Project Engineer (Engineer 1-3) (Term) (Plymouth)

About Us

The Department of Public Works supports Nova Scotia’s 23,000 kilometers of roads and highways and 4,100 bridges. Our Highway Programs Division is growing, and we have an opportunity available for a Project Engineer to join to our team. Become part of the team today who is responsible for managing all phases of bridge and highway construction. Watch your projects come to life and make exciting impacts to the Provincial road network of Nova Scotia.

About Our Opportunity

Under the general supervision of the Construction Manager, the Project Engineer manages all phases of contract work for bridge and highway construction and rehabilitation, ensuring that contractors perform all aspects of the work to Department of Public Works' plans and specifications. About half of your work is outdoors with considerable travel in both winter and summer during various weather conditions.

Primary Accountabilities

You will conduct and oversee pre-engineering and survey work, produce timely quantity and cost estimates, and perform efficient and cost-effective contract administration. Utilizing your expertise, you will recommend construction improvements based on assessments of field conditions and contribute to the design of highways and structures. You are responsible for Occupational Health and Safety as well as environmental concerns related to your projects. You will be responsible for supervising office, as well as technical, staff, all the while ensuring a safe and engaged work force. Consistently, you will maintain good public relations when working with various agencies, property owners, the general public, and public utilities who are affected by highway construction and survey work.

Qualifications and Experience

You have a Bachelors’ Degree in Engineering (Civil Engineering or related discipline) and are registered with Engineers Nova Scotia as an Engineer‐in‐Training, or as Licensed to Practice.

You have technical expertise related to bridge and highway maintenance and rehabilitation strategies. Proficiency in a computerized environment is necessary including Microsoft Suite and familiarity with software used in an engineering and survey environment. A working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act is essential.

A working knowledge of the Public Highways Act, along with Department policies and procedures will be considered as an asset. Experience managing budgets, and an understanding of the principles of project management as it relates to highway and bridge construction are also considered assets.

As the ideal candidate, you are an effective team leader with strong supervisory skills. You are a self-motivated individual who works well independently with minimal supervision. You have proven and professional communication skills, both oral and written, for collaborating with staff, other government agencies, consultants, contractors and the public. You have well developed planning and organizational skills, coupled with the ability to multi-task and adapt in this fast-paced environment with competing priorities. You maintain a professional and courteous disposition and hold a high standard for client and customer service.

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 and union agreement, 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

The great outdoors will be your worksite. You will have some time spent in an office environment, but much of your time will be spent outside during all seasons and various weather conditions on heavily-travelled roads or in rough, isolated areas of construction sites.

Additional Information

A monthly car allowance is available for Public Works Project Engineers. The current rate for the 2024-2025 fiscal year is $1,220.85/month, or $14,650.20/year.  Rates for the allowance are adjusted up or down annually based on the year over year percentage change in the Nova Scotia Private Transportation Index as calculated by Statistics Canada.

An Engineer must be “Licensed to Practice” as determined by Engineers of Nova Scotia (ENS) before being classified as an Engineer 3.

This is a Term employment opportunity with anticipated end date of January 2, 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.