Job Specification
Position Title:
Senior Air Engineer
Job Code:
08PBE - Bargaining-Engineering 08
Purpose of Position :
To conduct engineering assessments of semi-complex and complex applications by reviewing and evaluating engineering designs, specifications and accompanying reports for the construction, installation or modification of sources of air emissions and associated air emission control technologies to ensure their compliance with environmental legislation as well as established Ministry standards, guidelines, other criteria and sound engineering practice, in order to protect public health and the environment.
To make recommendations on the approval or rejection of applications to the Director under the Environmental Protection Act and prepare legally binding and enforceable Certificate of Approval with the necessary terms and conditions or Notices of Refusal when recommending rejection.
To provide engineering expertise and technical support, guidance and advice pertaining to sources of air emissions and associated air emission control technologies to other programs and sections within the Ministry, municipal and non-municipal clients, and other stakeholders
Duties / Responsibilities :
1. Reviews, analyzes and evaluates semi-complex and complex applications, including engineering designs, studies, reports, calculations and other supporting data!information for the construction installation or modification of sources of air emission and associated air emission control technologies Assesses applications for compliance with the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) the Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR) and other applicable requirements including regulations Ministry guidelines and policies, and other government requirements, as well as Sound engineering practice.
2. Manages each application as a project by identifying submission requirements, planning and developing delivery schedules and making revisions, as appropriate, and tracking and monitoring the progress of each application to ensure completion of all deliverables. Solicits input and coordinates comments of Ministry staff, various stakeholders and multi-discipline experts, ensuring their consideration in the review process. Identifies, assesses and analyzes issues associated with applications, and develops responses, approaches and/Or courses of action to ensure their resolution. Coordinates supplementary reviews when required Ascertains the need for and negotiates specific terms and conditions that are protective of the public's health and the environment with the proponent or designate. Verifies calculations of applicable fees, and calculates new fees when adjustments are required in accordance with applicable schedules Evaluates financial assurance requirements for noise and vibration control technologies, in accordance with applicable regulations, policies and guidelines. Conducts site visits for inspection of facilities arid systems, as part of assessment of submissions, as required.
3. Based on technical reviews, makes recommendations for approval or rejection of applications to the Director under the Act by preparing supporting engineering assessment reports, technical review reports and draft Certificate of Approvals and Notices of Amendments for the construction, installation or modification of sources of air emission and associated air emission control technologies, with legally enforceable terms and conditions that serve as key tools for compliance, inspection, abatement and enforcement activities throughout Ontario; ensures that all documentation complies with applicable regulations, policies and guidelines. Prepares legally binding Notices of Refusal when recommending rejection of the application.
4. Facilitates posting of proposals on the EBR registry. Ensures that EBR requirements for public participation are met in
relation to proposals for instruments and applications for reviews; considers public comments received and may add/amend applicable terms and conditions to draft Certificate of Approvals; prepares and posts decisions on the EBR Registry including explanation on how public comments were considered in the approval decision based on the EBR process, or to provide clarification and response to enquiries from the EBR Office on approvals issues. Prepares leave to appeal submissions, as required.
5. Reviews, evaluates and provides comments on the technical acceptability of engineering components of environmental assessment reports/reviews and associated terms of reference assessing consistency with the Certificate of Approval application requirements.
6. Develops and maintains effective working relationships With consultants, industry and municipal representatives. First Nations groups and other external stakeholders Provides technical guidance advice information arid regulatory
interpretation to proponents consultants the public special interest groups municipalities and government agencies
regarding requirements of the Approvals Program, applications and related matters, Prepares and recommends responses to enquiries from the Office of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, EBR Office, Freedom of Information (FOl) Office as well as other organizations and groups.
7. Provides engineering support to staff in other sections in the Branch and in other Ministry branches/offices including district and regional offices, other ministries, and to legal counsel of the Legal Services Branch by providing technical guidance, advice and/or information on the approvals process, related requirements, etc. Provides issues management support to the Branch, and participates in internal meetings to address issues/matters related to applications, approvals and appeals. Provides briefings to senior management on contentious, complex issues, as required.
8. Participates in the development of training programs for Ministry staff, including preparing course content, assisting in the selection process for training providers, and delivering aspects of courses by presenting material as an instructor.
9. As a representative of the Ministry/Branch, chairs and/or participates in meetings with proponents, consultants, staff from other Ministry branches, government and non government agencies and other stakeholders. Attends municipal council meetings and other public meetings. Makes presentations to senior management, supervisors, colleagues, clients and regulatory authorities on environmental, technical and scientific issues as well as technical and process matters related to the Approvals Program.
10. Acts as an expert witness on the approvals process at public hearings, prosecutions, appeals and other legal proceedings. Undergoes cross examination by legal counsel of proponents and their consultants. Participates in pro-hearing negotiations and formal mediation sessions to resolve issUes, as required. Represents the Ministry at tribunal hearings. Prepares required supporting documentation.
11. Participates on committees and working groups for the preparation of guidelines, policies, standards and regulations related to the Approvals Program, and for the development and implementation of improved approval processes and procedures. Leads coordinates and/or participates on Branch/Unit working groups to develop and recommend internal operational guidance documents to support approvals decisions in the absence of regulations and Ministry policies for use by other review engineers. Provides input into draft policy regulations and other guidance documents developed by the Air Policy and Climate Change Branch, Standards Development Branch and Strategic Policy Branch.
12. Prepares and edits correspondence, briefing notes (or a portion thereof), Minister's letters, cancellation letters, presentation materials and other program.related documents.
13. Acts as a duty officer on a rotational basis on behalf of the Air arid Noise Unit to assist the general public, District Office arid any other Ministry staff on enquiries related to the approvals process.
14. Performs other duties, including the following:
- Undertaking special environment/process engineering assignments;
- Occasionally presenting technical papers at conferences.
Knowledge :
The position requires a registered license with the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO), in accordance with legislation. The position requires the following knowledge and skills:
Advanced knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of chemical engineering, mechanical engineering and/or
environmental engineering as they pertain to air emissions management, prevention and control technologies, and new/emerging environmental trends and issues to evaluate engineering designs and new technologies; and to provide technical guidance and advice to proponents and consultants.
Advanced knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of atmospheric dispersion modeling and the application of
advanced/complex air dispersion models; general knowledge of the theorIes, principles and practices of other sciences and technologies related to air pollution/air pollution control technologies, including emission estimation methods, source testing, continuous emission monitoring. ambient air monitoring and applied chemistry.
General knowledge of the sciences and concepts related to environmental protection, including chemistry, to coordinate technical reviews with staff from other Ministry branches; and to assess the applicability of supplementary review comments.
Thorough knowledge of the full range of sources of air emissions, contaminants and pollution control technologies and their environmental impact, as well as related best practices.
Thorough knowledge and interpretive understanding of engineering codes and standards, current relevant legislative regulations, including the Environmental Protection Act, Occupational Health and Safety legislation and the Environmental Bill of Rights, related regulations, applicable national/international standards and relevant Ministry policies and guidelines to provide technical guidance, advice and regulatory interpretation; and to assess compliance of proponents' applications.
Thorough knowledge of the Financial Assurance Guideline and applicable regulations as well as the costs related to construction and remediation as they pertain to air emission control technologies to evaluate financial assurance proposals required by the EPA, applicable regulations and other requirements for private sector applications.
General knowledge of current relevant Ministry and Government direction and strategic plans.
Strong project management skills and related methodologies and processes, and superior planning and organizational skills to establish timelines and deliverables for an application, monitor progress, and ensure timely completion; to identify and coordinate comments and manage the multitude of associated activities to organize workload and prioritize and manage concurrent applications, many of which have tight deadlines.
Strong analytical skills and related analytical/evaluative methods and techniques to evaluate and assess engineering proposals, including performing root-cause analysis; assessing validity, relevance and completeness of data; making logical connections between a hypothesis and supporting data; and formulating plans based on proposed technical solutions.
Thorough knowledge of issues management methods and techniques to identify, address and resolve, or participate in resolving, contentious issues.
Strong negotiation skills to negotiate terms and conditions with proponents, abatement staff, governments and interest groups; and to participate in negotiating resolution of appeals.
Strong mediation skills to participate in formal mediation sessions.
Strong interpersonal skills to establish effective working relationships and liaise with proponents, consultants, industry and government officials, the public and stakeholder groups; to deal with hostile, angry and/or upset public involving contentious issues in public forums; to resolve conflicts or differences between/among various stakeholders with conflicting interests/positions/opinions to collaborate with individuals/groups involved in submissions projects guideline development etc and elicit cooperation; and to provide technical guidance, advice and information to staff, consultants and stakeholders.
Well-developed written communication skills to prepare briefing notes (or a portion thereof), correspondence, reports, Certificate of Approval, presentations, training materials and other program-related documentation.
Superior oral communication skills to communicate complex technical information; to make presentations, to provide briefings to provide training and instruction: arid to represent the Ministry in court, at hearings and public meetings.
Strong computer skills and related knowledge of applicable software for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, Internet technology research and database applications.
Judgement :
Work is performed independently and within limitations imposed by legislation, Ministry policies and standards as well as administrative/business policies guidelines arid practices The position uses engineering judgement in interpreting and clarifying existing guidelines; in ascertaining the need to deviate from established practices; and in making related engineering recommendations to the Supervisor. Judgement is applied in performing analyses and making engineering decisions to solve unusual problems or address new situations where no established Ministry guidelines and/or standards exist, e.g., use of a novel, innovative technology, in order to make recommendations to the Supervisor. Completed work is normally accepted as technically sound and is reviewed for achievement of objectives, however, guidance and direction is sought from the Supervisor on unusual/major issues or problems of significance, e.g.,
applications involving highly contentious issues, when necessary.
Judgement is exercised in:
- Analyzing engineering designs, equipment specifications, operating practices/parameters of complex and semi-complex applications identifying critical missing data/information identifying analyzing and resolving issues as well as conflicting priorities assessing the adequacy of the proponent's methodology, testing, models. etc.; assessing the environmental impact and balancing environmental protection and risk to the environment/human health against economic considerations assessing compliance with applicable legislation guidelines policies and precedents arid making recommendations for the acceptance rejection or modification of applications;
- Evaluating comments from the public, site liaison committees, interest groups and/or First Nations;
- Performing analyses and evaluations and ascertaining whether additional research, assessment, supplementary review(s), investigation or on-site inspection is required
- Evaluating financial assurance amounts for private air emission control technologies to ensure that sufficient funds are available, in accordance with applicable regulations/guidelines
Identifying, negotiating and recommending specific terms and conditions in Certificate of Approval to ensure compliance with legislation/Ministry requirements, including situations of deviation from established policies/guidelines:
Preparing documentation and providing expert testimonies at public hearings and other legal proceedings, and preparing and recommending responses to enquiries from elected public officials, senior Ministry staff, media, Office of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, industry representatives, special interest groups, First Nations representatives and the public on issues related to Ministry policies, guidelines and approval applications.
- Developing, or participating in the development of, operational guidance documents and recommending new and revised process/procedural changes as they pertain to the approvals process.
Accountability - Programs :
The Senior Air Engineer has latitude to plan, prioritize and/or schedule own time within assigned workload, based on
environmental significance, to achieve objectives of the position and to contribute to the objectives of the Approvals Program.
The position is accountable for:
- Planning and managing the technical aspects of reviews of semi-complex and complex applications for sources of air emission and associated air emission control technologies, including conducting engineering assessments, ensuring compliance with applicable Ministry regulations, guidelines and policies, other requirements and sound engineering practice: soliciting in put and coordinating comments; establishing requisite terms and conditions: making recommendations for approval, modification or refusal of applications; developing legally binding and enforceable Certificate of Approval: and coordinating supplementary reviews, as required;
- Reviewing, evaluating and commenting on the technical acceptability of the engineering components of environmental assessment reports to ensure consistency with the Certificate of Approval application requirements;
- Ensuring that EBR requirements with respect to the proposal/decision postings are met;
Providing technical/professional guidance, advice and information to Ministry staff, proponents, special interest groups, the public and other stakeholders regarding requirements of the Approvals Program, applications and related matters;
- Representing the Ministry in legal proceedings and at hearings and meetings
- Ensuring that financial assurance requirements for sources of air emissions and air emission control technologies are sufficient, and calculating application fees for adjustments to proposals, ensuring legislative/policy/guideline compliance.
Accountability – Personnel :
The position provides training, technical guidance and advice to Air and VVater Review Engineers in the Streamlined Review Unit and to Applications Processors in the Applications Processing Unit. The position provides on-the-job training regarding internal protocols/processes/procedures as weB as mentoring to new Senior Air Engineers.
Accountability - Impact of Errors :
Inappropriate assessment of applications, recommendations, coordination of work, guidance and advice as well as
delays in processing applications can result in adverse impacts to the environment such as new or continued environmental/property degradation and/or damage public health and safety hazards or problems enforceability problems on the Ministry s part unnecessary financial hardship to the proponent loss of credibility to the Ministry and its staff public or proponent dissatisfaction potential loss of revenue for applications embarrassment of the Ministry appeals and possible legal liability Inappropriate assessment of required application fees or financial assurance amounts can result in financial loss to the Crown.
Contact - Internal :
The position provides technical guidance and advice provides obtains and exchanges information and/or collaborates on applications appeals and/or compliance matters with Ministry regional, district and head office management, staff, technical staff, engineers, scientists and administrative staff, legal counsel of the Legal Services Branch, Air Policy and Climate Change Branch, Standards Development Branch, Strategic Policy Branch, Application Processing Unit, Laboratory Services Branch, Investigations and Enforcement Branch EBR Office EA Coordination Section FOl Office Office of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario and management/staff in other branches/ministries. There is occasional contact with senior Ministry officials and senior management to provide information or for briefings regarding approvals issues. The position participates on working groups or committees.
Contact - External :
The position provides program-related technical guidance, advice, regulatory interpretation and/or information to proponents, consultants special interest groups First Nations representatives industry representatives the public government and non government agencies, the Federal Government, provincial governments, municipalities and suppliers. The position has contact with external lawyers ar court officials when attending legal proceedings and hearings. The position provides information to the media in response to enquiries within established disclosure limitations, as directed.