Director Project Planning & Transportation Asset Management

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is inviting applications for the permanent position of Director Project Planning & Transportation Asset Management with Public Works. We encourage applications from African Nova Scotians, racially visible persons, women (applying for non-traditional positions), persons with disabilities, Aboriginal persons and persons of the LGBTQ+ community. HRM encourages applicants to self-identify.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Public Works, the Director of Project Planning and Transportation Asset Management is responsible for managing all services pertaining to the planning and asset management of Halifax Regional Municipality’s (HRM) Roads and Active Transportation Capital Program. Key aspects of the portfolio include the coordination and development of the annual and multi-year Transportation Capital Program, selection of pavement strategies pertaining to the municipality’s road network, initiation of pre-engineering testing programs, creation and implementation of quality management systems, execution of land surveying services, development and implementation of the active transportation program, and implementation, continuous improvement, and ongoing maintenance of the Asset Management system as it relates to various municipal infrastructure including but not limited to: streets/roads, bridges, sidewalks, multi-use pathways, bike lanes, curbs, walkways, retaining walls, and guiderails. This position undertakes to plan and implement improvements to the existing system (including programming, process enhancement and reporting), and maintaining data quality.

The incumbent works with Directors and Managers across the organization to realize excellence in the quality and delivery of services throughout HRM as well as externally. The Director is responsible for providing the vision and leadership relative to the direction of the Project Planning and Transportation Asset Management team.  As a member of the Transportation and Public Works management team, the Director contributes to the efficient, accurate, professional, and coordinated delivery of the Business Unit services.

The Director of Project Planning and Transportation Asset Management is responsible to foster and maintain productive relationships with the public, industry clients, internal and external departments, and Regional Council to support corporate goals and objectives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Management

  • Responsible for the delivery of all services pertaining to Project Planning and Transportation Asset Management Services including leading the planning, coordination and development of the annual and multi-year Transportation Capital Program, initiating the pre-engineering testing programs, implementing and maintaining asset management systems of various road related infrastructure, developing and acting on the active transportation programs, developing and adhering to quality management systems, and establishing and recommending levels of service for the various road related asset classes;
  • Works as part of the Public Works management team to coordinate resources to provide excellence in public service, as well as an ongoing commitment to innovation and customer service;
  • Ensures that service delivery is responsive to the needs of internal and external clients;
  • Reviews existing systems, service levels and management processes of the various work functions within the Project Planning and Transportation Asset Management department to ensure an effective and efficient service delivery system;
  • Enhances service delivery levels and the cost-effective use of resources in a manner that reflects innovative customer service principles;
  • Responsible for the development, documentation, and implementation of policies and procedures in support of the Department and Business Unit programs;
  • Accountable for management operations to ensure consistency through teamwork, sharing of knowledge, and communication, including regular team and management meetings;
  • Regularly reviews and improves processes and procedures/policies, both within the department as well as interdepartmentally;
  • Identifies and advances opportunities to increase service levels through organizational restructuring, staff training, empowerment, and other innovative methods;
  • Participates in the development, communication, and implementation of Transportation and Public Works Business Plans;
  • Represents the Executive Director of TPW and the department at Regional Council, Council Standing Committees, Community Council and other various committees and meetings and
  • Serves on various internal and external committees as required, and ensures staff representation on, and in support of relevant committees, boards, etc.

Professional Responsibilities

  • Directly responsible for the planning, coordination, and development of the annual $70M Roads and Active Transportation Capital Program as well as the multi-year Transportation Capital Program. Leads the strategic planning process with all relevant internal and external integration stakeholders. Provides direction on the selection of specific project types/strategies, cost estimates, project scheduling, and financial Business Plan requirements for inclusion in the HRM Capital Budget;
  • Works closely with the Director of Transportation and Design and Construction Services in transitioning the Capital Program from the planning and development stages to the engineering design and construction phase
  • Responsible for relevant asset management duties of road related infrastructure including but not limited to: streets/roads, bridges, sidewalks, multi-use pathways, bike lanes, curbs, walkways, retaining walls, and guiderails. Data collection and data management systems, ground truthing, life cycle analysis, evaluation of strategies for expected service life, and establishing levels of service for the various road related asset classes are critical aspects in managing the municipality’s road and active transportation network;
  • Actively reviews and supports ways to improve HRM’s Pavement and Concrete Management processes and strategies. Enhances overall pavement/concrete management, technical performance, quality control/quality assurance, and operations through review of innovative techniques and methods;
  • Provides direction in the creation of levels of service on all relevant road related assets, and presents recommendations to senior management and Regional Council;  
  • Responsible for initiating all pre-engineering requirements and testing for future asphalt and concrete work.  This includes various geotechnical methodologies outsourced to a third party as well as pavement designs (internal/external);
  • Responsible for administering various legal and engineering surveys for all HRM Business Units, the management of all HRM surveying related information, and the provision of information to various HRM Business Units, external agencies and the general public;
  • Responsible for the implementation of the municipal active transportation program. This work is supported by the Integrated Mobility Plan, Active Transportation Priorities Plan, and the Municipal Planning Strategy, and aims to meet objectives for a complete active transportation network including opportunities with community associations. This work also includes the development and execution of a comprehensive public education and promotional program designed to make the public aware of AT facilities and programs, and to encourage use of the facilities;
  • Manages risks and liability through accepted policies, quality management systems, and best practices;
  • Establishes policy, procedures and interpretations relative to the operations of the department;
  • Develops relationships which enable the department to partner with industry representatives, government and non- government organizations in order to develop strategies to improve performance, evaluate service delivery, and streamline processes and procedures;
  • Provides strategic direction to ensure that services provided by the department meet the goals & objectives of the Business and Operational Plan for the Business Unit;
  • Initiates and manages special projects and research which improve the performance, efficiency and effectiveness of services and/or rehabilitation programs; and,                                                                                                
  • In collaboration with Transportation Design and Construction Services, develops and supports Quality Management Systems (QMS) by utilizing departmental processes, complying with applicable documentation requirements (records management), and establishing/supporting plan(s) to meet/exceed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that support quality, safety, procedure and regulatory compliance, On-Time Delivery (OTD), and financial objectives.

Human Resource Management

  • Recruits employees based on human resource policies;
  • Approves and administers employees work schedules including attendance, overtime, and vacation;
  • Develops and provides orientation, training and professional development for employees;
  • Instructs and coaches employees to provide quality service;
  • Conducts & reviews staff performance development plans;
  • Organizes programs to recognize employee contributions;
  • Applies corrective action, discipline as required;
  • Administers the collective agreement, ensuring consistency in application, and participates in grievance meetings, arbitration hearings, Labour Management Relations meetings, contract negotiations, etc.;
  • Provides input and implements human resources programs (i.e., attendance support program, diversity initiatives, etc.);
  • Creates a positive work environment that strives for open communication, collaboration, respect, professional behaviour, and employee engagement;
  • Fosters planning/coordination, teamwork, and transparency;
  • Optimizes team performance through positive team building;
  • Accountable for staff awareness and adherence to corporate policies (i.e., Workplace Rights, Occupational Health & Safety, etc.); and,
  • Develops staff through delegation, coaching, mentoring and training by arranging formal training, work assignments and other experiences.

Financial Management

  • Responsible to prepare, submit for approval, and manage the department’s operating budget;
  • Responsible for the planning and development of over $70,000,000 of capital project expenditures. The Director has the primary signing authority for accounts related to the Roads and Active Transportation Capital Budget;
  • Creates detailed work plans identifying project costs, deliverables, resource allocation, benefits and schedules for implementation and evaluation;
  • Monitors and evaluates service delivery/plans and implements improvements.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience

  • Post-secondary degree in Civil and /or Municipal Engineering with extensive training in the pavement management, asphalt technologies, and Portland cement concrete fields as well as asset management concepts. A related post-graduate degree would be considered as asset in conjunction with the post-secondary degree;
  • Licensed Professional Engineer with Engineers Nova Scotia, or the ability to obtain membership;
  • Ten years progressive management and supervisory experience in a directly related engineering field, plus prior engineering/asset management/construction experience with proven results;
  • Strong background in municipal engineering and construction practices;
  • Demonstrated labour relations experience in managing a unionized workforce;
  • Sound budget management experience; and,
  • Experience liaising with diverse government and regulatory agencies.

Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities

  • Extensive knowledge and specialization in the field of asphalt, concrete and asset management through progressive experiences developed in conjunction with pragmatic and diverse practices and theoretical concepts;
  • Thorough working knowledge of general municipal engineering and construction practices and procedures;
  • High level of understanding of HRM’s street and sidewalk network;
  • In-depth understanding of HRM’s organizational structure and the specific working relationship between internal departments and other business units;
  • Strong leadership skills and business acumen;
  • Knowledge of the operations, policies, procedures, standards, specifications, and regulations relative to municipal engineering;
  • Knowledge related to budget preparation and management;
  • Possess effective oral and written communication and public relation skills
  • Knowledge of human resource management principles; and,
  • Proficiency in Outlook, Excel, Word, and other Microsoft Office applications.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.

COMPETENCIES:  Analytical Thinking, Decision Making, Communications, Customer Service, Developing Others, Organizational Awareness, Teamwork & Cooperation, Managing Change, Visioning, Strategic Thinking & Innovation, Values and Ethics

WORK STATUS:  Permanent, full-time

HOURS OF WORK:   8:30 am - 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday 35 Hour per week.
 
SALARY:  Non Union EM4 $115,400 -$155,600 

WORK LOCATION:  21 Mount Hope Avenue

CLOSING DATE:  Applications will be received up to 11:59pm on May 19, 2022

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.
 
During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) and who require accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Recruiter when invited to the assessment process.
(position # 78629049)