Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To ensure the development and design of effective and efficient Transportation Corridor Systems within the Northeastern Region. Develop economic vertical and horizontal alignments and to produce contract documentation for tendering and construction of transportation facilities. To ensure all environmental factors (social, economic and natural) are considered in the design and that all economically justifiable methods are employed to minimize adverse effects. To ensure the establishment of present and future right-of-way requirements and the associated right-of-way control criteria.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Administering, co-ordinating and controlling the activities of the Planning and Design Section ensuring all transportation systems are adequately developed and protected.

Representing the Northeastern Region as Ministry Official in all matters pertaining to preliminary and detail design of transportation facilities.

Ensuring quality and efficiency of Consultants and Planning and Design staff to ensure that all projects are developed to best satisfy the highway users needs with minimum adverse effects on the environment.

Identified the annual Planning and Design budget requirements and ensures that all expenditures pertaining to Planning and Design are subsequently controlled.

Knowledge :

Work requires advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering, a thorough knowledge in the field of highway planning and design, drainage and construction procedures. Work also requires a sound knowledge of various Federal and Provincial acts (Drainage Act, PTHIA, Environmental Assessment Act, Railway Crossing and Relocation Act), management techniques, Ministry organization, policies, directives, standards and administrative procedures. A practical knowledge of economics, finance and budget is also required to effectively consider alternative design proposals and in establishing and controlling budget. Skill is required in assessing recommendations and proposed design for technical adequacy, relevance, completeness and consistency with Ministry and Region policy. Managerial ability and ability to establish effective work relationships with colleagues, associates and senior officials. This knowledge and skill is acquired through university graduation in civil engineering, plus continuing studies in highway planning and design and extensive practical experience in planning and designing highway corridors. Licensed to practice engineering in Ontario.

Judgement :

Initiative and judgement is exercised in assessing complex engineering problems regarding design considerations in order to determine if alternate designs are necessary, practical and economical. A high degree of judgement is also exercised in determining the environmental effects of various proposals and arriving at the best means by which they can be accommodated. Considerable judgement is also exercised in rejecting or approving development proposals adjacent to highway right-of-way (box stores, etc) taking into considerations their effects on the present highway system and future plans for development. Decisions are made with a high degree of independence with access to various Ministry policies and standards and consultative advice from various specialists within the Ministry. Recommendations and decisions are accepted as authoritative and are only reviewed for conformance with Ministry and Regional Policy.

Accountability - Programs :

The position is accountable for providing an engineering resource that is capable of handling all aspects of the planning and design of the transportation corridors within the Northeastern Region. The position is responsible for all contract documentation, cost sharing agreements and terms of reference and as well provides justification for the purchase and expropriation of property. Recommendations are made and direct input provided in the development of Ministry policy pertaining to Planning and Design activities and program delivery. Decisions are made pertaining to formulating and establishing Regional policy and objectives and in determining appropriate resources to meet the needs. Commitments are made in approving design proposals, consulting agreements and in approving development proposals adjacent to highway right-of-way. This position reports to the Manager of Engineering, Northeastern Region and is responsible for the overall management and control of the Planning and Design Section including financial and material resources, as well as administrative and technical supervision of professional, technical and administrative support staff.

Accountability – Personnel :

n/a

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

n/a

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Errors in judgement or improper application of Ministry policies, standards, etc. would result in unsafe highway operation, significant economic losses and embarrassment to the Ministry.

Contact - Internal :

Within the Ministry, work requires regular contact with colleagues, associates, senior officials, including the Minister to obtain approval, clarify policy, provide information and in attending meetings with the Minister dealing with various delegations explaining various projects. Work requires regular liaison with extended service providers (Consulting Engineering of Ontario), contact outside the Ministry with senior officials of other Ministries Municipalities, general public, outside agencies and Federal and Provincial elected representatives to clarify our Ministry's position and needs, exchange information and provide interpretation of planning and design policies and procedures and a general exchange of information of mutual concern.

Contact - External :

n/a