Director, Transportation Design & Construction Services

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is inviting applications for the permanent position of Director, Transportation Design & Construction Services 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 Transportation Design and Construction Services is responsible for managing all services pertaining to the engineering design and construction of Halifax Regional Municipality’s (HRM) Roads and Active Transportation Capital Program. The program includes but not limited to: new/rehabilitation of the Municipality’s roads, multi-modal improvements, bridges, sidewalks, multi-use pathways, bike lanes, curbs, storm sewers, road safety improvements, traffic signals/intersection improvements, traffic calming, roundabouts, designing for accessibility, retaining walls, and guiderails,  This position is the lead responsibility for municipal engineering designs and procurement of tenders, engineering and construction standards and specifications, and provision of engineering advice and services to other Business Units within HRM. 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 Transportation Design and Construction Services 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 Transportation Design and Construction Services is responsible to foster and maintain productive relationships with the public, industry clients, internal and external departments, and Regional Council in an effort to support corporate goals and objectives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Organizational Management

  • In collaboration with Project Planning and Transportation Asset Management supports the coordination and development of the annual and multi-year Roads and Active Transportation Capital Program;
  • Implements the various phases of engineering design, develops and adheres to quality management systems, procures capital projects, and executes contract administration/inspection services of the Capital Program;
  • Works as part of the Transportation and 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 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 Transportation Design and Construction Services department to ensure an effective and efficient service delivery system;
  • Responsible for the development, documentation, and implementation of policies and procedures in support of 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, where necessary;
  • 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 Transportation and Public Works and the department at Regional Council, Council Standing Committees, Community Council and other various committees and meetings;
  • On behalf of the Executive Director leads the review and consideration of approval of non-standard (variance) design requests (both internal and external), and approval of amendments to HRM’s municipal design standards; 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

  • Responsible for the preparation of studies, cost estimates, engineering designs (under professional seal), municipal standards, specifications/guidelines, tender documents, and contract administration and inspection related to municipal services;
  • Works closely with the Director of Project Planning and Transportation Asset Management in transitioning the Capital Program from the planning and development stages to the engineering design and construction phase 
  • Provides senior subject expertise pursuant to Municipal Engineering Design Guidelines, Construction Standards, and industry practices relating to municipal service systems;
  • Accountable for ensuring consistent, fair applications of regulations related to design, construction, and inspection of municipal infrastructure;
  • Ensures that the delivery of the Capital Program meets legislated professional practise guidelines pursuant to the Professional Engineering Act;
  • Manages risks and liability through accepted policies, quality management systems, and best practices;
  • Establishes HRM policy, procedures, and interpretations relative to design, construction, and inspection of municipal infrastructure;
  • Responsible for the enforcement of engineering standards to ensure public health and safety standards are met, approved community standards are adhered to, and the public interests are served;
  • 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 Transportation Design and Construction Services team meet the goals & objectives of the Business Plan for the Business Unit;
  • Manages special projects which improve the performance, efficiency and effectiveness of services and/or programs; and,
  • In collaboration with Project Planning and Transportation Asset Management, develops and supports Quality Management Systems 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 and 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 proper 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 design & construction of over $70,000,000 of capital project expenditures annually;
  • Creates detailed work plans identifying project costs, deliverables, resource allocation, benefits, and schedules for implementation and evaluation; and,
  • 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 municipal engineering design and construction. A related post-graduate degree would be considered an 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 municipal engineering design and construction field, plus prior engineering/construction experience with proven results;
  • Strong background in Municipal Services design specifications, standards, 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

  • Thorough knowledge of relevant legislation (i.e., Municipal Government Act (Charter), Provincial Engineering Act, Environment Act, Municipal By-laws, etc.);
  • Thorough knowledge of municipal engineering, including design, construction, and operations, and general elements of transportation and traffic engineering;
  • Strong leadership skills and business acumen;
  • Possess effective oral and written communication, and public relation skills;
  • Strong knowledge of the operations, policies, procedures, standards, specifications, and regulations relative to municipal design and construction;
  • Strong knowledge related to budget preparation and management;
  • Thorough knowledge of human resource management principles; and,
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and other Microsoft Office applications.

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

Please note – Assessment/Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. 

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

WORK STATUS:  Permanent, full-time

HOURS OF WORK:   8:30 am - 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday 35 Hour week.
 
SALARY:  Non Union EM4

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 #72283626)