As a corporate officer, the Director of Legislative Services/City Clerk fulfills all statutory obligations and duties of the Clerk as prescribed in various legislation, including: Municipal Act, Municipal Elections Act, Marriage Act, Vital Statistics Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and the Commissioner for Taking Affidavits Act. As a member of the Corporate Senior LeadershipTeam, the Director of Legislative Services/City Clerk delivers a range of statutory, legislative, administrative, and licensing services and leads the Airport, Clerk’s, Corporate Customer Service, By-Law Enforcement, and Animal Control. As the Accountable Executive for the St. Thomas Municipal Airport, the Director of Legislative Services/City Clerk overseess the Airport’s strategic operations and overall compliance with Canadian Aviation Regulations through the Airport Manager.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Administration
- Researches and prepares departmental reports, policies, by-laws, procedures in accordance with statutes, regulations and City policy for divisions under purview
- Leads and oversees hiring, performance appraisal, training, coaching, motivating, supervision and management of Clerk’s and Airport senior staff and ensures that delivery of service meets regulatory requirements and internal quality control standards.
- Regularly meets with Airport Superintendent regarding Airport plans, activities and projects.
- Oversees Corporate Customer Service, including sale of goods, cash handling, and corporate staff orientation.
- Directs preparation, implementation and maintenance of Corporate Records and Information Management program and archives, including policies, by-laws, procedures, and corporate training.
- Develops, recommends, and evaluates strategic department policies and recommends short/long term departmental plans, procedures and standards for Clerk’s division and Airport division
- Prepares, recommends, monitors, and administers department operating and capital budget for Clerk’s division and Airport division.
- Review municipal property assessment of airport lands and negotiates or appeals, as necessary.
- Oversees municipal street naming and addressing, coordination of corporate newspaper advertising.
- Responds to concerns from Municipality of Central Elgin Council and residents regarding noise, water quality and quantity, and cannabis operations at the St. Thomas Municipal Airport.
- Performs other duties, responsibilities and functions as assigned by the City Manager.
Council and Committee Services
- Attends all Council meetings and provide Secretariat support services for Council and its Committees - direct preparation for Council and Committee agendas, reports, resolutions, correspondence, minutes, by-laws, agreements, and signing of same including contracts, deeds, leases and other documents on behalf of City.
- As specialist on rules of procedure, advises Council and Committee members on statutory obligations, interprets legislation and by-laws, procedures, and practices.
- Appears at and responds to questions at Council meetings in support of airport-related reports and presentations.
- Participates in Corporate Senior Leadership Team meetings and activities and acts as alternative on Municipal Control Group to City Manager.
- Provides advice and information on legislation, City by-laws, policies and operations to Council, departments, boards and commissions, municipal and governmental organizations, media, and individuals within community.
- Maintains effective working relationships with Council, departmental staff, Boards and Commissions, senior levels of government, as well as local levels of government (Elgin County and Central Elgin) and prepares submissions to senior and local levels of government, as required.
- Provides updates and information regarding the St. Thomas Municipal Airport and its projects to City Manager, Council, members of the public, and media, as needed.
By-Law Enforcement and Animal Control
- Provides strategic leadership and direction for the planning, management, and operational delivery of the Corporation’s By-Law Enforcement and Animal Control.
- Liaises, partners, and negotiates as necessary with neighbouring municipalities regarding animal control shared services.
- Liaises and maintains effective working relationships with animal welfare organizations i.e. volunteer and rescue groups.
- Ensures that enforcement of program areas/policy or by-laws is provided as required by regulation and/or policy/procedure.
Statutory Duties
- Signs and certifies a variety of documents as Corporate signing officer for the City.
- As Returning Officer for Municipal Election, directs preparation of all matters necessary for holding of municipal elections, by-elections, and plebiscites including reports, policies, by-laws, procedures, voters list and including support for Municipal Election Compliance Committee.
- As Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (MFIPPA) Coordinator, provides advice, responds to access inquiries and privacy concerns, processes appeals, maintains and safeguards personal and confidential information collected by City, ensures compliance.
- Administers oaths and witness documents as a Commissioner for Taking Affidavits.
- As Division Registrar, directs and participates in issuance of marriage licences and burial permits and registration of marriages and deaths.
- Oversees City’s Accessibility compliance reporting under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
- Directs preparation and distribution of statutory notices pursuant to various legislation.
- Authorized signatory and account contact - Ministry of Transportation Ontario Authorized Requester Information Services relating to staff driving records and parking ticket administration.
- Accountable Executive on behalf of City regarding compliance with Aeronautics Act and Canadian Aviation regulations for the airport.
- Ensures retention of airport certification by Transport Canada.
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with federal legislation such as National Building Code and Canada Labour Code for the airport.
- Consults with Municipality of Central Elgin regarding City’s interest in drains on airport property under the Ontario Drainage Act, road access, and water supply from the Aylmer Area Secondary Water Supply System.
- Reviews submissions for proposed amendments to the federal Airport Zoning Regulations that protect airspace, research mitigation measures, and submits comments regarding impacts to airport.
St. Thomas Municipal Airport - Infrastructure/Project Management
- Oversees strategic operation of St. Thomas Municipal Airport including researching options and costs, reviewing proposals, and hiring consultants in conjunction with the City’s Strategic Plan and Action Plan, the Airport Future Growth Strategy, and the Asset Management Plan.
- Oversees maintenance and improvements to existing airport infrastructure, farmland, new capital works, equipment, vehicles, and fuel depot.
- Negotiates, drafts and oversees preparation of lease agreements for a variety of commercial, agricultural, and general aviation tenancies and supports the maintenance, renewal and expansion of these tenancies.
- In collaboration with Airport Manager and in consultation with City departments and consultants as necessary, plans Tender/RFP documents relating to buildings, airport structures, lighting, runways, ramps, parking areas, and equipment, participates in meetings with contractor, decide on change orders.
- Coordinates research and oversees completion and submission of significant external grant/funding opportunities, consults with Ministry representatives regarding process, application material, agreements, finances, reporting.
- Together with the Airport Manager, promotes the airport asset as a profit centre to upper tier governments, local governments, and City Council.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education (degree/diploma/certifications)
A minimum accredited 4-year University degree in municipal/public administration or related discipline and a designation from the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) or a Master of Public Administration (MPA).
Experience
10- years’ of related progressive experience in a Clerk’s department with supervisory and managing responsibilities, with a broad understanding of various municipal operations.
Knowledge/Skill/Ability
- Proven ability and demonstrated experience in municipal administration and leadership, including: Council/Board secretariat experience; municipal legislation; municipal elections; MFIPPA request processing; records management; policy development; report writing.
- Should be organized, self-starter, possess strong interpersonal, communication and public relations skills and be capable of dealing effectively with staff/public/elected representatives.
- Ability to mentor, train, and support staff in achieving objectives in a team environment and to foster teamwork and collaborate with various internal and external partners. Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in managing competing priorities with strict deadlines.
- Ability to handle sensitive and/or confidential material and maintain high level of confidentiality.
- High proficiency in technical applications including Microsoft Office, Adobe, agenda software, electronic records management software and related programs.
Other
- Must possess a valid Class "G" Ontario Driver's Licence and access to reliable transportation.
- Satisfactory Police Record Check.
HOURS OF WORK:
The normal workweek consists of 35 hours; Monday to Friday; 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with a one (1) hour unpaid lunch. Required to work outside of the normal workweek for emergency situations or quick turnaround times. Evenings and weekends are required for Council meetings or other events, as needed.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Salary Range: $147,980 - $179,869 per annum
- Comprehensive Benefits
- OMERS Pension Plan
- Paid Vacation and Holidays
- Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
- Tuition Reimbursement Program (continuous learning)
How to Apply:
Go to www.stthomas.ca – Employment, Employment Opportunities.Go to Posting Title and click the ‘Apply’ button.
Please import/upload your COVER LETTER AND RESUME individually (i.e. pdf, word) and ensure you have attached all documents prior to submitting your application.
Note: You may be required to answer Qualification questions during the application process.
Applications must be received no later than Tuesday February 24, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
The City of St. Thomas is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, you must provide your accommodation needs in advance. Questions may be directed to the Human Resources Department at 519-631-1680 ext. 4146.
Although we appreciate all applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Personal Information on this application is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act., R.S.O. 2001, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility and suitability for employment with the City of St. Thomas.
Our hiring process does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision‑making tools. Applications are reviewed and evaluated by our hiring team.
