High Prairie Regional Economic Development Committee is looking for an: Economic Development Officer Position Title: Economic Development Officer Classification: Full-Time, Permanent (1.0 FTE) Reports To: High Prairie CAO / Regional Economic Development Committee (REDC) Location: Town of High Prairie, Alberta (with regional travel) ABOUT THE REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The Big Lakes County and Town of High Prairie Regional Economic Development Committee (REDC) is a joint initiative of Big Lakes County and the Town of High Prairie, established to advance shared economic development priorities across north-central Alberta. Grounded in the 2026 Regional Strategic Economic Development Plan, the REDC is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to economic resilience, business retention and expansion, workforce attraction, and community renewal. While this position reports directly to the CAO of High Prairie, it essentially serves both municipalities and the broader region simultaneously, requiring the ability to navigate multiple governance structures, priorities, and stakeholder relationships while maintaining a unified, forward-looking regional perspective.

The Economic Development

Officer (EDO) is a senior practitioner responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the Regional Strategic Economic Development Plan. Working across Big Lakes County and the Town of High Prairie, the EDO leads business retention and expansion programming, investment readiness initiatives, stakeholder engagement, intergovernmental collaboration, and sector development activities in close coordination with elected officials, CAOs, community partners, and Indigenous communities.



The ideal candidate brings demonstrated experience working in a rural or remote Canadian context, a strong understanding of the unique economic and social dynamics of small and rural communities, and a proven track record of managing complex, multi-stakeholder relationships across more than one jurisdiction simultaneously.

Compile and maintain a regional economic indicator dashboard tracking employment, business activity, housing, investment, and population trends for reporting to both Councils.

Investment

Readiness and Land Inventory Lead the development and maintenance of a region-wide industrial and commercial land and building inventory, including servicing capacity, ownership status, and investment readiness profiles. Respond to and facilitate inbound investor and developer inquiries across both municipalities, coordinating with planning and municipal administration staff. Identify and promote opportunities for adaptive reuse, infill development, and light-touch redevelopment across the region.

Lead coordinated economic development advocacy efforts on behalf of both municipalities to senior levels of government, including the Province of Alberta and the Government of Canada. Represent the region in provincial economic development networks, rural economic development forums, and grant program discussions.

Sector Development

Support priority sectors identified in the Regional Strategic Economic Development Plan.



Prepare and deliver quarterly reports to both municipal CAOs and Councils, including progress on the work plan, regional indicators, and measurable outcomes. Maintain a regional economic development work plan updated annually and reviewed quarterly.

Post‑secondary degree or diploma in economic development, business administration, public administration, marketing, or a related field — OR — an equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum five (5) years of progressive economic development experience, with at least three (3) years in a rural or remote Canadian community or region. Demonstrated experience working simultaneously across multiple municipal or regional jurisdictions, managing competing priorities and reporting relationships.

Knowledge of Alberta's municipal governance environment, the Municipal Government Act (MGA), and intergovernmental funding programs available to rural Alberta communities. Robust written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare reports and presentations for elected officials and community stakeholders.

Valid

Class 5 driver's licence and reliable access to a vehicle; willingness to travel within and beyond the region.

Experience with Indigenous community relations and economic development partnerships in a northern or rural Alberta context. Familiarity with northern Alberta resource industries including forestry, oil and gas, and agriculture.

Experience with investment readiness tools, land inventory systems, and economic profiling platforms. Demonstrated ability to build consensus among municipal councils, private sector partners, and community organizations with differing priorities. #

📌 Community Economic Development Coordinator (High Prairie)
🏢 Municipal World
📍 High Prairie