Director, Highway Engineering and Capital

About Us

Building and maintaining our provincial infrastructure is no small job.

The Department of Public Works designs, constructs and maintains provincial highways, public buildings, bridges and other related infrastructure.

With a mandate to provide the safe and efficient movement of people and goods, the maintenance and upkeep of our 23,000 kilometers of roads and highways and 4,100 bridges is paramount to our core responsibilities.

About Our Opportunity

Under the direction of the Executive Director of Highway Engineering and Construction, the Director is accountable for leading the provision of specification reviews, strategic expertise to carry out planning, engineering, tenders, and contract preparation for the Province's Highway Capital Construction Program. Is accountable for development and management of the programs of highway and bridge engineering, planning and design, construction data collection, contract specification, tenders, and capital project planning.

Primary Accountabilities

Some of the primary accountabilities in this role include:

• Oversees the generation of annual, multi-year and long-range capital highway provincial programs and ensures that the Capital Program Is adjusted as required to meet needs and budget restrictions.

• Oversees the cost shared agreements between the department and federal and municipal governments. Acts as provincial co-chair of federal-provincial management committees for cost shared agreements; ensures all federal agreement requirements are met including business cases, status reports, audits.
   
• Works with the Chief Engineer and Executive Director to establish infrastructure priorities. Ensures each group within the department is aware of these priorities so that designs, surveys, environmental approvals, right-of-way purchases are carried out in a timely manner so projects go to tender and meet the scheduled capital program. Through consultation with senior staff determines which projects will be done with in-house resources and which with consultants.

• Ensures that the highway and bridge engineering standards, specifications, policies, procedures and programs are continuously reviewed and improved through research, evaluation, and adoption of topics, or issues, which produce better provincial highways.
   
• Ensures that highway planning, geometric and bridge design, and tendering required to renew/maintain the provincial highway system Is done to meet department needs and in accordance with the legislation, regulations and codes.
   
• Oversees the highway tenders and contract preparation program to ensure management follows provincial government procurement standards and they are executed in a timely manner.

Qualifications and Experience

A university degree in an Engineering discipline and an associated professional designation with several years of progressive leadership experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a professional/financial management role is required. An acceptable equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Drawing on previous experiences, with a proven ability to accomplish goals and objectives, you balance priorities and conflicting views, meet deadlines, and achieve specific and accurate outcomes, often within a very tight time frame and with competing deadlines. You possess exceptional communication skills (written and verbal) with a proven ability to build and maintain relationships. You have strong attention to detail and analytical skills, with a demonstrated history of providing innovative solutions and sound advice. You are an effective leader valuing teamwork and collaboration and form and grow relationships that foster trust and collaboration between partners, colleagues, and internal/external stakeholders.

 
The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

Please go to the following link for more information: LEADS (novascotia.ca).

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Benefits

We offer you a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. 

Working Conditions

Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. You may be required to work overtime on occasion.

The majority of your work is conducted in a comfortable office environment with moderate travel required within the Province.

There is pressure to meet deadlines while juggling a diverse number of projects that require ongoing planning/revising. You must be able to manage stressful, complex situations and balance many different issues and considerations. Work is often subject to extensive scrutiny and criticism by the public and by the diverse communities served.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.