Career Paths

Careers with WD are as varied and interesting as the people and projects that create our organization. Regardless of your academic background or professional interest, WD offers an unparalleled range of opportunities for growth and advancement - all with one employer. The following position descriptions give a brief overview of what you could experience in a career with us. Explore the possibilities.

Administrative Services
Commerce
Clerical and Regulatory
Computer Systems and Information Management/Technology
Economics, Sociology and Statistics
Executive
Financial Management
Library Science
Marketing and Communications (Information Services)
Personnel Administration
Programme Administration

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Administrative Services (AS)

Some relevant fields of study: Accounting, Business Administration, Commerce, Public Administration, and Urban Land Economics.

WD's administrative services officers are essential to efficient and smooth operations and may be required to:

• Provide administrative support and advice in human resources, finance, material management, facilities management, fleet management, information management, information technology, safety and/or health and security
• Conduct analysis of requests for services, apply central agency and departmental procedures, and identify courses of action
• Identify sources of information, research background material, undertake preliminary analyses of issues, and prepare correspondence, and/or briefing materials
• Provide advice and guidance to clients on processes, procedures and requirements, and coordinate the processing of requirements through internal or external service providers
• Research and coordinate the implementation of and/or develop options for new, or revisions to, policies, programs, procedures, guidelines and information management systems; oversee the monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of programs and services
• Participate in working groups responsible for the delivery of administrative services and organization/participation in special events
• Coordinate senior managers' schedules and direct the flow of information coming into and going out of the unit

Prerequisite: Secondary school diploma or employer-approved alternative.

Salary range from $43,302 to $81,654
Effective June 21, 2006

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Commerce (CO)

At WD, Commerce Officers may be required to:

• Plan, develop and deliver business/economic development, competitiveness and sustainable development programs
• Develop and maintain partnerships to promote, facilitate and negotiate agreements, seek funding and support for joint projects; keep abreast of issues and assess the significance and implications of policy positions and strategies
• Research and analyze emerging technological challenges, infrastructure, operations and performance of a sector within a competitiveness and sustainable development context; identify and assess market/competitiveness, productivity improvement, trade and associated economic, environment and political issues
• Manage files/issues; analyze the effect of policy strategies and positions on files, issues and initiatives; analyze policy implications and respond to strategic issues and associated policy requirements; formulate policy positions, strategies, options, advice and recommendations
• Prepare reports and briefing notes for management; identify opportunities and threats, and formulate recommendations for the resolution of issues; participate in the development of strategic reports
• Provide advice and briefings; advise in area of technical expertise and leadership
• Develop and implement monitoring programs to assess industry/stakeholder compliance with agreements; monitor agreement signatories; formulate remedial action to facilitate the implementation and achievement of agreement objectives; lead the development of regulations, codes or standards
• Represent the interests of the organization, provide leadership and act as advisor on committees and at meetings; discuss and promote policy positions and strategies; negotiate agreements; present papers; plan and organize events and conferences
• Plan and supervise the work of an organizational unit; establish, lead and coordinate the work of multi-disciplinary working groups; establish the nature, scope, analytical methods, objectives, and resource requirements for projects.

Prerequisite: University degree or recognized professional accounting designation (e.g. CA, CGA, CMA)

Salary range from $47,602 to $104,353
Effective June 22, 2006

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Clerical and Regulatory (CR)

Some relevant fields of study: Accounting

Those involved in Clerical or Regulatory services at WD could expect to:

• Perform routine administrative tasks, such as completing and processing documentation/forms for supplies, repairs and service; enter baseline information into automated systems
• Provide reception services such as answering routine inquiries on organizational services and products, re-direct calls to other organizational units, record and distribute messages
• Maintain systems such as, filing, correspondence tracking, Bring-Forward, as well as other transactional records such as petty cash, taxi vouchers, bills of lading for courier service
• Operate office equipment; reproduce, collate, and organize materials
• Type, proofread, input reports/texts from written or verbal instructions
• Make logistical arrangements for travel and conferences
• Research automated and manual information systems and recommend new procedures or formats
• Provide information and assistance regarding the organization's service and products.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of secondary school diploma or employer-approved alternative.

NOTE: Acceptable experience and/or training in a field relevant to positions in the group is required when the education qualification specified for the position being staffed is a secondary school diploma or approved employer alternatives.

Salary range from $29,398 to $59,943
Effective June 21, 2006

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Computer Systems and Information Management/Technology (CS/IM/IT)

Some relevant fields of study: Computer Programming, Computer Science, Information Technology, and Information Management

Our computer systems officers are primarily involved in the application of computer systems knowledge to the planning, development, installation and maintenance of information technology processing systems to manage, administer or support departmental programs and activities. take care of the IT infrastructure. Computer systems officers use leading-edge technology in a fast-paced and service-oriented environment, either individually or as part of a team. Roles include:

• Administering a departmental network
• Providing systems operations and maintenance
• Configuring new hardware
• Performing systems analyses
• Providing help desk services
• Installing and testing new systems
• Providing LAN/WAN support
• Researching emerging technologies
• Data warehousing
• Policy and strategy development

Prerequisite: Successful completion of two years of an acceptable post-secondary educational program in computer science, information technology, information management or another specialty relevant to the position to be staffed.

Salary range from $47,575 to $118,974
Effective December 22, 2006

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Economics, Sociology and Statistics (ES)

Some relevant fields of study: Economics, Sociology, Statistics, Political Science, and Public Policy/Business Administration

WD's policy and economic analysts are called upon to conduct regular environmental scanning, synthesis, analysis, and research activities to inform departmental knowledge and socio-economic issues. Analysts conduct regional and sector specific studies and offer intelligence on the performance, development and diversification of the regional and national economies. Roles include:

• Conducting research, analysis, and evaluation of economics or policy issues
• Forecasting
• Applying, analyzing and evaluating statistics, survey methods and systems
• Developing, analyzing and interpreting qualitative and quantitative information
• Determining statistical measures and techniques for data analysis and reporting
• Providing sound advice to senior management, the Deputy Minister, and the Minister

The ES group is also often tasked with leading the department's business planning activities. Prerequisite: Graduation with a degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in economics, sociology or statistics.

Note: Candidates must always have a university degree. The courses for the specialization do not necessarily have to be part of a degree program in the required specialization. The specialization may also be obtained through an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Salary range from $41,459 to $104,938
Effective June 22, 2006

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Executive (EX)¹

Some relevant fields of study: Business or Public Administration, Commerce, Political Science, and Economics.

At Western Economic Diversification Canada, the Executive group is integral to the management and planning for the many activities that WD is involved in. Executives may be accountable for:

• Directing staff and financial resources
• Directing annual strategic and business planning activities
• Delivering WD's economic development programs
• Direction of grant and contribution policies and programs
• Development and implementation of strategic investment programs relating to innovation, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure
• Advising and reporting on resource allocation issues to ensure that key strategic directions are supported
• Directing economic research and analysis to identify trends and opportunities for economic development through the advancement of sustainable communities, entrepreneurship and innovation in the West
• Negotiating bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements with regional governments, business, and community development organizations to develop and implement capacity-development projects and programs
• Developing positive external relations with other departments, governments, community development organizations, business enterprises and the public to gather intelligence, advocate WD programs and services, consult on economic development issues, and negotiate partnership agreements
• Managing horizontal issues that requires knowledge of federal-provincial relations, regional economic development, machinery of government, and economic development partners in the region
• Promoting entrepreneurship and business innovation through events and speaking engagements
• Providing logistical support to ADM, DM, Ministerial and MP events through the preparation of briefings, speech input, and advice
• Ensuring the development of cost-effective policies, strategies, and procedures to implement innovative and effective human resource material and information services to support the achievement of the Department's goals
• Establishing and managing the Department's Internal Audit and Evaluation programs to ensure audit and evaluation strategies, plans, policies, procedures and systems are in place and effectively implemented and/or applied to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with Government statutes, regulations, policies and procedures within the context of the modernized approach to Comptrollership.
• Providing corporate leadership for the development of strategic planning and operational policy frameworks, approaches and initiatives to guide the definition and articulation of WD business lines and support the Department's strategic goals.
• Providing corporate advice and guidance to regional policy units to ensure the development of integrated policy positions on major issues affecting the economic development of Western Canada.
• Manages the financial comptrollership function for the Department thereby ensuring the appropriate management of Departmental financial resources and that those financial transactions comply with TB policy and the financial management framework of WD.
• Improving the effectiveness of HR functions by supporting a dynamic and consistent consultation program at all management levels, and by developing appropriate contingency plans to counteract pressures impacting negatively on operations.
• Provides corporate leadership in developing and implementing IM/IT strategies, systems and programs to enhance WD's capacity to achieve its strategic objectives and operational goals.
• Directing corporate consultations, marketing and communications program operations, including: internal and external electronic and print communications, communications planning, media relations, consultations, speech preparation, messaging, communications product development, the coordination of events and announcements and related approval processes through the Minister's Office and Privy Council Office Communications.

Prerequisites:

Typically, the following competencies are to be applied with the Key Leadership Competencies² profile:

• Values and Ethics
• Strategic Thinking: Analysis and Ideas
• Engagement and teamwork
• Management Excellence: Action Management, People Management, Financial Management
• Accountability
• Judgement
• Organizational awareness
• Results oriented

¹ http://publiservice.psagency-agencefp.gc.ca/hr-rh/eg-gd/eg-ce-ugl_2007_e.asp
² http://www.psagency-agencefp.gc.ca/leadership/klc-ccl/intro_e.asp

Deputy heads are required to identify the educational requirements for EX appointment either through organizational policy or on a case-by-case basis.

Salary range from $96,100 to $162,900
Effective April 1, 2007

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Financial Management (FI)

Some relevant fields of study: Accounting, Commerce, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, and Government of Canada Financial Management Certificate

The Financial Management Group comprises positions that are primarily involved in the planning, development, analysis, delivery or management of internal Public Service financial policies, programs, services or other related activities.

Our financial administration officers perform complex financial operations for WD and the Receiver General of Canada. Roles include:

• Planning, organizing and participating in financial operations
• Provide advice on financial implications of policy and program proposals
• Developing and implementing processes, practices and procedures
• Preparing financial reports and information
• Monitoring financial operations
• Adapting procedures to meet business requirements
• Providing financial planning, analysis, advice and reporting.

Prerequisite: Post-secondary degree with specialization or eligibility for a recognized professional accounting designation (i.e., CA, RIA/CMA or CGA).

Salary range from $44,919 to $97,795
Effective November 7, 2006

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Library Science (LS)

Some relevant fields of study: Library Science.

Library science officers at WD may be required to:

• Coordinate and deliver library and information services; manage the collection; contribute to the formulation of service strategies and business plans
• Review client requests; identify sources of information; gather data using manual and automated searching techniques; synthesize information; interact with clients and stakeholders to obtain and provide information
• Provide advice on library issues, trends and strategic directions; promote library strategies and service delivery with clients
• Lead and provide expertise to project teams and working groups on library strategies and initiatives; prepare analyses, briefings and reports; deliver presentations; represent the library on committees and in meetings; determine budget requirements and manage service contracts
• Develop and maintain electronic products and services such as bibliographic databases, Web sites, Internet, intranet and CD-ROM's
• Supervise and manage professional and support staff; develop and deliver training to staff, colleagues and clients.

Prerequisites:

Graduation from a recognized university with a master's degree in library science or in library and information science; or graduation from a recognized university with a bachelor's degree in library science or in library and information science for which another bachelor's degree was a prerequisite.

Salary range from $49,972 to $93,888
Effective July 1, 2006

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Marketing and Communication (Information Services) (IS)

Some relevant fields of study: Communications, Marketing, Media, Multimedia, New Media, Liberal Arts, Fine Arts, Journalism, Graphic Design, Public Affairs, Policy Management, Social Sciences, Humanities, Advertising, Public Relations, Mass Communications, English or French Literature

Employees in the IS category get the department's message out to employees, the media, the public, and other government departments and agencies. They do so in a manner that ensures the Government of Canada's communication activities are well co-ordinated, effectively managed and responsive to the diverse information needs of the public. Roles include:

• Management, development and implementation of communication strategies and plans that reflect the overall direction and priorities of the Government of Canada and Western Economic Diversification Canada
• Provision of strategic advice and communications support to Ministerial staff and senior government officials that respects the Government of Canada's Communications Policy and relevant policies and legislation including the Official Languages Act and the Federal Identify Program.
• Planning and organizing of media announcements and special events on behalf of WD and the Minister
• Management, development and production coordination of a range of internal and external communications activities, products and publications, including advertising, public opinion research and consultations, ministerial correspondence, media advisories, news releases, backgrounders, speeches, feature articles, fact sheets, newsletters, brochures and annual reports that promote and support the development of effective programs, policies and services
• Management, development and production of electronic communications delivered to both internal and external audiences through the Department's public website and an intranet site.
• Evaluation of media strategies through media monitoring and analysis and public opinion research.

Prerequisite: A degree from a recognized university.

Note: Incumbents of IS positions who do not possess the formal education prescribed are deemed to meet the university graduation standard based on their education, training and/or experience. They must be accepted as having met the minimum education standard whenever a bachelor's degree without any specialization is called for in a position classified as IS.

Salary range from $43,302 to $90,420

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Personnel Administration (PE)

Some relevant fields of study: HR Management, Labour or Industrial Relations, Psychology, Business or Public Administration, Organizational Development, Education Sciences, Social Sciences, Sociology.

Our Human Resource Consultants work in partnership with line managers and executives to help ensure we have the right people to get the job done. Roles include:

• Recruitment and Staffing
• Labour Relations
• Classification and Organizational Development
• Human Resource Planning
• Employment Equity
• Career Services
• Policy and Strategy Development
• Performance Management
• Learning
• Health and Wellness, including the Employee Assistance Program

Prerequisite: Graduation with a degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in human resources management, labour or industrial relations, psychology, public or business administration, organizational development, education sciences, social sciences, sociology, or in any other field relevant to the work to be performed.

Salary range from $44,077 to $95,928
Effective October 1, 2006

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Program Administration (PM)

Some relevant fields of study: Accounting, Business Administration, Commerce, and Public Administration.

Roles for program administration officers include:

• Coordinate and deliver program administration services; provide information in response to requests; participate in the distribution and marketing of products and services
• Provide program administration support for public-directed programs; interpret and evaluate applications or requests for information/products
• Conduct background research and information collection; undertake preliminary analysis of issues; prepare reports and components of briefings or presentations
• Plan, coordinate and deliver program administration services in support of public-directed program(s)
• Anticipate evolving requirements; analyze requirements and develop strategies and options to meet objectives; provide advice on the selection, implementation and management of strategies; provide advice and guidance on program issues, options and requirements
• Participate on and provide expertise to project teams and working groups involved in analyzing, developing and coordinating program-related strategies and initiatives; conduct background research and analysis of issues; contribute to the development and monitoring of strategies and plans; prepare analyses, briefings and reports; deliver presentations; participate in committees and/or meeting with clients/stakeholders
• Develop knowledge of issues, service trends and other related programs and services
• Monitor service components of the program(s); monitor program activities against accepted standards to ensure compliance; resolve problems
• Research, recommend and contribute to the development and implementation of program policies, procedures and information management systems; monitor and analyze the effectiveness of initiatives, services and processes
• Monitor client compliance with contractual obligations.

Prerequisite: A secondary school diploma or employer-approved alternatives.

Salary range from $43,302 to $96,111
Effective June 21, 2006