Manager, Technical Services (Design & Construction)

The Role

Manages the Division’s technical and administrative services, in providing design and administrative support in the delivery of municipal infrastructure projects. 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Supervises Municipal Infrastructure Designers and divisional program assistants.


• Forecasts resource requirements to deliver the 10-year capital program. Reviews and adjusts staff workloads as required. 


• Manages technical services and administration systems for the production, preparation, and storage of project records and designs for municipal infrastructure projects, including for use in public consultation meetings, contracts, and open houses (e.g., project files, as-recorded drawings, base plans, survey data, surface modelling for designs/drafting, earthwork calculations). Verifies drawings for quality assurance and completeness. 


• Develops and administers operating policies, methods, procedures, and standards for divisional CADD and administrative functions. 


• Manages the implementation of technology to support divisional needs. Coordinates the interface of CADD with GIS systems with ITS, local municipalities, and utilities.


• Manages design, drafting support, and plotting/printing services to other Departments and Divisions.


• Manages the preparation of construction cost estimates and tender quantities for inclusion in construction contracts.


• Maintains inventory of legal plans for easements, rights-of-way, road allowances, properties, and facilities owned by the Department.


• Provides technical assistance to staff reviewing sewer and water main applications for approval.


• Prepares annual performance data for the Section, and identifies, implements, and monitors continuous improvement initiatives.


• Prepares, administers, and monitors the Section’s budget. Approves purchase requisitions for equipment and supplies (drafting, office, computer hardware/software). Has signing authority and a purchasing card. 


• Provides technical guidance/assistance to engineers and project managers. 


• Has contact with Legal and procurement regarding contract tendering.


• Has contact with ITS for system upgrades and data exchanges.  


• Contacts area municipalities, utilities, and railways to exchange project information and coordinate projects. Replies to inquiries from external agencies and the public.


• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skills are normally acquired through a diploma in civil engineering technology plus progressively responsible related experience.


• Knowledge and experience with design and construction of municipal infrastructure (roads, water mains, storm sewers, sanitary sewers), computer design methods, and construction project cost estimating.


• Must have membership/eligibility for membership in the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) at the Technologist level.


• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, standards, collective agreements, and legislation (e.g., Ontario Provincial Specifications, health and safety, accessibility, design and drafting standards and recommendations, Ministry of Transportation guidelines).


• Analytical, problem solving, and continuous improvement skills to plan and develop objectives and determine goals for the team; respond to sensitive design and construction issues; develop standards for individual projects; respond to regulatory changes and anticipate impacts; and analyse program performance measures.


• Leadership skills to supervise, develop, train, motivate, and support staff, and organize and coordinate the work.


• Human relations, communication, and negotiation skills to conduct presentations and respond to inquiries; facilitate agreements with stakeholders (regulatory agencies, area municipalities, utilities); and participate as an effective team member. 


• Ability to read and interpret contract specifications, design drawings, construction project cost estimates, budget information, correspondence, publications, and manuals. Ability to write technical reports, specifications, divisional standards, correspondence, and engineering reports. 


• Ability to keep knowledge current.


• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office, Builterra, and CADD 3D design software. Ability to incorporate data from GIS into engineering software.


• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region. 


• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.