Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Public Works is a senior management position in the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Public Works (PW) including the Transfer Station and Water and Wastewater departments.

The position provides overall strategic direction and leadership for the functions within the Public Works department with an emphasis on developing and implementing strategic goals, building a positive organizational structure and the delivery of excellent service to the community.

The Director of Public Works provides sound administrative support, information and strategic advice to the CAO, and to Council through the CAO.

The Director of Public Works is expected to function with a high degree of independence consistent with the Strategic Plan and as directed by the CAO through Council.

In consultation with the CAO, this position is responsible for change management processes and corporate process improvement initiatives.

JOB PURPOSE

• To ensure that the Public Works department operates in a manner that provides maximum value to the ratepayers of the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet.
• In accordance with the provisions of the Collective Agreement, ensure that all Employees receive cross training in all aspects of the operation of the PW Department including but not limited to equipment operating and supervisory positions.
• To ensure that the PW department operates in a manner that is consistent with Provincial and Federal Laws as well as the Mission and Values, Strategic Goals & Objectives, and policies and procedures of the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet.
• As a Leader in the PW Department, the Director of Public Works is responsible for identifying potential gaps in the organization and subsequently providing ongoing training and leadership skills to employees and supervisory staff for their advancement.

KEY RESULT AREA

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• In conjunction with senior supervisory staff, schedule, direct, monitor and nurture all work task assignments for departmental employees, casual employees and/or private contractors and consultants to ensure the efficient and effective provision of services to the municipality and its citizens.
• Prioritize, recommend, and implement matters affecting the safe and efficient management of the public works department that contribute to the growth and development of the RM of Lac du Bonnet public works employees.
• Provides direction to supervisory staff to ensure annual inspection of all municipal roads, drains, boat launches, culverts and buildings and follows established maintenance requirements in accordance with Asset Management levels of service.
• Develop and implement departmental operating budget and monitors costs to maintain budget integrity, capital estimates, and five-year capital expenditures to CAO for Council’s approval.
• Ensure CAO is kept abreast of latest changes in design standards, technology, and servicing requirements, relative to the provision of municipal works, services, and environment and the latest equipment available for implementation.
• Manage, recruit, train, motivate, evaluate, and supervise employees engaged for the purposes of providing municipal works and services, and in conjunction with HR/Payroll, maintain appropriate records of employment showing education, experience, special skills, training provided, attendance record, upgrading, disciplinary measures, employee suggestions and any clothing, footwear, keys, supplies, or tools issued for which that person is responsible for.
• Prepare and submit to the CAO the annual capital and operating budget for the Public Works Department.
• In coordination with the Transfer Station Manager develop a yearly budget for submission to the CAO and Council.
• Approve financial and operating transactions for the Public Works Department purchase orders and invoices
• Prepare applications and submissions for cost and revenue sharing grants available to the Public Works Department, in conjunction with the Finance Department.
• Represent the municipality before the public in matters pertaining to the Public Works Department, and to attend to the public, as required, for the purpose of answering inquires and discussing complaints with respect to matters coming within his/her jurisdiction.
• Represent Council at legal proceedings if required.
• Participation in contract negotiations if required.
• Act as a liaison and communicate with local officials of various Ministries, Crown Corporations, and government agencies on all functions pertaining to Public Works.
• Review cost reports and construction progress of the RM of Lac du Bonnet’s projects to ensure standards of quality and conformance with budget appropriations.
• Perform any other related duties as may be assigned by the CAO from time to time.

HUMAN RESOURCES

The Public Works Department is a dynamic and diverse workforce that must be continually trained and developed at all levels to ensure a high level of service deliver.

• Manage the Public Works staff and human resource development needs including:
  • Responsible for the management and supervision of all public works staff in accordance with the RM’s Collective Agreement.
  • In accordance with the provisions of the Collective Agreement, ensure that all Employees receive cross training in all aspects of the operation of the PW Department including, but not limited to, equipment operating and supervisory positions.
  • Support the delegation of authority and decision making to ensure staff development and performance assessment occurs within Public Works.
  • Implement training of supervisory staff on effective communication techniques
  • As a Leader in the PW Department, the Director of Public Works is responsible for identifying potential gaps in the organization and subsequently providing ongoing training and leadership skills to employees and supervisory staff for their advancement.
  • Provide leadership and direction to all public works staff and ensure that all staff are effectively and efficiently working to support and complete public works priorities in accordance with the Strategic Plan, while continually improving work practices.
  • Provide visible and positive leadership to staff by developing and nurturing a work environment that is inclusive, respectful, and motivating for staff.
  • In the case of workplace absences, ensure that all positions, at all levels, have replacements to ensure the continuance of services at a high level.
  • Promotion and maintenance of positive employee relations
  • Implementation of disciplinary procedures in accordance with the provisions of the Collective Agreement

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Assure safe and efficient implementation of projects.
• Receive instruction through the CAO from Council regarding municipal and government projects.
• Undertake project investigation, as directed by the CAO and Council.
• Prepare preliminary design for consultation with Council.
• Prepare detailed implementation documentation including costs and schedule.
• Execute project as per developed plan.
• Ensure compliance with all governing agency requirements.

SAFETY HEALTH MANAGEMENT

• To recognize and correct any Workplace Health & Safety deficiencies by identifying and implementing improvements that meet or exceed legal obligation.
• Participate and lead, as required, in the training of site personnel (including, but not limited to, private sector contractors) in relevant safety initiatives.
• In consultation with the Transfer Station Manager monitor all municipal waste collection or transfer facilities and respond to any waste management emergencies.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES

TECHNICAL

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of equipment typical to a municipal public works maintenance operation such as, but not limited to, graders, snowplows, excavators, loaders, trucks, screeners, bulldozers, tractors and mowers
• Knowledge of equipment maintenance practice and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of techniques required in the construction and maintenance of roads, drainage ditches, buildings etc

BEHAVIOURAL

• Demonstrates personal and professional behavior consistent with the Mission & Values and Strategic Goals & Objectives of the R.M. of Lac du Bonnet.
• Effectively leads organizational change and sustainable development in-line with the overall Corporate Goals of the organization.
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse and flexible workforce and be open to the ideas of others.
• Is a self-starter.
• Effective, timely and clear communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and focus on difficult circumstances.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Coordinate staff training and development
• Attend Council meetings, as required
• Other duties as assigned by the CAO

This job description is intended to outline the general description of the duties and responsibilities for this position.  It is not intended, nor should it be interpreted as a complete description.

The RM of Lac du Bonnet reserves the right to amend this position description at any time provided that such change does not represent a substantive change in the purpose or essential nature of the position.