Manager of Highway Maintenance Services

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.

Primary Accountabilities

Reporting to the Director of Operations Services, the Manager of Highway Maintenance Services is accountable for the effective planning and delivery of operational programs/services within Highway Programs. The main accountabilities are:

• Ensuring that the program(s)/service(s) are delivered within budget constraints and comply with program requirements.
• Leading a team responsible for maintenance contracts and standing offers; winter coordination; policies, procedures and manuals; road listings and redesignations; permitting; industry liaison; support software systems; research and innovations; training; auditing while emphasizing consistency and efficiency in operations.
• Managing a strong team of DPW Agency Representatives with the Department of Emergency Management during activations of the provincial coordination center.
• Collaborating with other sections to facilitate the delivery of operations services, striving for both cost-effectiveness and adherence to program requirements. Actively contributing to ongoing improvement initiatives.
• Working in conjunction with the Manager of Asset Information Services (MAIS), lending an operational lens to asset management and ensuring planning, prioritizing and optimizing budgets using all tools available.
• Ensuring effective communication and operations alignment among the Districts, the broader leadership team and the public through awareness campaigns and inquiry responses.

Qualifications and Experience

A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and eligibility for membership to Engineers Nova Scotia as licensed to practice with several years of progressive technical and practical experience in road maintenance and contract administration is preferred. A technical diploma in Civil Engineering Technology (or other related diploma) and five (5) years of related experience is also acceptable.

You have strong supervisory skills and previous experience leading a team.

As travel is essential to this position, a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required.

Working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act is an essential component of this position. Computer proficiency is necessary. Knowledge of the Department’s policies and procedures would be considered an asset.

This is a fast-paced environment with strict deadlines and competing priorities; your ability to multi-task and adapt is critical to your success. You are an inspiring and motivational team leader with experience managing staff performance and building interpersonal relationships. You consistently maintain a professional and courteous disposition and hold a high standard for client and customer service excellence. Your financial experience managing budgets and solid project management expertise are needed for the success of various maintenance projects and contracts.

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

Based on the employment status, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

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 and outside of the Province.

There is pressure to meet deadlines while managing 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.

Additional Information

This is a Term employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of August 3, 2026. The appointment status Term is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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.