Job Specification

Job Summary :

To provide engineering expertise and counsel and act as ministry specialist on a broad spectrum of issues related to aggregates resources management (Enforcement of all policies related to the Aggregate Resources Act, Ontario Regs, MNRF Policies, Special Provisions, EMO Guidelines, etc.), rock, soil, aggregate, including the resolution of highly complex problems and transfer of knowledge to the regions. As a subject matter expert, to provide interpretation of the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA), as it relates to MTO's aggregate permits and regulatory compliance and supporting standards and policies.
To develop new, or cost-effective improvements to existing legislation, regulations, policies, standards, specifications, operating guidelines, systems, materials and equipment in the fields of aggregate resources management, rock, soil, aggregate.
To organize and carry out investigations for the evaluation of innovative systems, materials and equipment and make recommendations as to their appropriateness for ministry needs.
To develop systems to support effective design, construction and maintenance programs in the fields of aggregates management, rock, soil, aggregate.
To provide leadership and guidance to engineers and/or technicians, or a group of both in the
conduct of field and/or laboratory projects, providing input into performance appraisals, and recommending training or actions to address employee issues

Responsibilities :

1. Provides high level of engineering expertise and counsel and technical support to both ministry staff (e.g., regional and head office staff) and outside requestors, in all areas of aggregate policy, investigations, evaluation, usage, appropriateness, and management of aggregates (e.g., highway pavements), rock, soil, aggregate, and on a broad range of issues concerning the operational application, interpretation and implementation of policies, standards, specifications and operating guidelines in the fields of aggregate resources management.
2. Identifies the need for, conceptualizes, sets project direction, and plays a lead role in the development and/or revision of legislation, regulations, policies, directives, standards, specifications, and operating guidelines in the fields of aggregates management, rock, soil, aggregate and geotextile materials as applicable to the ministry's present and future operational needs. This involves formulating background material in support of the development/revision; preparing and/or co-coordinating the submission for approval.
3. Participates in planning and decision-making pertaining to the determination of which external innovative systems, methodology and equipment need to be evaluated/ considered, when trying to implement the ministry's planning and design, construction or rehabilitation programs. Organizes investigations and formal projects, which includes determining the most appropriate method (e.g., laboratory testing, field trials, pilot projects, computer modelling or other methods) of evaluation, overseeing the work that is carried out, evaluating the results, and formulating recommendations as to appropriateness for ministry needs.
4. Monitors the quality and performance of aggregate legislation and regulations, materials, products and/or systems use ministry operations by evaluating the findings of studies, tests and trials in order to assess effectiveness of, and compliance with policies/standards and current engineering technology, and consistency in practice; and initiating action to respond appropriately. Oversees computerized systems and develops new processes and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of ministry operations (e.g., , Mineral Aggregate Inventory Database (MAIDB), Aggregate Information Management System (AIMS)).
5. Leads or conducts special investigations of identified or referred complex or unconventional problems encountered in design, construction and maintenance operations, usually requiring resolution within defined time frames. Prepares technical reports on the findings, providing sound and defensible recommendations for change. Works with other areas (regions, head office) to implement solutions, make changes to relevant ministry policy documents.
6. Identifies, and may develops, or designs test methods and equipment for measuring material and engineering properties to resolve highly complex issues, usually requiring resolution within defined time frames. Sets objectives and plans/co-ordinates evaluations of the new test method/equipment with respect to their application/accuracy/suitability for ministry use.
7. Provides leadership and guidance to engineers and/or technicians, or a group of both, in the
conduct of field and/or laboratory projects, providing input into performance appraisals, and recommending training or actions to address employee issues. As project manager, identifies problems or reviews assigned initiatives, estimates project cost, identifies resource requirements (e.g., staff, consultants), supervises consultant assignments, provides engineering expertise and leadership. Monitors project costs to ensure that budget is maintained, resolves problems, reviews the results or findings, evaluates the work carried out, and/or approves the technical recommendations.
8. Develops policies, quality standards and criteria for the acceptance of service providers and
materials/products/processes for use by the ministry (e.g., consultants and testing service providers). Organizes and supervises qualification and correlation testing programs and related products within the area of aggregates management, rock, soil, aggregate and geotextile materials management. Investigates, tests and evaluates products subject to the requirements of ministry applications. Maintains and ensures currency of information and listing of products approved for ministry use (e.g., designated sources for materials). Discusses problems/issues or participates in resolving disputes with individual suppliers/contractors and with industry groups.
9. Researches, contributes to the development of, or drafts briefing materials (e.g., briefing notes, house notes, ministerial statements, responses for MPPs) to support the Director,
Assistant Deputy Minister, Deputy and the Minister. Writes and presents technical reports to a range of audience (e.g., senior management, ministry staff, technical experts, industry groups), and which are suitable either for ministry use (e.g., formal reports, papers in refereed journals, guidelines for construction staff) or for external technical publication. Prepares technical material in text suitable for general public consumption.

Qualifications/Licenses :

• Licensed Professional Engineer by Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO)

Knowledge :

Theories, principles and practices of geotechnical and/or geological engineering and aggregate technology to provide high level of engineering expertise and counsel and technical support.
Various construction materials/products and construction techniques related to highway structures and pavements to develop systems and support designs.
Principles and applications of rock mechanics, and detailed knowledge of pertinent ministry specifications, standards and special provisions related to aggregates engineering and technology, rock, soil, aggregate to provide engineering expertise and counsel as the ministry's specialist in all areas of the usage, appropriateness and performance of aggregates resources management, rock, soil, aggregate as they apply in the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of the transportation infrastructure.
Quality assurance methods and techniques and recognized industry standards and specifications (e.g., ASTM); experimental design and related statistical analysis techniques; and testing and evaluation (i.e., of equipment and methods) to assess the properties and performance of soil, aggregates, and their components both in the laboratory and in the field, and compliance of materials/products/systems used with ministry policies/standards.
Ministry's mandate, strategic goals and plans, organization and operations; and demonstrated ability to comprehend, critically assess and apply to the ministry's operations both theoretical and practical 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.
Current state-of-the-art discipline in aggregates engineering and technology, rock, soils, aggregates and related products, including familiarity with recognized publications and periodicals, to maintain expertise in the field, to provide sound expert advice, and to represent the ministry in internal/external technical committees or task forces dealing with rock, soils, aggregate and construction issues that have broad implications.
Computer software and other digital/electronic equipment with ability to collect, analyze, organize and present material for various audiences (e.g., slide presentations and manipulation of digital images).

Communication/Interpersonal Skills :

Represents the ministry on internal and external technical committees or task groups dealing
with aggregate resources management, rock, soil, aggregate management issues that have broad ministry/industry implications and concerns. Identifies issues that affect the application of soils and aggregates (e.g., granular base and sub-base, rockfill) through discussions with industry groups and liaison committees.
Participates in appropriate technical and standard-setting committees (e.g., Canadian Standards Association, Ontario Provincial Standards, provincial, inter-ministerial and municipal committees dealing with aggregate resources policies). Acts as chair or secretary of committee/task groups as required and participates in setting the agendas and priorities of the groups.
Provides for the transfer of knowledge to both internal/external staff by developing/planning
seminars' and organizing training sessions for the regions, including identifying and arranging for presentations from appropriate industry experts and/or making technical presentations. Cooperates with regional staff to resolve potential compliance issues in a timely manner and economically. Collaborates with MNRF policy development counterparts regarding new regulatory fee proposals.
Prepares technical reports on the findings, providing sound and defensible recommendations for change. Works with other areas (regions, head office) to implement solutions, make changes to relevant ministry policy documents. Gathers information & prepares annual volume calculations & summary documents for all MTO aggregate permits, prepares & presents information for various working groups & First Nations communities, compiles and prepares information notes regarding ARA compliance. Gathers information requested from the Minister's Office & prepares the Legislative Compliance Reports. Prepares technical analysis and regulatory impact responses for proposed regulatory changes by MNRF and other ministries including anticipating stakeholder responses. Prepares briefing notes for stakeholder meetings with senior management.
Researches, contributes to the development of, or drafts briefing materials (e.g., briefing notes, house notes, ministerial statements, responses for MPPs) to support the director,
Assistant Deputy Minister, Deputy and the Minister. Writes and presents technical reports to a range of audience (e.g., senior management, ministry staff, technical experts, industry groups), and which are suitable either for ministry use (e.g., formal reports, papers in refereed journals, guidelines for construction staff) or for external technical publication. Prepares technical material in text suitable for general public consumption.

Problem Resolution and Analysis :

Resolves unique and/or highly complex design, construction, and maintenance and performance problems related to rock, soil, aggregates.
Identifies the need for, conceptualizes, sets project direction, and plays a lead role in the development and/or revision of policies, standards, specifications, and operating guidelines in the fields of rock, soil, aggregates as applicable to the ministry's present and future operational needs.
Leads or conducts special investigations of identified or referred complex or unconventional problems encountered in design, construction and maintenance operations, usually requiring resolution within defined time frames.
Identifies, and may develop, or designs test methods and equipment for measuring material and engineering properties to resolve highly complex issues, usually requiring resolution within defined time frames. Sets objectives and plans/co-ordinates evaluations of the new test method/ equipment with respect to their application/accuracy/suitability for ministry use.
Identifies problems or reviews assigned initiatives, estimates project cost, identifies resource requirements (e.g., staff, consultants), supervises consultant assignments, provides engineering expertise and leadership. Monitors project costs to ensure that budget is maintained, resolves problems, reviews the results or findings, evaluates the work carried out, and/or approves the technical recommendations.
Develops policies, quality standards and criteria for the acceptance of service providers and
materials/products/processes for use by the ministry. Makes recommendations to resolve issues related to MTO aggregate permits and ensure regulatory compliance to mitigate legal risks. Prepare detailed analysis of legislative/regulatory proposals and anticipate the impacts to the ministry and stakeholders, including political risks and financial impacts. Provides assistance to the MTO regions to resolve issues regarding aggregate permits (e.g. compliance, permitting, stripping & rehabilitation, site plans, operations plans, ARA legislation, TOARC fees, implementation of updated legislation & specifications, etc.)

Researches, contributes to the development of, or drafts briefing materials (e.g., briefing notes, house notes, ministerial statements, responses for MPPs) to support the director,
Assistant Deputy Minister, Deputy and the Minister.

Leadership/Guidance :

Provides high level of engineering expertise and counsel and technical support to both ministry staff (e.g., regional and head office staff) and outside requestors, in all areas of aggregate policy, investigations, evaluation, usage, appropriateness, and management of aggregates (e.g., highway pavements), rock, soil, aggregates, and on a broad range of issues concerning the operational application, interpretation and implementation of policies, standards, specifications and operating guidelines.
Provides supervision, on a continual or a project-specific basis, to one or more engineers or technicians. Oversees the management of (650+) aggregate permits in the province of Ontario, including regulatory/legislative compliance, working with the MTO regions to resolve non-compliance issues, and coordinating regional responses to ensure a consistent approach across the province. Works with other ministries to ensure that regulatory/legislative changes do not result in negative impacts to MTO, and collaborate to implement new fee structures, providing assistance to MTO Regions.
Provides leadership and guidance to engineers and/or technicians, or a group of both in the
conduct of field and/or laboratory projects, providing input into performance appraisals, and recommending training or actions to address employee issues. Monitors project costs to ensure that budget is maintained, resolves problems, reviews the results or findings, evaluates the work carried out, and/or approves the technical recommendations. Provides guidance and direction to MTO Regions regarding all legislation surrounding MTO aggregate permits and operation of aggregate resources. Reviews proposals for new aggregate permits, compliance reports, levy fees and overall management of the aggregate resources.
As project manager, identifies problems or reviews assigned initiatives, estimates project cost, identifies resource requirements (e.g., staff, consultants), supervises consultant assignments, provides engineering expertise and leadership.

Independence of Action :

Judgement is required in formulating and supporting recommendations for the development/ implementation of new or revised policies, standards, specifications, and operating guidelines in the application of rock, soil, aggregates, in ministry operations; in formulating negotiating positions related to new and revised legislation and regulations of concern to the ministry; in evaluating innovative technologies, processes, equipment, products and systems for appropriateness and applicability to the ministry's present and future needs; in monitoring quality of materials, products/systems for compliance with ministry policies/ standards; and in developing new processes and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of ministry operations. Oversees enforcement and communication/circulation of the requirements for aggregate permit approvals, inspections, enforcement, penalties, rehabilitation and implementation of Acts and Standards such as the ARA, Ontario Regulation 244/97, AROPS (Provincial Standards), MTO Guidelines, Source Water Protection Attestations, excess soil regulations, etc.
Judgement is applied in solving unique and/or highly complex technical/engineering
problems regarding the use of rock, soil, aggregates in the ministry's design, construction and maintenance operations, including problems associated with asphalt and concrete structure and pavement performance, earth and rock cuts and fills requiring the application of new and/or advanced rock, soil, aggregates engineering theories, principles and practices, and innovative technologies.
Judgement is required in the provision of verbal or written expert opinion with respect to rock, soil, aggregates and construction related issues to requestors within or outside the ministry; and in preparing material for senior management such as briefing notes.
Judgement is used in making decisions as to approval of service providers/products for use by the ministry and in dealing with industry regarding material/product quality or other issues which may be of a sensitive or proprietary nature.
Judgement is required in project planning (e.g., deciding what can be dealt with immediately, what requires additional resources/funding, what requires broader involvement of others); in
organizing and directing several laboratory and field study projects/investigations; in providing supervision and leadership to staff assigned to the projects, including providing input into performance appraisals and recommending training or actions to address employee issues; and in dealing with issues that arise during the projects.
Work requires the application of proven engineering knowledge and is assigned in terms of overall objectives and short-term priorities of the section.
Completed technical/engineering work is accepted as authoritative but is subject to review by the manager for compliance with proper administrative and technical policies, ministry objectives, strategic plans/goals and cost implications.

Physical Effort :

Job requires physical exertion, such as lifting and pulling items 5kg/11 lbs to 20 kg/44 lbs (sample bags).

Mental and Sensory Effort :

Job requires concentrated mental/sensory effort to develop technical materials, proposals, guidelines and review information.

Working Conditions :

Work is typically carried out in an environment with regular exposure to disagreeable working conditions or hazards such as site/field visits while obtaining samples.