Cochrane is located in the breathtaking Bow Valley corridor in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in southern Alberta. With a population of over 37,000 people, and growing steadily every year, Cochrane is a thriving town, surrounded by world-famous ranch country. Our western heritage is reflected in the Town’s architecture and our friendly people. The Town of Cochrane welcomes innovative and skilled individuals to join our team of over 250 employees.
Who are we looking for? We are seeking an Administrative Assistant - Planning to provide high-level technical, administrative, and customer service support to the Planning Services division within Community Growth. This role is designed for a detail-oriented professional who excels in a fast-paced municipal environment, balancing complex file management with a "people-first" approach to customer service. Reporting to the Manager, Planning Services, you will serve as a vital link between the Town and the public, ensuring the administrative backbone of our growth initiatives is professional, efficient, and reliable.
Why build your career with Cochrane? Cochrane is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Canada, creating unique opportunities for professionals to influence how essential services are delivered. By joining our Community Growth department, you aren't just filing documents; you are supporting the sustainable development of a community and building a legacy of excellence. This position is structured as a prime development opportunity. You will receive hands-on training and comprehensive exposure to all areas of Planning, allowing you to significantly expand your technical knowledge. For the right candidate, this role is a strategic stepping stone to a future position as a Development Technician. You will also play a critical role in the division's success by managing records, coordinating high-level stakeholder meetings, and applying basic accounting and financial software skills. We provide the environment for you to grow your technical skills, keeping you at the forefront of modern public administration
What are some of the duties of the Administrative Assistant- Planning? • Serve as a key customer service representative for the division by receiving, directing, and responding to requests from internal and external customers. • Demonstrate tactful communication skills and diplomacy when resolving escalated customer complaints and dealing with dissatisfied or irate clients either in person or by phone. • Review and prepare all documents, reports, agendas, presentations, and other correspondence materials using the MS Office Suite. • Develop and maintain a rigorous records management system, classifying and coding electronic and hardcopy files. • Schedule and organize meetings for internal and external stakeholders. • Review all incoming and outgoing correspondence and coordinate requests for information and data. • Track and create statistics for activity within the Planning Services division to assist in data-backed decision-making. • Maintain and enhance the public-facing website profile for all sections. • Maintain and monitor office equipment and supply inventory, placing orders to ensure uninterrupted service delivery. Qualifications, Skills and Abilities Education and Experience Required: • Completion of a post-secondary program in the administrative profession, Planning, Land Use, Civil Planning, or equivalent education and experience. • Minimum of 1–2 years of administrative experience within a municipal environment. • High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D). Skills and Abilities Required: • Strong communication skills, an excellent work ethic, and a commitment to a high level of customer service. • Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, manage time, and adapt to a changing pace and environment. • Knowledge of bylaws, policies, and procedures pertaining to specific divisions, alongside provincial and federal legislation. • Basic understanding of municipal financial software programs, basic accounting skills, MS Office Suite, and internet research. • Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality in all interactions. Certifications, Licenses and/or Designations Required: • Participation in the Town’s Minimum General Safety Training program.
Still interested? Here’s how to apply: • Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit a resume detailing how your administrative experience and municipal background match the required qualifications and customer service skills for this role • All candidates will be requested to complete an online suitability survey as part of the application process. • Applications for this position will be accepted until 9pm MST, May 21,2026. • Please submit your application online at www.cochrane.ca/jobs • This personal information is collected in accordance with ATIA. • The hourly rate for this non-union position is between 37.76/hr and 41.44/hr and is based on a standard 35 hour work week.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All applicants must be legally entitled to live and work in Canada.
Land Acknowledgement
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
