Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide specialized professional civil engineering and project management services supporting all programs in the Region in the areas of water management, resource access, facilities development, emergency response (flood forecasting/warning) and compliance monitoring. To act as the initial point of contact for a specific “Area” of the Region. All work is governed by the Professional Engineer's Act of Ontario.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Working in a professional capacity in a regional Engineering Unit that delivers civil engineering and water resources management services, including policy interpretation, advice and hydrogeological assessments/recommendations, this position:

1. Carries out detailed structural planning, hydrologic, hydraulic and hydrogeologic studies and prepares reports setting out findings for ministry landfill operation, dam construction, bridge and floodplain mapping projects. Prepares detailed analyses and designs for new structural systems such as dams, buildings, docks and landfills. Inspects and evaluates the condition and load capacity of existing dams, docks, buildings and bridges; makes recommendations as to repair, remove, replace and load posting.

2. Provides project management services and technical guidance for major, multiple (three or more) concurrent capital construction projects for a variety of ministry programs, ensuring that client needs are met on time and within budget. This involves: investigating and evaluating alternatives; planning and designing or directing the preparation of designs; developing cost estimates, project work schedule; liaising with ministry clients and private sector contractors; preparing contracts; tendering projects; recommending awards; administering large contracts (inspections, quality control, progress payments, change orders and acceptance).

3. Performs engineering review of development proposals and watercourse alterations to ensure appropriate design and construction measures are implemented that protect the resources (fish, wildlife, A.N.S.I.) identified by district, public and other agencies, to minimize environmental impacts and to protect interest of riparian owners. Recommends approval of the engineering aspects of proposals and issuance of “For Approval” under various legislation.

4. Provides technical advice and guidance for ministry's watershed management activities by guiding the development of watershed plans, administering the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act and developing the flood emergency plan and procedures for regional office. Evaluates the capacity of river basins to be developed for power production while considering all aspects of the proposed approach; makes recommendations on development ability, impact mitigation and terms and conditions for inclusion in Request for Development; sets conditions for approval; evaluates construction techniques; and performs compliance monitoring.

5. Provides accredited expert engineering evidence at hearings (O.M.B.) and in court with respect to actions under the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act and the Fisheries Act.

6. Assists with program planning such as target setting, work planning and budgeting; ensures ministry and government initiatives and objectives are instituted and carried out in program delivery (e.g. Occupational Health and Safety, Employment Equity, Freedom of Information, Resource Data Collection Standards, Strategies for Renewal, etc.). Organizes and assigns work, provides logistical and other office based support. Assesses effects of in-year funding pressures, develops and recommends strategy(s) for dealing with pressures to the Regional Engineering Supervisor.

7. Retains engineering or specialist consultants for complex projects or to relieve workload demands as needed, including scheduling and budgeting the work; preparing terms of reference detailing the objectives and scope; calling for proposals; evaluating and recommending selection. Administers consultant agreement(s) by providing direction and guidance, approving payments, reviewing drafts and approving work performed by the consultant on behalf of the ministry, ensuring quality of work in accordance with agreement requirements.

8. Undertakes operational audits of MNR and private sector water management and resources access construction and maintenance programs to ensure consistency and compliance with established ministry acts, policies, procedures and guidelines under the direction of the Regional Engineering Supervisor. Presents findings to District Manager and Regional Engineering Supervisor. Develops and delivers seminars and workshops to enable MNR staff and private sector to understand and satisfy requirements of the various acts, policies and procedures and how this contributes to sustainability.

9. Provides technical advice and guidance in the preparation and delivery of flood emergency response plans for all districts and conservation authorities. Monitors the operation of the hydro meteorological data collection activities of the districts, conservation authorities and other agencies in the Region in support of planning and response development purposes.

10. Transfers knowledge of the best available engineering technology to resource managers by scanning current technical literature and communicating relevant facts to clients in a timely manner, by providing personal consultation and advice through site visits, by providing input into training curricula and developing/conducting formal and informal training. Documents the results of literature reviews, field trials, experimental management projects and other investigative projects and synthesis of knowledge (i.e. engineering journals, technical reports, technical notes, newsletters, popular periodicals, etc.). Develops information packages containing technical knowledge for a variety of audiences to assist front line staff in dealing with their clients. Provides expertise and technical knowledge transfer to districts/region in construction practices, sediment control plans, fish habitat enhancement work, inspection techniques, etc.

Staffing and Licencing :

Valid Ontario Class “G” driver's license as significant travel in the Region is required to visit remote areas and sites.

Knowledge :

Position requires a degree in civil engineering and full membership in the Professional Engineers of Ontario.

Working knowledge and experience in application of civil engineering design and construction theory, principles and practices as applied to resource management, i.e. hydrology and hydraulics and associated computer models and their application, dams, bridges, docks, flood control, shoreline developments, erosion control to provide specialised professional civil engineering advice and services to support the delivery of regional resource management programs in areas of water management, resource access, facilities development, emergency response (flood forecasting/warning) and compliance monitoring.

Knowledge of and skills in interpreting relevant federal (e.g. Fisheries Act, Navigable Waters Act) and provincial legislation (e.g. Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act, OHSA, Endangered Species Act, Ontario Water Resources Act), regulations and ministry administrative and technical policies, standards and procedures to carry out detailed structural planning, hydrologic, hydraulic and hydrogeologic studies and/or recommend approvals of developmental proposals or watercourse alterations in accordance with relevant legislation/policies; undertake operational audits of MNR and private sector water management and resources access construction/maintenance programs to ensure consistency and compliance; and provide expert engineering evidence at legal proceedings with respect to actions under applicable legislation.

Good knowledge of resource management principles and best practices and thorough understanding of the ministry's resource management/sustainability program objectives is essential as well as good working knowledge of ministry/government initiatives and objectives (e.g. Occupational Health and Safety, Employment Equity, Freedom of Information, Resource Data Collection Standards, Strategies for Renewal, etc.) in order to provide quality services required by each program.

Knowledge of project management principles, methodologies and practices to provide project management services for major, multiple (three or more) concurrent capital construction projects for a variety of ministry programs, ensuring quality work performance is completed on time and within budget.

Working knowledge of government/ministry procurement and contract management policies, procedures and practices with respect to hiring consultants related to delivery of water management and water power capital construction projects (e.g. dams, culverts, watercourse enclosures, channelization), including preparing terms of reference detailing the objectives and scope, calling for proposals, evaluating/recommending selection and administering consultant agreement(s).

Working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, regulations, standards and management principles that apply to the work undertaken or controlled is required.

Good oral/written communication, presentation and consultative skills to provide expert engineering advice and legal testimony, investigate and report on assigned projects, review/direct the work of consulting engineers, deal with inquiries from staff, public and media and present results of investigations to various audiences; develop/prepare variety of materials (reports, plans, tender proposals, training materials).

Good interpersonal, negotiation and stakeholder relation skills to liaise and communicate with regional/district staff, consultants/contractors and external clients on development and plan proposals and capital construction projects and negotiate resolution of issues/problems.

Analytical, interpretative and problem-solving skills to review engineering aspects of development proposals, watercourse alterations, conduct operational audits of construction/maintenance projects, flood emergency plans, etc. to identify engineering, operational and safety issues, analyse/interpret legislation/policies related to plans and specification approvals and develop/implement innovative solutions to design and construction problems covering a wide variety of undertakings.

Project management and coordination skills to provide technical expertise and oversee the delivery of major, concurrent capital construction projects for a variety of ministry programs within budget and on time.

Planning and organizational skills to assist with program planning (target setting, work planning, budgeting, organizes/assigns work, provides logistical/other office based support, assesses effects of in-year funding pressures) and development of strategy(s) for dealing with pressures.

Knowledge of computers and relevant computer applications (i.e. specific engineering applications for planning, analyzing and managing projects and issuing approvals); and proficiency with the use of a variety of software (word processing, spreadsheets, project management, presentation) to prepare technical reports, plans, training materials.

Judgement :

Position works under the general direction of the Regional Engineering Supervisor in accordance with accepted professional/administrative standards, water resource management theories/policies, legislation and within the principles and practices of engineering.

Judgement is exercised in organizing investigations, analyzing problems, recommending new applications of engineering knowledge and technology and in recognizing the implications of reports prepared (identifying risks). Judgement is exercised in determining what advice is given with respect to an issue/project and in the development of tactics for use in, as well as participation in negotiations, i.e. complaints under the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act, reviewing and approving technical aspects of consulting engineers work, negotiating conditions for project approval. Judgement is used in evaluating and recommending the most appropriate approach, in keeping with latest available engineering technology, weighing such factors as economic feasibility vis a vis public safety, sustainability of use and protection of private property and public resources (water quantity), i.e. assessing flood plain extent, inspecting dams and bridges. Although the position reports to a Professional Engineer, the position is expected to exercise significant independence in selection of alternatives available in design and analysis and work through from recommendations, including risk assessment to completion of undertaking. Judgement is exercised in preparing the budget for the water control activity that addresses the activity's needs within the financial resources available. Judgement is exercised in analysing diverse range of situations/projects (e.g. dams, bridges, docks, flood control, shoreline developments, erosion control, landfill) and developing strategies to address constraints, setting objectives, priorities and allocation of resources. Position interprets and applies policies, procedures, guidelines, codes and own judgment in the development and selection of alternatives and recommendations. Position also provides accredited expert engineering evidence at hearings and in court on behalf of the ministry. Completed work is accepted as engineering/technically sound although major issues with political or public sensitivity are discussed with the Supervisor.

Accountability - Programs :

Responsible for the engineering/technical quality of studies, reports, investigations, advice/recommendations and project management services supporting all programs in the region in the areas of water management, resource access, facilities development, emergency response and compliance monitoring. Responsible for project management and delivery, including meeting client needs, estimating/keeping within budget and timeliness of completion. Responsible for seeing that information is presented in a professional manner to clients and public in a timely and appropriate manner, including acting as expert witness for the ministry.

Accountability – Personnel :

Supervise casual technicians, district project staff and consulting engineers working on a project basis.

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

Responsible for the preparation of the regional water control budget for review and approval by the Regional Engineering Supervisor. Administers the budget under the direction of the Regional Engineering Supervisor, develops and recommends strategies to deal with changes in priority or loss of funds.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Inaccuracies in calculations, designs and engineering/technical advice could cause work delays and additional costs to ministry and external clients (Forestry Industry). Serious errors could lead to structural failure or flood damage resulting in risk to safety, possible loss of life, damage to both public and private property, environmental impacts and lawsuits and actions against the Ministry. Errors in budget preparation could result in the region not being able to meet program targets due to lack of funding or improperly allocated funds.

Contact - Internal :

Regular contact with regional, district and ministry corporate staff to discuss and resolve common problems. Regular contact with other ministry divisions and branches (e.g. Great Lakes and Water Policy Division, Biodiversity Branch) to exchange engineering/technical information and to discuss problems relevant to projects. Regular consultative and advisory contacts with unit colleagues on hydrologic problems, construction problems, program development as well as contact with other ministries ( e.g. Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Environment) regarding mitigating the effects of proposed bridge construction on flood plain limits; Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding the implementation of flood plain management policies in municipal planning documents.

Contact - External :

Frequent contacts with public, municipal staff and counsellors, utilities, other provincial ministries and agencies, Environment Canada, Department of Fisheries and Oceans to discuss engineering problems associated with individual, municipal and ministry programs/proposals. Frequent contacts with public and private enterprises and agencies to investigate and/or resolve problems associated with water management. Frequent contacts with engineering consultants to review, comment, give direction.