Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To co-ordinate and maintain the ministry's asset management business framework including the development of overall investment strategies for the Provincial Highways Management core business. To develop and manage infrastructure data systems necessary for investment planning, priority setting and the delivery of related products and services in support of Provincial Highways Management core business. To evaluate the provincial highway asset value and identify network conditions and needs on a multi-year basis. To develop multi-year strategies and investment plans including associated material to secure appropriate budget and identify suitable funding envelopes. To provide oversight in determining the overall effectiveness and efficiency of provincial highway investment decisions and strategies. To prepare studies and develop tools, policies, business processes and systems related to asset management in support of the Provincial Highways Management core business.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Under the general direction of the Manager, Investment Planning and Performance:
1. Manage the Asset Management Business Framework for the Provincial Highways Management (PHM) Core Business including:
• development, implementation and ongoing co-ordination of outcome based performance measures
• co-ordination of annual estimates of highway system condition and overall asset value
• co-ordination of annual reporting of work accomplishments for Provincial Highways assets
• co-ordination of the list of expansion projects for submission to Central Agencies for approval
• in cooperation with Highway Standards Branch integrate information and analysis from various highway asset management systems and data bases for development of asset specific and overall investment strategies
• directing the preparation of investment strategies to be consistent with the business plan while giving appropriate consideration to the fiscal environment
• developing multi-year investment strategies and associated material to secure appropriate budget and identify suitable funding envelopes
• in cooperation with Policy and Planning Division and Finance Branch preparing submission(s) to Central Agencies as part of the annual Results Based Plan to effectively communicate ministry needs to government decision makers
• provide regional funding allocations for the development of constrained regional investment plans and the corresponding Northern and Southern Highway Programs
• providing a quality control and oversight function to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of provincial highway investments
• development and ongoing co-ordination of evaluation tools and techniques for investment planning such as life cycle costing benefit/cost analysis, road user costs, cross-asset optimization, prioritization tools for rehabilitation and expansion and investment planning systems.
2. Evaluate the transportation network conditions and identify needs by:
• planning and directing the development and ongoing updating of capital needs planning policies and procedures for the provincial highway system,
• planning and directing the updating and analysis of capital needs assessments for the entire Provincial Highway System leading to the development of investment strategies to achieve performance targets
• acting as the branch focal-point for the internal and external communication (i.e., other branches, regions, other ministries and agencies) of capital planning needs for the Provincial Highway System
• planning and directing specific studies (including consultant assignments) relating to minimum desirable condition levels, standards, acceptable performance measures and capital needs planning and policy issues as directed by senior management
3. Manage the infrastructure data systems through:
• supervising the operation of province wide database systems
• planning and directing the delivery of information services and the production of technical reports containing statistical and analytical results of infrastructure data and capital investment information for senior management
• providing technical advice and guidance to regional and head office organizations to resolve a variety of complex issues related to infrastructure data collection, analysis and management
4. Managing the administrative aspect of the work unit by:
• participating on Ministry and external committees and task forces as a representative of the Branch or Ministry
• determining content and format of Ministry reports and documents made available within the Ministry and to the public
• providing leadership and a full range of supervisory functions to staff engaged in inventory management, systems development, capital needs planning and asset management
procurement of consultants and managing consultants on an ongoing basis as required for studies and other developmental projects.

Knowledge :

Position requires registration with the Professional Engineers of Ontario. Advanced knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of engineering as they relate to the provincial highways system and advanced knowledge of analytical techniques, impact assessment, engineering economics, financial and capital business processes. Advanced knowledge of Ministry objectives, legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relevant to capital needs and highway planning processes is required to direct the analysis of capital needs and development of a capital investment plan.
Highly developed analytical and problem solving skills are required to analyse and examine data and to develop appropriate recommendations to assist senior management in decision-making. Excellent leadership, interpersonal and communication skills to lead staff and section initiatives and to prepare and deliver materials and presentations to senior management and provide technical advice and guidance to regional and head office staff. Position requires a strong knowledge of computers, software and management information system capabilities, limitations and applications. Ability to understand and effectively utilize pavement, bridge, and maintenance management systems at the network level.

Judgement :

Judgement is required in building consensus at various levels of decision-making and across diverse functional areas. Judgement is used in determining priorities, managing data systems and in establishing investment strategies. Work is performed with a high degree of independence and recommendations are accepted and subject to review for conformance to Government/Ministry/Division policies and objectives. Judgement is required in defining core business priorities with ability to determine long-term business strategies in asset management and associated funding requirements.

Accountability - Programs :

Latitude for independent judgement, the position is accountable for:
• ensuring the availability of complete and accurate capital needs data/investment data on which recommendations and decisions are based
• managing information services, production of reports and delivery of services for province-wide databases.
• development and application of analytical methodologies to determine infrastructure needs
• proper utilization of resources to meet office objectives and deadlines.

Accountability – Personnel :

Accountable for providing direct supervision to 5 staff engaged in the acquisition, analysis and dissemination of infrastructure information, and the analysis and dissemination of capital needs/investment data. Responsible for section staffing and disciplinary issues.

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

Prepares investment plans consistent with business strategies. Contributes to the development and management of the section budget by preparing forecasts and monitoring the allocation and use of funds.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Work requires frequent contact with senior officials, colleagues and associates in regions and head office within the division to exchange information, provide advice, resolve matters of mutual concern and share knowledge of capital needs planning and related issues, policies and strategies.

Contact - Internal :

Work requires frequent contact with senior officials, colleagues and associates in regions and head office within the division to exchange information, provide advice, resolve matters of mutual concern and share knowledge of capital needs planning and related issues, policies and strategies.

Contact - External :

Maintain contact with counterparts, specialists, representatives of other divisions, ministries, agencies, Federal government, other jurisdictions, private organizations and special interest groups to discuss and exchange information and provide expertise on infrastructure and capital needs planning issues, policies and strategies or other related items of mutual interest. Make presentations and acts as Ministry representative to various inter-provincial committees, task forces within and outside of the province as required.