systems using in-house and external resources. I continually pilot and implement state-of-the-art methods of construction that improve our cost-effectiveness."
—Siri Fernando, Director of Design and Construction

"My current role is General Manager of the Community Services Department, where I lead a team of more than 2,000 employees who work in one of four distinct lines of business: Neighbourhood and Community Development, Community Facility Services, Fire Rescue Services and Community Strategies."
—Linda Cochrane, General Manager of Community Services

"I am currently the Director of the section at which I was first employed: Strategy and Business Planning, Community Strategies Branch. In addition to the management of several programs, I'm responsible for the supervision of five staff members. We coordinate the strategic planning process for the department, including environmental scanning, business planning, strategic operating budget development, leadership development and implementation of the department's strategic framework."
—Ian Howatt, Director of Strategy and Business Planning

OUR CULTURE OF SUCCESS

"The City has many qualities, but these are three that I believe are also reflected at the department level: a supportive employer, a friendly and positive work environment and a shared belief in the importance of public service. People who are committed to the notion of public service ought to consider working for the City of Edmonton. One should choose a career here for the reward of being part of an organization that makes a difference in the lives of all Edmontonians each and every day."
—Linda Cochrane, General Manager of Community Services

"The City promotes the importance of work/life balance. This is expressed in a number of ways, including the health and wellness programs offered and the Earned Day Off program. In addition to this organizational culture, a similar and more informal culture exists among the staff and encourages close-knit working groups that not only work together, but play together."
—John Wilson, Director of Complaints and Investigations Section

"There is a healthy respect for work/life balance. Through a number of programs, the City strives to ensure respect for its staff. In my experience, this organization differs from other public organizations in that the immediacy of impact is much greater. I'm also afforded in this position a proximity to senior management that I've never experienced before."
—Ian Howatt, Director of Strategy and Business Planning

THE PERSONAL TRAITS OF AN EXCELLENT LEADER

"The City is a leader in many areas and has always sought to be the best at what it does: serve the citizens of Edmonton. In my department, people who can think outside the box excel. They look for the fundamental reasons for a process or procedure by asking smart questions. Those who are driven to serve the public ought to consider working for the City of Edmonton. The City will provide you with the best environment for job satisfaction, diversity of people and assignments, opportunities to excel, the right mix of challenges and stable employment with fair compensation."
—Siri Fernando, Director of Design and Construction

"The people who excel here are self-motivated, enjoy diversity in their work and have a passion for public service. Characteristics include dedication, flexibility, professionalism, tenacity and a positive attitude. People who are committed to helping Edmontonians enjoy a high quality of life ought to consider working for the Community Standards Branch."
—John Wilson, Director of Complaints and Investigations Section

"The City of Edmonton values and expects forward thinking and innovative ideas. It's an organization that encourages responsible risk-taking and that supports and stands behind its employees. While it may be viewed as a large organization, there is a sense of community that I believe is the result of our shared passion for public service."
—Linda Cochrane, General Manager of Community Services

"The people who work in the City are highly dedicated, conscientious and personable employees focused on delivering client/customer service excellence."
—Ian Howatt, Director of Strategy and Business Planning

THE MOST REWARDING PART OF A CAREER WITH THE CITY

"Your contribution, no matter how small, is valued. My career here has allowed me to become a recognized leader in my chosen field, and I recently received an international award for the contributions I have made to the construction industry. If you're looking for an employer that values your contribution, allows you to grow in your career and provides opportunities to be creative and try new ideas, the City of Edmonton is right for you."
—Siri Fernando, Director of Design and Construction

"One of the most rewarding aspects of my career here is learning about what makes a City like Edmonton tick and having opportunities to shape the services and programs offered to citizens."
—John Wilson, Director of Complaints and Investigations Section

"The City of Edmonton is a great place to work because it provides you with a wide range of opportunities to grow and expand your horizons. The most rewarding aspect of my work with the City of Edmonton is being surrounded by people who love their jobs and are great at what they do. It's invigorating."
—Linda Cochrane, General Manager of Community Services

"Most rewarding about my career with the City of Edmonton is that I was given an opportunity to demonstrate my abilities in an environment that encourages and recognizes good work, commitment to detail and innovation. In many organizations, an individual can check in and check out. Success here means actively engaging in the work, immersing yourself in the culture and strengthening your capacity for excellence. If you're willing to work hard, there is always opportunity for you here."
—Ian Howatt, Director of Strategy and Business Planning

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVANCEMENT WITHIN THE CITY

"The positions that I've held have allowed me to fulfill my vision of the perfect job. There has never been a dull assignment and the challenges I have faced require innovation. There are lots of opportunities to implement new ideas."
—Siri Fernando, Director of Design and Construction

"I started with the City as a Strategic Planning Officer, providing project-management expertise across several key functions of the section, including business planning, strategic operating budget development, environmental scanning, leadership development, and implementation of the department's strategic framework."
—Ian Howatt, Director of Strategy and Business Planning

"I had heard many good things from friends and colleagues about the City of Edmonton. I was attracted to the City by its positive reputation and the potential to advance in my chosen field of work."
—Linda Cochrane, General Manager of Community Services

"In a relatively short period of time, I was able to advance quickly through the department and now lead an amazing team. While this may have happened in other organizations, I don't think it would have happened as rapidly. I've become an entrusted strategic advisor of our management team, and it's a privilege that I love."
—Ian Howatt, Director of Strategy and Business Planning

"I've been fortunate enough to advance my career through four successive positions, from a front-line service provider to the Director of the Complaints and Investigations Section."
—John Wilson, Director of Complaints and Investigations Section