Regional District looks to expand economic development options

The cusp of summer must be hiring season for local and regional governments, as the Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional District, much like the City of Prince Rupert looks to add to its staff positions.

As we outlined on the blog yesterday, the City is currently in the process of taking applications for a Recreation Director, while over in Port Edward the search is underway to hire a new Chief Administrative Officer.

The latest opportunity to join the public payroll on the North Coast comes from SQCRD, with their current search for an Economic Development Officer, a quest which has been underway for the last month or so.

In an advertisement in the weekly paper, (though curiously not listed on the SQCRD website) Regional District office is offering an opportunity for an EDO on a part-time contract basis to take on various economic development initiatives for rural areas surrounding Prince Rupert.

The first task it appears is to work on a feasibility study on a proposal to launch a ferry service between several small communities outside of Prince Rupert.

The successful candidate will liase with Local First Nations, the City of Prince Rupert, District of Port Edward, local business and industry as well as area residents towards developing a healthy local economy.

Some of the qualifications for the position include:

Membership of EDABC or similar professional association

Have several years of experience in researching, planning and developing economic development initiatives

Have excellent communication, entrepreneurial leadership and presentation skills

Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills

The deadline for applications for that position is June 20th.

For the City of Prince Rupert, which already has concerns over the allocation of Prince Rupert money towards District initiatives, the hiring of an EDO might make for some conversation at future Council sessions.

With the City already paying the salary of their own Economic Development Officer, the suggestion of perhaps expanding the duties of the Prince Rupert EDO to take on Regional District initiatives could make sense.

Particularly if the City and Port Edward could receive funding from Regional District towards the expenses of running an Economic Development position.

Short of that, Council may wonder why they are providing funding for a position that could very well duplicate much of the work of their own office in Prince Rupert.

For more items of note on Regional District see our archive here, for background on City of Prince Rupert discussion points see our archive here.