Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To assist the Field Services Engineer in managing/monitoring/delivering/administering the Local Roads Boards, Connecting Links and First Nations road/bridge maintenance/construction programs as required by Provincial Legislation and Ministry policy.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Delivery of the Connecting Link, Local Roads Boards, First Nations subsidy programs by: - assessing and recommending appropriate Connecting Link subsidy allocations according to the municipalities' needs, Area Office priorities and within funds available - monitoring the activities of the municipalities to ensure the effective and efficient utilization of the Ministry Connecting Link subsidy funds - ensuring that Design Criteria and contract drawings and specifications are prepared as and when required to ensure that the design and final product is practical, technically sound and economical - preparing input into and administering sections of the AMC contracts related to Local Roads Boards, Settlers agreements and First Nation road maintenance services. - supervising ministry staff in the delivery of Local Roads Boards, connecting Link and First Nation programs and projects - representing MTO at the annual and budget meeting of Local Roads Boards and liaising with stakeholders regarding First Nation and Connecting Link program. - determining the subsidy eligibility of all contract items - monitoring the contract administration process, in accordance with Municipal Directive MTR B-28, by periodic site visits to verify compliance with Ministry policy, standards and audit requirements - reviewing annual and interim payment petitions to ensure accuracy of submission - reviewing consultant agreements for road, bridge or traffic related projects - reviewing property purchase proposals and determine eligibility for subsidy Provide technical and accounting advice and direction to incorporated and unincorporated municipalities, consultants, contractors, etc., by: - providing an interpretation of appropriate legislation, Ministry policies, procedures and standards affecting subsidy programs - providing assistance and guidance to municipalities and/or Boards in maintaining an accurate accounting and work reporting system. - providing direction in the preparation of tender documents for plowing/grading services, material purchases, equipment rental and equipment purchases, to ensure that proper tendering procedures are adhered to. - being familiar with and promoting Ministry approved equipment and materials available for municipal use in construction and maintenance operations - being familiar with and promoting computer technology as it applies to road management plans, accounting procedures and contract preparation and documentation. Provides an administrative and technical service to the Area Office Municipal Section by: - assigning tasks/projects to subordinate staff: - participating in the internal review of Ministry policies and procedures and external technical committees - representing the Ministry at design review meetings, pre-contract meetings, contract site meetings, Council/Road Committee or Board meetings and public functions/meetings - preparing technical reports and minor designs as required - participating in Ministry supported, municipal training programs - assisting in the training and development of municipal staff including Senior Municipal Supervisors - compiling and analysing statistical data relating to municipal road programs - monitoring to ensure that Connecting Link projects remain within budget and to ensure that salary and operating expenditures in the unincorporated areas remain within budget - ensuring that all field activities are conducted in accordance with Ministry policies and procedures and appropriate legislation including the Local Roads Board Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, Regulation 309, Environmental Assessment Act - reviewing and recommending to the Field Services Engineer contract award approvals - responding to a wide variety of enquiries (telephone, letters, personal visits), assist the Field Services Engineer in preparing briefing notes to facilitate the preparation of response letters by the Minister, Deputy Minister or Senior Ministry staff Plans, delivers and administers the road reconstruction and maintenance program in the unincorporated municipalities by: - attending meetings of the Local Roads Boards or Cottagers Association as a representative of the Ministry - assisting in the preparation of the road programs - providing technical advice, guidance and supervision to Boards or Associations in unincorporated areas - scheduling, initiating and monitoring road projects - approving and checking accuracy of employee timesheets, expense accounts and equipment rental invoices - providing assistance and direction to Board chairpersons and assisting in changes, additions/deletions to the road system, etc. - attending Local Roads boards meetings and road tours and Local Roads Board formation meetings. - identifying roads for reduced loading - co-ordinating field work (i.e., surveys, soils investigations, structure etc.) and special design services (i.e., structural design, road design, etc.). - prepares Consultant Agreement Forms for design and construction administration. - advises Sr. Municipal Foreman on tendering for materials and equipment

Knowledge :

Work requires a functional knowledge of English grammar comparable to a Grade 12 education to effectively communicate in oral and written format with municipalities, Local Roads Boards, First Nations, the public, other ministries and MTO staff. The incumbent requires a comprehensive knowledge of good road design, construction and maintenance practices normally acquired through several years experience and appropriate inhouse/external training in specialized technical fields, supervisory theory and progressively responsible technical, administrative and supervisory experience. Familiarity with current road construction and maintenance equipment. A thorough knowledge of Ministry policies and associated legislation such as the Public transportation and Highway Improvement Act, The Municipal Act, the Local Improvement Act, The Highway Traffic Act, The Bridges Act, The Ontario Highway Bridge Design Code, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Ontario Regulation 309, W.H.M.I.S. Regulations, The Drainage Act and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act. A working knowledge of computers and the software available for associated municipal programs. He/She requires administrative and management skills, (a) organizing and directing road construction and road maintenance, (b) in controlling financial material and human resources associated with Ministry operations, and (c) in communicating effectively and assertively with municipal councils and road superintendents. The incumbent should possess sound judgement, tact, diplomacy and good communication skills in dealing with various contacts (i.e., colleagues, elected officials and professionals) in public speaking and composing written correspondence. Valid Driver's Licence and acceptable driving record.

Judgement :

Technical supervisory and administrative duties are performed largely using own initiative and general direction from the Field Services Engineer, responding to questions/queries using sound judgement in meeting with Municipal Officials and consultants while dealing with technical policy, legislative and engineering matters. The incumbent must interpret Ministry policies and legislative statutes in exercising duties, but must also employ good common sense and innovation to promote effective and efficient procedures in operational and administrative activities. Judgement is used in resolving unforeseen problems, co-ordinating equipment, materials, staff funding and budget control required in undertaking a number of concurrent projects. Unique technical problems, need for policy clarification or politically sensitive issues are referred to the Field Services Engineer. Sound judgement must be exercised in dealing with local, Provincial and Federal elected representatives as well as officials from all Governments and agencies.

Accountability - Programs :

He/she is fully accountable for the accuracy of the detailed technical calculations.

Accountability – Personnel :

The incumbent is fully responsible to the Field Services Engineer for the technical and administrative supervision of several Sr. Municipal Foremen and Municipal Foremen.

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

Any major errors could result in financial over or under commitments.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Failure to co-ordinate staff, equipment, funding and implementation of good construction practices could result in the deterioration of the roads system and cause projects to be incomplete and/or inefficient use of funds. Failure to perform responsibly and tactfully in providing technical and legislative advice could result in substantial waste of funds, political pressure and an embarrassment to the Ministry.

Contact - Internal :

Contacts with technical/administrative offices in the Ministry such as: Regional Operational Services, Contracts Office, Contract Verification Office, Estimating Office, Program Planning Office, Planning and Design Office, Geotechnical Office, Structural Office, Traffic Section, Accounts, etc., to co-ordinate their services to the Municipal Office. A good rapport with these offices is essential.

Contact - External :

To maintain reasonable familiarity with municipal roads programs, regular and frequent contact must be made with municipal officials such as road superintendents, municipal clerks, municipal engineers, councillors, heads of council, and Local Roads Board trustees Board commissioners. The incumbent must liaise with consulting engineers and technicians, contractors and utility companies in order to oversee their involvement with projects of direct Ministry responsibility and in order to advise on Ministry policies, procedures and regulations pertaining to projects. The incumbent represents the Ministry in both individual public contacts and public meetings. Regular contact with other government agencies, both provincial and Federal, is necessary to obtain or provide appropriate approvals, technical advice and legislative interpretations. Attendance at Municipal council and Annual Local Roads Board meetings will be required on a frequent basis. Occasional attendance at inter-agency meetings, dialogues with local Members of Parliament and contact with local news media may be required on an infrequent basis.