Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide expertise and advice to ministry staff on a range of issues related to chemical materials, products and technologies for use in highway applications (e.g. pavement markings, deciding materials), and to provide assistance to the Chemical Engineer In the development of new policies, standards and test methods related to these products. To provide expertise and advice to ministry staff, and coordinate the ministry's research programme, in the area of corrosion (e.g. corrosion protection systems for highway elements of concrete and steel, corrosion measurement). To identify potential areas for innovation in ministry practices, related to chemical materials)technology and corrosion protection for highway applications, and to lead and participate in field and laboratory investigations. To provide technical supervision on a project- specific basis to one or more technicians.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Provides expertise, counsel and support to ministry staff (e.g. Head Office, Regional) on a range of Issues relating to corrosion and corrosion engineering as applied to construction and rehabilitation of highway structures including measurement of corrosion and assessment of performance of materials and technologies for corrosion mitigation and enhancement of durability.
2. Supports the Chemical Engineer in providing engineering expertise, counsel and support to ministry staff (e.g Head Office, Regional) on a range of issues relating to chemical engineering, chemical science/technology and specialty chemical products (e.g. pavement markings and protective coatings
3. Participates In evaluations of external innovative systems/approaches, new products, materials or equipment to evaluate/consider for applicability to the ministry's construction, rehabilitation and maintenance programs. Plans and carries out assigned projects Including field/lab Investigations, making recommendation of the most appropriate methods (e.g. laboratory testing, field trials, pilot projects or other method) of evaluation, test methods and procedures to be used in evaluation, subject to approval . Evaluates project results, and formulates recommendations as to appropriateness for ministry needs subject to review by Chemical Engineer.
4. Assists in monitoring the quality and performance of chemical products used in ministry operations by compiling and evaluating information/ data including Information from studies, tests and trials across the province, in order to assess effectiveness of policies. Responds to quality issues as assigned. Assists in developing new processes and methods, including quality assurance tests/processes, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of ministry operations based on review of external systems/products and/or monitoring of MTO operations.
5 Carries out and participates in investigations of assigned problems, some complex, encountered in construction, rehabilitation and maintenance operations, usually requiring resolution within defined time frames. Prepares technical reports on the findings, and drafts recommendations for approval by Chemical Engineer. Works with other areas as appropriate (Head Office, Regions, Districts) to address issues and develop solutions, and drafts changes to relevant policy documents.
6. Assists in developing test methods and related equipment for acceptance of new products or materials, quality assurance and contract acceptance purposes, evaluation of performance, and forensic investigations. Sets objectives and plans/ coordinates evaluations of the new test methods/ equipment with respect to their application/ accuracy/ suitability for ministry use. Assists in developing non-standard test procedures for unusual problems/ applications.
7. Monitors developing technologies and systems/processes related to corrosion of concrete highway structures and related materials/products to determine whether a new or innovative approach or emerging technology may have potential for improving ministry operations.
8. Acts as Project Manager and/or provides technical supervision to technician(s), in the conduct of assigned field and/or laboratory projects or investigations. As Project Manager; operates within assigned budget/resources, identifies problems and resolves or recommends means of resolving, reviews the results or findings of project, analyses/evaluates the work that is carried out, and makes appropriate recommendations for approval by Chemical Engineer or Manager or both.
9Provides for the transfer of knowledge to Internal MTO staff as well as for staff of consultants/ contractors providing services to MTO (e.g. when new specification requirements or testing procedures are introduced), by developing educational/training materials, making presentations and providing technical support. Represents Metro on Internal technical committees or task groups dealing with chemical engineering, including corrosion issues, and related technology issues within the subject areas of assigned projects. Discusses issues such as material performance, test procedures and specification development with individual suppliers or industry groups.
10 Assists in developing product acceptance, performance criteria and quality standards for chemical products and related service providers (e.g. testing laboratories). Carries out laboratory testing of chemical and related products, investigates, tests and evaluates products subject to the requirements of MTO applications.
11 Writes and presents engineering reports related to the findings of projects and investigations, and analysis of material quality data, technical summaries and brief reports aimed at a range of audiences (e.g. ministry staff in the Regions and Districts, material suppliers). Also prepares technical material in text suitable for general public consumption (e.g. magazine articles).
12. Participates, as assigned, in development and/or revision of policies, standards, operating guidelines and specifications in the field of specialty chemical products and corrosion engineering. This involves formulating background material in support of the developmental revision, and assisting in preparing the submission(s) for approval.

Knowledge :

Incumbent must be licensed by the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO).
Position requires knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of materials science and engineering; knowledge of physical and chemical testing techniques, procedures and equipment, including those related to analysis of corrosion; knowledge of construction materials! products and construction techniques related to highway structures and pavements; awareness of pertinent ministry specifications, standards and special provisions related to chemical products and construction materials to provide engineering services in matters related to the usage, appropriateness and performance of materials and chemical products as they apply in the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of highways.
Requires knowledge of industrial methods and processes related to specialty products (such as manufacturing methods) and awareness of the current state of the art in the materials or chemical engineering discipline, including familiarity with recognized publications and periodicals, in order to: maintain expertise in the field and to provide sound engineering advice. Requires knowledge of the state of the art technologies and opportunities in the concrete corrosion field including familiarity with appropriate publications and periodicals to maintain expertise in the field.
Requires knowledge of quality assurance methods and techniques; knowledge of experimental design and related statistical analysis techniques; and demonstrated experience in laboratory and field testing and evaluation (i.e. equipment and methods) to assess the properties and performance of chemical products. Requires knowledge of corrosion related testing procedures equipment to coordinate and participate in Investigations and projects related to the evaluation of innovative systems, new products, materials and equipment.
Requires awareness of the ministry's mandate, strategic goals and plans, organization and operations: and ability to comprehend, critically assess and apply to the ministry's operations, both practical and theoretical findings and innovations of other external agencies or firms in order to make appropriate and effective recommendations for their applicability to the ministry's present and future operational needs; and subsequent development revision of policies, standards, specifications and operating guidelines as related to chemical products.
Project management skills are required to lead assigned projects and provide technical supervision to technicians and contractors consultants on a project specific basis. Planning and coordination skills are needed to direct assigned laboratory and field studies of a research investigative nature.
Requires ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to communicate effectively to a range of audiences (e.g. senior management, field staff, Industry, service and product suppliers, and technical committees) both orally and in writing. Requires technical writing skills to prepare technical reports (e.g. documenting project Findings) and to contribute to development of specifications for construction materials and procedures.
Knowledge of computer software and ability to analyze, organize and present material in electronic format (e.g. PowerPoint slide presentations, manipulation of digital Images) is required.

Judgement :

Judgement is required in evaluating innovative technologies, processes, equipment, products and systems for appropriateness and applicability to the ministry's present and future needs.
Judgement is required in: solving engineering problems regarding the use of engineering materials and chemical products in the ministry's construction and maintenance operations; organizing and carrying out assigned projects investigations which may result In acceptance or rejection of materials or products for use the by ministry; identifying technical and engineering issues and research needs associated with chemical products and corrosion mitigation products and technologies.
Judgement is required in the provision of verbal or written expert opinion with respect to chemical corrosion specialty products or construction maintenance issues to requestors within the ministry. Judgement is used in dealing with industry with respect to chemical product quality issues or other Issues which may be of a sensitive or proprietary nature.
Work requires the application of engineering knowledge and is assigned in terms of general project objectives and deadlines. Completed chemical engineering work Is subject to review of Chemical Engineer for technical validity and compliance with ministry requirements.

Accountability - Programs :

Position is accountable for the evaluation of assigned products and processes, including those of an innovative nature, and for recommendations as to their appropriateness for the ministry's use. Position is accountable for the development of new, or revision to existing, policies and processes that Improve efficiency and effectiveness of ministry operations as related to these products/processes.
Position is accountable for the effective conduct of assigned projects and investigations, and resulting recommendations for change action. Commitments are made in providing engineering advice, opinions and guidance, and in making recommendations for the acceptance or rejection of chemical specialty products used by the ministry in highway construction, repair and maintenance as well as providing engineering analyses, opinions and guidance to ministry operation staff on issues related to corrosion. Position schedules own time, within overall timelines of assigned projects.

Accountability – Personnel :

Human Resources: Position reports to the Head, Concrete Section, and provides technical supervision to technician(s) on a project-specific or problem resolution basis.

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

Position is responsible for compliance with all applicable OPS and ministry policies related to procurement (e.g. for purchasing of testing equipment, field supplies) and proper use of Purchasing Card. Position is responsible for estimating costs for investigations, travel and experimental projects, for use by the Head in preparing budgets and forecasting, and is responsible for maintaining spending within estimates.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Lack of foresight, ineffective investigations assessments, errors in judgement, poor advice opinion or faulty recommendations could result in significant safety hazards to the traveling public (e.g. related to pavement marking materials), substantial monetary losses due to unsatisfactory performance of, or excessive costs in application of engineering materials or chemical products in highway operations (e.g. inappropriate construction standards or acceptance criteria), potential for legal actions against the ministry, inappropriate investments, and public embarrassment to the ministry.

Contact - Internal :

Regular contact with various levels of staff, including highly specialized engineering and laboratory staff, In Head Office, the Regions and maintenance function, for the purpose of; providing engineering technical advice within assigned project subject areas, making technical presentations, exchanging and providing technical information, discussing specifications/operating documents/test results and project findings.

Contact - External :

Regular contact with industry representatives (individually and as a group), ministry service providers (e.g. marking applicators), and product suppliers for the purpose of exchanging technical information and/or discussing problems or matters of mutual concern.