Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide senior project engineering services with respect to ministry projects related to the planning, detailed design, procurement, implementation and upgrading of advanced traffic management systems (ATMS) on provincial highways.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Within a section of the Traffic Office of Central Region, responsible for enhancing the safe and efficient operation of the movement of people and goods on Ontario's road network through the application of innovative measures, the position:

1. Provides technical direction and leadership to project team members and engineers, including consulting engineers and contractors involved in advanced traffic management projects (ATMS). Plans, organizes and monitors project schedules.

2. Coordinates the activities of teams involved in the design, integration and implementation of ATMS subsystems and the delivery of systems on schedule. Monitors feasibility and planning studies, designs and contract documents for completeness and technical accuracy. Recommends timeframe and manpower requirements for completion. Analyzes alternatives, estimates project costs.

3. Plans, conducts and leads complex ATMS projects. Prepares detailed technical reports, makes presentations and recommends modifications within budget, time and safety constraints. Coordinates technology investigations into equipment and systems offered/used by other jurisdictions.

4. Coordinates the activities of external consultants, engineers and contractors. Reviews detailed plans, contract drawings and documents. Participates in planning, design, scheduling and implementation functions. Prepares cost estimates for consultant assignments and capital projects. Prepares agreements, monitors and evaluates invoices.

5. Provides project engineering advisory services to management concerning the design and integration of ATM systems. Make recommendations and negotiates services for complex systems designs, components and procedures including the purchase and implementation of advanced traffic management systems elements. Estimates costs, resources required and completion dates.

6. Liases and coordinates with external agencies to exchange information and concerns, solve mutual problems, obtain approvals and develop mutually beneficial joint ventures.

7. Acts as a source of knowledge and expertise for project engineers, consultants, contractors and other agencies.

8. Develops knowledge, skill and ability to act as section expert in areas such as Transportation Demand Management and Intelligent Transportation Systems.

9. Makes technical presentations concerning complex/controversial issues to senior management, technical and elected representatives of municipalities and the general public.

10. Attends courses, conferences and meetings. Reviews studies, information and documentation to keep current with technological trends and developments.

Knowledge :

The position requires a degree in civil or electrical engineering or a related engineering field, from a university of recognized standing and membership in the PEO. The position requires knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of traffic engineering, planning and design, and operation and evaluation of major transportation systems, with additional demonstrated knowledge and ability with respect to advanced traffic management systems. Leadership and organizational skills are required in planning and organizing project activity and in providing technical direction to team members. Knowledge of traffic, electronics and communication theories, principles and practices is required to develop innovative approaches to advanced traffic management problems. Analytical skills are required in investigating and determining the merits of various options and products (based on efficiency, safety, traffic behaviour and cost effectiveness). Communication skills are required to prepare detailed technical reports, make presentations and to provide project leadership.

Judgement :

Work is performed under the direction of the Supervising Engineer, PDCU. Guidelines are available in the form of ministry practices, policies, procedures, directives and risk management standards. Judgement is exercised in conducting investigative studies to improve advanced traffic management systems, to evaluate products and systems components to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness, to recommend project priorities and to incorporate new/advanced traffic engineering technology into final systems design. Engineering judgement is required in the preparation of detailed plans, contract drawings and documents, in the production of contract packages for tendering purposes for assigned projects, and in the formulation of innovative solutions to resolve or alleviate advanced traffic management problems. Judgement is exercised in addressing complex and controversial issues, in scheduling priorities and in coordinating project teamwork. Completed work is accepted as technically correct and is reviewed only for conformance to ministry policy and strategic guidelines.

Accountability - Programs :

The position is responsible for providing senior project engineering services with respect to ministry projects related to the planning, detailed design, procurement, implementation and upgrading of advanced traffic management systems on provincial highways. The position is accountable for the technical quality of recommendations made and work performed.

Accountability – Personnel :

The position provides technical direction to project team members and various consulting engineers and contractors.

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

The position prepares cost estimates for capital projects and consultant assignments, and monitors and directs consultants to ensure budget adherence.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Ineffective decisions and exercise of authority could result in major delays to system's operation, public complaints, increased danger to motorists and maintenance personnel, unnecessary expenditures and embarrassment to the ministry.

Contact - Internal :

Establishes and maintains regular contact with associates, officials and colleagues in other offices within the ministry to exchange and discuss information.

Contact - External :

Maintains a liaison with consulting engineers, contractors, technical and elected representatives of local municipalities and other provincial and external agencies to exchange information and concerns, to discuss partnerships and joint operational strategies, to resolve mutual problems and obtain approvals e.g. Metro Transportation, OPP. Frequent contact with engineers and officials of private companies to establish the availability of products and services to satisfy systems objectives. Exchanges information with counterparts in other provinces, the USA and overseas.