HomeMy Public PortalAboutChief Administrative Officer_Job Description_2016-11-06Position Title: Chief Administrative Officer
Salary Band: CAO
Department: CAO/Municipal Clerk
Reports to: Council
Status: Permanent Fulltime
Classification: Administrative
Location: Normally Municipal Complex (151 King Street), subject to Change
Hours: Normally 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm, with other hours for meetings outside of
normal office hours, subject to change
Updated: November 6, 2016
SCOPE
OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER LEGISLATION
1. The Municipality of the District of Chester is committed to workplace safety and all
employees are expected to actively participate in the Municipality’s Occupational Health
and Safety Policy and Program and Occupational Health and Safety Legislation as well as
Regulations of the Province of Nova Scotia.
2. The Municipality of the District of Chester complies with the Employment Legislation of
Nova Scotia and all employees are also expected to act in accordance to the appropriate
Legislation as well.
QUALIFICATIONS
1. Strong academic and professional credentials.
2. University degree and Masters Degree in Public Administration or equivalent.
3. Certification as a Municipal Manager (CMM) would be an asset.
4. National Advanced Certificate in Local Authority Administration (NACLAA) would be an
asset.
5. Knowledge of Municipal Government Act.
MUNCIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Chief Administrative Officer – Job Description (continued) 2
6. Strong financial and administrative background.
7. Good understanding of operational and human resources management.
8. Excellent communication and leadership skills.
9. Several years’ experience in senior administration or management roles preferably in
Municipal Government.
Summary of function
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
The following is a general outline of the duties and responsibilities of the CAO. The listing is not
intended to be all inclusive or to limit the CAO’s initiative to expand his/her functions beyond this
scope, nor is it intended to limit the Council’s right to assign other duties.
1. Responsible to the Council for the administration of the business affairs of the Municipality
in accordance with By-Laws, policies, and plans approved by Council.
2. Responsible for the administration of the day to day business affairs of all Departments of
the Municipality.
3. Provide timely advice and recommendations to the Warden and Council on current and
emerging issues.
4. Coordinate and direct the preparation of plans and programs for approval of Council for
the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of all Municipal property and facilities in
consultation with the appropriate Department Head(s).
5. Ensure annual program plans and budgets are prepared and submitted to Council and be
responsible for administration after adoption.
6. Meet with Department Heads and Officers of the Municipality on a regular basis for
discussion of policy matters and to ensure coordination of all activities between
Departments.
7. Present written recommendations and position papers, emanating from Department
Heads and Officers, along with appropriate commentary from the CAO, concerning any
aspect of Municipal operations to the appropriate Committee.
8. Attend, or be represented at, all meetings of Council and Committees of Council and with
permission of the presiding officer make appropriate observations on the topic.
9. Review the drafts of all proposed by-Laws and Policies and make recommendations to
Council with respect to them.
10. Review the administrative and recommend changes to improve the effectiveness and
efficiency of the Municipality’s operations.
11. Recommend to Council the appointment, employment, or dismissal of Department Heads
or Officers; suspend any Department Head or Officer in accordance with the policies of
the Municipality.
12. Appoint, employ, suspend or dismiss employees in consultation with the appropriate
Department Head and in accordance with the policies for the Municipality subject to their
right of appeal to Council or other legal processes.
Chief Administrative Officer – Job Description (continued) 3
13. Determine the salaries and wages to be paid to Municipal Officers and employees in
accordance with the current policies of the Municipality.
14. Act as the official liaison between Council and staff.
15. Make or authorize expenditures for the purchase of equipment and supplies required for
carrying on the business of the Municipality or enter into contracts on behalf of the
Municipality where such expenditures are budgeted or within the amount determined by
the Council by policy.
16. Exercise the authority to sell personal property of the Municipality, which is no longer
needed in accordance with the current policies of the Municipality.
17. Supervise and report to Council on all contracts and agreements entered into by the
Municipality in accordance with the current policies of the Municipality.
18. Obtain information and reports from all Municipal Boards and Commissions and report to
Council where, in the opinion of the CAO, such a report is deemed appropriate.
19. The CAO shall keep current the availability of Federal and/or Provincial programs and
recommend participation to Council where feasible and beneficial to the Municipality.
20. Liaise with Federal and Provincial officials in program areas of importance to the
Municipality.
21. The CAO shall prepare and present annually to Council, at such time as Council will direct,
a statement of Goals and Objectives for the Administrative Staff and himself/herself.
22. Ensure all By-Laws and Administrative Orders are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure
they are appropriate and in keeping with current practices.
23. Carry out any and all duties and responsibilities that are assigned or directed by any
Statute of the Provincial Legislature.
24. Carry out any and all duties and responsibilities that the Council shall see fit to direct or
that shall arise from time to time.
DIRECT SUPERVISORY
1. All Department Heads.
CONTACTS
1. Department of Service Nova Scotia & Municipal Relations
2. Other Provincial Government Departments
3. Other Municipal Units
4. Auditors
5. Municipal Solicitor
6. Members of Council and Staff
7. General Public
8. Banks and Mortgage Companies
9. Contractors, Consultants, etc.