Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide engineering, technical and administrative direction on the planning and design of transportation projects of large size and complexity by applying sound engineering and technical expertise, and administrative procedures to ensure the provision of a safe provincial transportation system.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Under the general direction of the Head, Highway Engineering:

• Determines by field inspection, and by interpretation and analysis of available information, additional data needed to carry out a project;
• Co-ordinates the supply of all necessary input data and recommendations;
• Identifies problems and develops alternatives/recommendations on all engineering and technical matters;
• Organizes and conducts public information centres to explain projects and their effects;
• Presents proposals/designs to senior management, local municipalities and other agencies to negotiate and resolve issues and obtain endorsements;
• Prepares design criteria for adherence and or deviations to engineering standards, completeness, etc.
• Prepares technical and strategic reports;
• Administers the detail design of multiple large and/or complex transportation facility projects, including the preparation of contract drawings and documents;
• Administers feasibility, project scoping, preliminary design and value engineering studies;
• Ensures that engineering designs are optimized recognizing social, environmental, financial and technical requirements;
• Assesses and negotiates the compatibility of development proposals on or adjacent to existing or future rights of way;
• Obtains necessary statutory and regulatory orders such as Railway Crossing Board Orders, Inter-provincial Pipeline Crossing Orders, and Drainage Petitions;
• Prepares or ensures the preparation of appropriate documents and justifications for Ontario Municipal Board Road Closing Hearings, Hearings of Necessity, Coroner's Inquests, court proceedings and ministerial and public inquiries;
• Attends hearings, inquests etc. to give evidence and represent the ministry as an expert witness on engineering and technical matters;
• Identifies, negotiates and prepares cost sharing agreements with municipal and private partners;
• Maintains a close liaison with production supervisor/engineers/technicians/staff in establishing and monitoring project schedules and manpower requirements; provides engineering, technical and administrative advice and direction to Ministry staff and consultants;
• Manages project team and leads the evaluation and selection of technical consultants;
• Administers consultant assignments, including negotiation of fees, scope changes, progress reviews, managing diversity in accordance with schedules, ensuring value for money and conducting final appraisal;
• Coordinates response to problems in construction resulting from design issues;
• Provides information and advice as requested by Minister's office, MPP's and other political officials, members of the public and the media, by way of Briefing Notes, Minister's letters and oral and written notes.

Knowledge :

Work requires a license from the Professional Engineers of Ontario and a thorough knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of civil engineering related to highway engineering. Working knowledge of related fields - geotechnical, pavement design, structural, drainage, surveys, electrical, traffic, construction practices. Working knowledge of related legislative acts (Environmental Assessment Act, Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act, Drainage Act, etc.). Work requires an in-depth knowledge of ministry organization, relevant policies, procedures and standards and a working knowledge of economics, budgeting, land use planning and automated engineering systems. Knowledge of project management techniques required to manage projects of large size and complexity. Skill is required in developing and analyzing engineering proposals and in assessing the implementation of ministry and regional policies in terms of project delivery and resources utilization. Work requires the ability to establish effective working relationships with colleagues, associates, senior officials and the public. Communication and presentation skills are required to make presentations and represent the ministry as an expert witness on engineering and technical matters. Working knowledge of alternative delivery methods, such as functional outsourcing. Total Project Management and Design-Build procedures for acquiring consultants, Value Engineering, problem solving and decision-making techniques. Knowledge of computer applications. Valid Class 'G' Driver's License.

Judgement :

Under the general direction of more senior staff, judgement is required in developing and evaluating alternative proposals and in presenting recommendations regarding alignment, grades, standards, traffic control, drainage, property requirements, etc. Judgement is required in preparing special provisions and special standards in assessing the accuracy and completion of proposals/designs and contract drawings and documents. Judgement is required in establishing and adjusting schedules, in providing direction and engineering/technical/administrative advice to staff and consulting engineers, in controlling budgets and in assessing and negotiating the compatibility of development proposals on or adjacent to existing and future rights-of-way. Judgement is exercised in providing expert testimony at Board/court Hearings and Coroner's Inquests. Work is accepted as technically accurate and subject to review for engineering quality and overall effectiveness and for conformance with ministry standards, practices, policies, procedures and budget constraints. Judgement is required in modifying normal Ministry procedures and practices where necessary.

Accountability - Programs :

The position is accountable for the overall delivery of projects of large size and complexity in a cost-effective manner, for establishing and maintaining work schedules and assigning resources. Accountable for ensuring the overall engineering quality, safety, technical integrity and endorsement of proposals by all concerned agencies and individuals. The position accountable for presenting sound and accurate information/testimony on engineering technical and administrative matters at Board/Court Hearings and Coroner's Inquests. Accountable for providing sound engineering, technical and administrative direction and advice to Ministry staff and consultants. Accountable for ensuring that outsourced work produces maximum value for the money in both engineering and capital costs.

Accountability – Personnel :

N/A

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

N/A

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

N/A

Contact - Internal :

Work requires regular contact with engineers and technicians in the Region and Head Office and with senior officials in the ministry for the purpose of obtaining input, making recommendations and resolving issues and obtaining endorsements pertaining to the work projects being managed.

Contact - External :

Regular contact with engineers and technicians of Consultants and Utility agencies to provide direction and advice and/or resolve problems. Frequent contact with officials and staff of other ministries, municipalities and the public for the purpose of presenting planning or design proposals, explaining their effects, seeking recommendations or endorsements and advising on project related Corridor Control issues. Occasional contact is required with news media end elected officials to provide information.