CAREERS
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The Western Irrigation District provides irrigation water to over 400 farms and 100,000 acres of land. In addition, it supplies municipal water to over 12,000 people in four different communities through 2,100 km of canals and pipelines. Like other irrigation districts in Alberta, the WID operates under the rules and procedures of the Irrigation Districts Act. We are headquartered in Strathmore, Alberta, approximately 40 kilometers east of Calgary.
Current Opportunities
Send resumes to careers@wid.net, mail or drop them off at the WID office located at: A-1000 Pine Street, Strathmore, T1P 1C1
Job Description:
The Shop Coordinator – Shop activities and parts inventory is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing and managing the parts inventory within the shop and assisting the Asset and Maintenance Manager with coordination of shop activities. This role demands a blend of leadership, organizational skills, and technical knowledge to ensure the efficient operation of the shop and parts department.
Duties:
- Inventory management of parts and materials in the shop, pipe yard, spill response trailer, pipeline repair trailer, and other locations as identified.
- Organization and cleaning of parts shelves.
- Data Entry using Inventory Control software, Excel, CMMS, and other software programs.
- Perform regular inventory counts and maintain accurate and current lists for all fittings, parts, tools, valves, air vacs, etc.
- Maintain general shop area, always ensuring an elevated level of cleanliness and safe work environment.
- Provide assistance coordinating fleet services and maintenance.
- Tool crib management, ensuring all tools are signed out and are returned.
- Equipment sign out and sign in, checking all equipment upon sign in is cleaned, serviced and ready to go for the next job. (water pumps, generators, discharge and suction hoses, power tools etc.).
- Assist operations or capital team as required (example – prepare bolt packages for capital projects).
- Small engine maintenance experience would be an asset but not a requirement. Small engine repair training will be provided.
- Parts run to Calgary or other as required. (work vehicle provided) May require pulling a trailer and knowledge of minimum provincial load securement regulations.
- Comply and promote all aspects of the Health and Safety Program.
- Willingness to help where required with a positive outlook.
Requirements:
- Prior inventory management experience.
- Valid Class 5 license (minimum).
- Physically able to lift/push/pull up to 50 lb.
- Current WHIMIS, TDG, First Aid certificates (will train).
- Red Seal Parts Technician Certification Preferred.
8-hour workday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (½ hour provided each day for lunch) or similar as predetermined. Overtime after hours and weekends as required and approved. This position will report directly to the Asset & Maintenance Manager but will be responsible to the Senior Manager of Operations.
The Project Coordinator plays a crucial role in supporting the Project Management Office (PMO) before and during the implementation of various capital and maintenance projects. A self-starter with excellent communication skills, strong organizational ability, and sound judgment, the candidate must have a project mindset and be adaptable to new technologies and digital tools.
The Project Coordinator is mindful of cost control, schedule/plan, and quality throughout all project activities. The individual must work effectively in a team environment, work well under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing work requirements. The Project Administrator must be highly organized, capable of managing tight deadlines, and committed to adhering to WID’s Health, Safety, and Environment Management System.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Liaise with the PMO, Project Managers, Construction teams, and other departments to support the delivery of capital and maintenance projects.
- Assist in the development, organization, and tracking of project documentation, contracts, and approvals.
- Coordinate meetings, prepare agendas and minutes, and follow up on action items to ensure timely completion.
- Support procurement processes including RFQs, purchase orders, and invoice tracking.
- Maintain organized and accurate project files within digital systems.
- Learn and adapt to new technologies, including AI-enabled tools and digital reporting systems, to support project delivery and administration.
- Assist in preparing project status reports, dashboards, and other documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
- Support project scheduling, cost tracking, and reporting in collaboration with Project Managers and Construction Supervisors.
- Coordinate with consultants, contractors, and suppliers to ensure information flow and documentation compliance.
- Assist in securing permits and licenses for projects, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and safety codes.
- Participate in safety and coordination meetings as required, ensuring adherence to WID’s HSE policies and procedures.
- Identify opportunities to improve administrative processes and contribute to continuous improvement of PMO systems.
- Provide administrative leadership and support to ensure project teams are aligned, accountable, and operating efficiently.
- Perform all other reasonable duties as directed by the PMO Manager.
Project Coordinator Skills and Qualifications
A Project Coordinator requires strong organizational and communication skills, with experience supporting projects in engineering, construction, or infrastructure environments. The successful candidate is adaptable, resourceful, and eager to learn new tools and systems.
Qualifications include:
- Two (2) to five (5) years of experience in project administration, coordination, or related role.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Ability and interest in learning and supporting project management digital platforms and AI-assisted reporting tools.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Professional, customer-focused, and solution-oriented approach.
- Knowledge or experience in construction projects is an asset.
Project Coordinator Education and Training Requirements
- Diploma or degree in Business Administration, Project Management, or related field is an asset.
- Additional training or certification in Project Coordination, Document Control, or Health & Safety is an asset.
- Familiarity with construction drawings, specifications, and project documentation processes preferred.
- Must be committed to ongoing learning and the adoption of new technologies to support efficient project management and reporting practices.
Department: Project Management Office (PMO)
Reports to: PMO Manager (dotted line to Senior Manager, Capital Planning)
Location: Strathmore, Alberta
Employment Type: Full-time
Role Purpose
Lead the planning and delivery of capital and rehabilitation projects in full alignment with WID’s Project Lifecycle Framework. This role combines end‑to‑end project management with deep project controls expertise (cost, schedule, risk, change) and data-driven portfolio insight to support the Senior Manager of Capital Planning and the PMO Manager in governance, performance management, and continuous improvement.
Key Accountabilities
- Lifecycle & Governance Compliance: Advance projects through phase gates (Intake → Conceptual → Design → Execution → Closeout) with complete, accurate submissions and evidence of approvals.
- Financial Control (AFE): Ensure no work or spend occurs without approved Authority for Expenditure (AFE) and Finance activation; manage AFE Change Requests (AFE‑CR) and sub‑job controls.
- Project Controls: Build and manage the WBS, cost codes, Class C/B/A estimates, schedules, forecasts, risk registers, and change logs;
- CWP Leadership: Authorize and issue approved for construction (AFC) CWPs only when “Ready to Build (CRR)” criteria are met; execute to current IFC design; enforce QA/QC, HSE, and documentary evidence.
- Data & Analytics: Produce portfolio dashboards, define KPIs and data standards, and generate insights for Capital Planning and PMO process improvement.
- Stakeholder, Vendor & Field Coordination: Drive alignment across Engineering, Construction Management, Operations, Finance, Procurement, Land/Environmental, and external partners.
- Closeout & Learning: Achieve timely financial reconciliation, documentation archive, Operations/PMO acceptance, and capture lessons learned.
Responsibilities
1) Governance & Lifecycle
- Plan and execute all work in accordance with the PMO’s framework, approvals, and records standards; maintain a single line of sight from strategic intent to asset delivery.
- Prepare phase‑gate packages (scope, estimate class, risk, schedule, funding) and present recommendations to the Steering Committee; track and action gate conditions.
- Maintain the official Job (Funding) Number and any sub‑jobs; ensure all reporting and commitments reference the correct codes.
- Enforce no work/no spend until Execution is endorsed, AFE approved, and Finance activates funding.
2) Financial Control & AFE / AFE‑CR
- Establish and own project budgets, cost codes, and monthly forecasts; reconcile commitments and accruals with Finance.
- Lead AFE and AFE‑CR development with quantified cost/schedule impacts and risk adjustments; obtain Steering Committee/CEO approvals and Finance budget updates before implementation.
- Prevent unauthorized budget moves between sub‑jobs/CWPs; issue “Release to Implement” only after formal approval.
3) Project Controls (Cost, Schedule, Risk, Change)
- Build the WBS and cost structure to the level needed for credible performance management and reporting.
- Develop integrated schedules with critical‑path analysis; monitor SPI/CPI, physical progress, and productivity; implement recovery plans when variances exceed thresholds.
- Maintain risk registers and mitigation plans; perform quantitative risk/contingency updates as required.
- Control scope and quantities via formal change management; keep the change log reconciled to funding.
- Produce monthly performance reports and executive summaries for PMO/Steering Committee.
4) CWP Planning & Field Execution
- Develop, review, and issue AFC CWPs that are traceable to AFE/sub‑jobs and budgets; maintain distribution and acknowledgement records.
- Confirm Readiness to Build (CRR): current IFC set, survey/locates valid, ROE/permits in force, critical materials received/accepted, and POs/contracts within AFE.
- Direct Field Instructions only for means/sequence (no scope/quantity/tolerance/schedule/cost changes without AFE‑CR).
- Ensure temporary works are engineered/approved and pre‑use inspections/tags are documented.
- Oversee QA/QC hold points, inspection/test plans, non‑conformance (NCR) disposition, re‑inspection, and traceability of materials/equipment.
- Coordinate interfaces and windows (isolations, outages, tie‑ins) with explicit go/no‑go criteria and sign‑offs.
- Drive accurate daily field reporting; ensure weekly summaries interpret progress and forecast cost/schedule against AFE/sub‑jobs.
5) Data, Analytics & Continuous Improvement
- Define and maintain a project data dictionary and KPI set (e.g., CPI/SPI, variance-to-AFE, change cycle time, CRR → AFC cycle time, closeout timeliness, audit findings, data quality score).
- Build and automate dashboards for portfolio performance, capital planning scenarios, and capacity/resource views; deliver actionable insights to the Senior Manager of Capital Planning.
- Partner with the PMO Manager to standardize templates, streamline phase‑gate and CWP workflows, and embed lessons learned into procedures and training.
6) Stakeholder, Commercial & Compliance
- Collaborate with Procurement on sourcing strategies, contract administration, and vendor performance tracking; ensure commercial actions align with AFE and policy.
- Liaise with Operations, Land & Environmental, and external agencies to meet permitting, access, and restoration obligations.
- Uphold WID HSE standards; participate in safety meetings, audits, and incident learning; ensure permits/controls are sequenced into the work.
7) Closeout & Handover
- Deliver complete as‑built packages, QA/QC records, permit closures, O&M/trainings, and Operations acceptance.
- Complete financial reconciliation and obtain Finance AFE Closeout confirmation; ensure all records are archived per PMO standards.
Key Performance Indicators
- AFE variance (budget vs. forecast vs. actual)
- Schedule performance (SPI) and cost performance (CPI)
- Change management cycle time and % approved changes with quantified impacts
- CRR → AFC CWP cycle time; % CWPs issued first‑time‑right
- Closeout timeliness and documentation completeness
- Safety performance indicators (TRIF, observations closed)
- Data quality score and report timeliness for PMO/Steering Committee
Qualifications
Required
- Degree in Engineering, Construction/Project Management, or related discipline; or equivalent experience.
- 8–12+ years managing capital/infrastructure projects with demonstrable project controls leadership (cost/schedule/risk/change) on large, complex programs.
- Proven experience with public‑sector and private‑sector capital projects and governance.
- Advanced proficiency in scheduling (e.g., P6 or MS Project), cost management/ERP, and analytics (Excel advanced functions; Power BI/Tableau; SQL fundamentals preferred).
- Strong understanding of QA/QC, HSE permitting/controls, and construction means/methods.
- Excellent communication with executive presence for Steering Committee and stakeholder briefings.
Preferred
- PMP, P.Eng., CET, or equivalent professional designation(s).
- Background in program/project advisory multi‑billion‑dollar capital programs.
- Sector experience in water, irrigation, municipal infrastructure, or linear works.
Working Conditions
- Mix of office and field environments; travel to project sites as required.
- Participation in safety programs and possession of applicable HSE certifications.
The Project Administrator plays a crucial role in supporting the Project Management Office (PMO) before and during the implementation of various capital and maintenance projects. A self-starter with excellent communication skills, strong organizational ability, and sound judgment, the candidate must have a project mindset and be adaptable to new technologies and digital tools.
The Project Administrator is mindful of cost control, schedule/plan, and quality throughout all project activities. The individual must work effectively in a team environment, work well under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing work requirements. The Project Administrator must be highly organized, capable of managing tight deadlines, and committed to adhering to WID’s Health, Safety, and Environment Management System.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Liaise with the PMO, Project Managers, Construction teams, and other departments to support the delivery of capital and maintenance projects.
- Assist in the development, organization, and tracking of project documentation, contracts, and approvals.
- Coordinate meetings, prepare agendas and minutes, and follow up on action items to ensure timely completion.
- Support procurement processes including RFQs, purchase orders, and invoice tracking.
- Maintain organized and accurate project files within digital systems.
- Learn and adapt to new technologies, including AI-enabled tools and digital reporting systems, to support project delivery and administration.
- Assist in preparing project status reports, dashboards, and other documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
- Support project scheduling, cost tracking, and reporting in collaboration with Project Managers and Construction Supervisors.
- Coordinate with consultants, contractors, and suppliers to ensure information flow and documentation compliance.
- Assist in securing permits and licenses for projects, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and safety codes.
- Participate in safety and coordination meetings as required, ensuring adherence to WID’s HSE policies and procedures.
- Identify opportunities to improve administrative processes and contribute to continuous improvement of PMO systems.
- Provide administrative leadership and support to ensure project teams are aligned, accountable, and operating efficiently.
- Perform all other reasonable duties as directed by the PMO Manager.
Project Administrator Skills and Qualifications
A Project Administrator requires strong organizational and communication skills, with experience supporting projects in engineering, construction, or infrastructure environments. The successful candidate is adaptable, resourceful, and eager to learn new tools and systems.
Qualifications include:
- Two (2) to five (5) years of experience in project administration, coordination, or related role.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Ability and interest in learning and supporting project management digital platforms and AI-assisted reporting tools.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Professional, customer-focused, and solution-oriented approach.
- Knowledge or experience in construction projects is an asset.
Project Administrator Education and Training Requirements
- Diploma or degree in Business Administration, Project Management, or related field is an asset.
- Additional training or certification in Project Coordination, Document Control, or Health & Safety is an asset.
- Familiarity with construction drawings, specifications, and project documentation processes preferred.
- Must be committed to ongoing learning and the adoption of new technologies to support efficient project management and reporting practices.
Contract Specialist
Purpose:
Contract / Agreement management is a crucial function for any organization that enters into agreements with customers, suppliers, partners, or other stakeholders. Overall, effective contract / agreement management is essential for any organization that desires to minimize risks, improve compliance, optimize performance, increase efficiency, maximize value, and enable informed decision-making.
Reporting to the Executive Manager of Land & Business Development, the purpose of the Contract Specialist role is to develop and manage a suite of contracts and agreements specific to the needs of the WID. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that business contracts are legally sound, meet the needs of the WID and all parties involved, and comply with relevant legislation and regulations. This role required to be involved in a wide range of contract and agreements, including but not limited to irrigation specific contracts / agreements, land purchase & sale, surface land management, procurement, construction contracts, various business memorandums of understandings, commercial agreements, employment contracts, vendor agreements, rental and lease agreements, etc.
Key Accountabilities and Objectives:
- Assertive Contract Strategist with Negotiation Prowess
- Contract Development, Execution, and Compliance
- Contract Lifecycle and Performance Management
- Other strategic objectives of the WID, assigned by the Executive Manager of Land & Business Development and/or the General Manager.
Job Duties:
- Assertive contract strategist with negotiation prowess. The WID takes a business-minded and fair approach in its dealings with clients, fostering constructive relationships and mutual understanding. When working with external stakeholders, the WID applies a more deliberate and strategically positioned lens, advancing well-developed positions with a proactive, outcome-focused mindset that protects the organization’s long-term interests.
- Facilitates transparent and focused communication, while demonstrating confidence and tenacity when negotiating stakeholder contract terms, seeking outcomes that best serve WID’s strategic interests.
- Balances diplomacy with assertiveness to build and maintains strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, seeking positive outcomes, not just consensus.
- Proactively identifies opportunities for renegotiation to optimize financial and operational results.
- Not afraid to challenge terms or push back when necessary to protect the organization’s position.
- Contract Development, Execution, and Compliance
- Develop, maintain, and regularly update a suite of standardized contracts and agreements tailored to WID’s needs.
- Requires leadership in the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring legal accuracy, compliance with regulations, and alignment with organizational goals. Often with legal assistance.
- Communicate the available suite of contracts and agreements with internal stakeholders on a regular basis.
- Work with the relevant stakeholders, customers, clients to negotiate the various contracts / agreements, including financial terms, timelines, deliverables, and other critical details.
- Contract Lifecycle and Performance Management
- Initiate a full organizational review with internal stakeholders, compiling a listing of routine contracts / agreements.
- Oversee the full lifecycle of contracts and agreements, including initiation, monitoring, amendments, renewals, and terminations. Ensure all parties meet their obligations and manage changes effectively.
- Foster strong internal / external stakeholder relationships and manage changes to contracts / agreements, including amendments, renewals, terminations, and proactive issue resolution.
- Perform an annual review of our active templates, identifying gaps, organizing legal reviews, and completing general updates.
- Develop a process to guide manage the contract / agreement process from start to finish and ensure that the parties involved in the contract are in agreement and that the contract is legally enforceable.
- Monitor contract / agreement performance and improve compliance to ensure that all parties involved comply requirements – also with focus on internal compliance with our own policies and procedures.
- Other duties as assigned by the Executive Manager of Land & Business Development and/or the General Manager.
Experience & Qualifications:
- Post Secondary Diploma or Degree in Business, Law or Construction Management is an asset.
- Experience with Contracts Management in an EPC/EPCM environment, Project Management, Commerce, Supply Chain Management, or Engineering, is an asset.
- Senior / Intermediate level experience, minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience.
- Experience providing specialized/technical/functional guidance to internal departments.
- Demonstrated experience in contract / agreement drafting and negotiation, review of legal terms and conditions, stakeholder relationships, and performance management.
