Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason
- Job ID #31893: Project Manager Animal Services
- Union: Non-Union
- Job Description ID #: A9861
- Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city
by 4:00 p.m. on April 22, 2026
- Duration: up to 24 months
- Vacancy type: This posting is for an existing vacancy
- Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
Reporting to the Manager of Animal Services, the Project Manager is responsible for researching, developing, and writing Business Cases and Reports to Council on Animal Services Projects such as mandatory new shelter build. City Wide Strategy on available Grant programs and application completion. Volunteer Programs, Foster, and Rescue partnerships. The Project Manager will be required to collaborate closely with staff, management, and community stakeholders to ensure the Projects meet the needs of the city and the Community. The Project Manager will conduct community consultations, research best practices, and develop and deliver a strong Business Case that will be approved by Council. The Project Manager will provide leadership, guidance, technical competence, innovative problem solving, and achieve results through effective teamwork.
The Project Manager will also assist in the development and implementation of the shelter specific software temporary solution and strive to assist in the build of the permanent solution. Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) for Animal Services along with any other similar projects that need to be developed and delivered to increase efficiency and effectiveness with a focus on “Best Practices” and revenue generation.
GENERAL DUTIES
The projects for research and development involve medium to high priority risk with significant impact on public safety, the safety of staff and the overall efficiency in the delivery of Animal Services for the City. Business Cases need to be developed to examine best practices and to determine if implementation of these projects are within the mandate of Animal Services and in line with Council’s direction and approval. Once the Business Case is approved, then implementation of the plan must be driven by the Project Manager until completion. Effective Time Management and prioritization are critical to the success of this position.
The Project Manager will be required to network with staff, managers, and stakeholders and receive community input and feedback to ensure we are meeting the needs of both the city and our community.
The Project Manager will need to demonstrate excellent writing skills and have experience in writing and implementation of Projects. Define and document project charter, scope, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements and identify project risks. Confirm and secure funding and commitment from the Project sponsors, stakeholders, and project team members.
With a concentration on Best Practices, the Project Manager will review other Areas’ solutions to ensure that the finished products are workable, concise and meets with the overall intent of Community Safety and Protection while keeping in mind the City’s focus on an “Open for Business” approach.
Responsible for the overall development and implementation of the Business Cases and Policy Development, the Project Manager will:
- identify all project tasks.
- develop project schedules.
- create milestones and budgets.
- research best practices.
- estimate costs.
- initiate public meetings.
- draft project charter scope and deliverables
- identify Project resources and skills requirement.
- report to Management and Council
- determine allocation of financial resources to project tasks
- obtain final approval.
The Project Manager will promote teamwork and provide direction to cross-functional and cross-departmental teams, provide clearly defined goals and objectives, function as a mentor to staff, motivate, coach, and provide advice to staff on the project issues and problem resolution.
The Project Manager will use a “best practices” approach in seeking new methods, systems, research, and analysis to support continuous improvement in the delivery of services provided by Animal Services.
The Project Manager will investigate and recommend innovative/creative policies and business processes for improving organizational effectiveness and efficiency related to Animal Services.
Prepare oral and written presentations to management and Planning Committee and report regularly on the status of projects, milestone achievement, fiscal status, and change and risk management. Prepare recommendations and outline preferred courses of action.
Administer and monitor the budget for projects in accordance with established corporate procedures, ensuring that project expenditures are within budgeted levels.
Maintain professional competence in the discipline of project management.
Work in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director, which are directly related to the normal functions of the job as defined.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated competence in project management with a proven history in managing a time sensitive project, normally acquired through a degree in business, or public administration, or planning or related experience or related discipline pertinent to the job functions combined with project management experience.
- Understanding of the complex history of Animal Services, various stakeholders and competing priorities and pressures.
- Previous knowledge, skills, and ability in drafting Business Cases.
- Proven organizational skills and the ability to work with very tight deadlines and competing priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, facilitation skills and presentation skills, a team leader and mentor possessing advanced negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Progressive experience in project management in a unionized public or private sector organization. Project Management designation and experience in the Animal Services sector an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to challenge, lead and inspire others to excel in an environment that fosters innovative approaches to problem-resolution.
- Ability to deal effectively with management, peers, staff, and the public.
- Working knowledge and understanding of statutes, regulations and by-laws affecting the department/ section.
- Must have above average analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Possesses a high level of personal integrity with a demonstrated record of supervisory experience providing work direction related to project delivery.
- Must possess thorough knowledge of the current suite of Microsoft productivity tools, including PowerPoint, Excel, and Word. Microsoft Project and web-based applications an asset.
SALARY: Salary Grade 5
HOURS: 35 per week
THE INCUMBENT SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR THIS POSITION AND THE WORKPLACE.
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Disclaimer:
Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.
Terms:
The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.
