Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the permanent position of Manager, Engineering and Contract Services in Public Works.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Reporting to the Director, the Manager, Engineering and Contract Services is responsible for the day-to-day contract management, performance, reporting and service delivery of waste processing and disposal facility operations. In addition to providing leadership and promoting high service standards for services, the Manager is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance and contract deliverables are monitored and met. This position manages two Solid Waste Engineers and a Contract Coordinator.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversees and manages contracted waste processing contracts, including related to the Otter Lake Waste Processing and Disposal Facility, Composting Facilities, Materials Recovery Facility, Household Special Waste Permanent and Mobile Depots, and Rural Refuse Depots.
• Develops and nurtures strategic alliances with contractors and partners to achieve Halifax's corporate goals, Solid Waste Resources business plan goals and objectives as they relate to service delivery.
• Provides strategic advice in setting business unit priorities and alignment of resources with the business plan and operational needs of the department.
• Oversees contract management including related to operational oversight, contract administration (e.g., meetings, processing invoices, resolving challenges, managing change orders), data review and verification (e.g., tonnage data, operational data), performance evaluation including assessing and issuing financial deductions, and verifying compliance with environmental approvals including reviewing environmental reports.
• Provides direction to private sector service providers to ensure services are provided at high standards meeting the needs of Halifax customers while ensuring contract compliance and efficient delivery of services.
• Coordinates development of request for proposals, tender documents, and price agreements.
• Establishes processing facility policies, guidelines, and standards.
• Authorizes invoices for contracted services in accordance with contract specifications, service agreements, etc. Investigates discrepancies, negotiates resolution with service providers for settlement.
• Coordinates Solid Waste Resources regulatory compliance reporting and liaises with facility Operators, consultants, NS Environment and Climate Change and public liaison committees on approvals and regulatory matters.
• Responsible for solid waste capital projects, including identifying and scoping projects, developing project budgets, and overseeing implementation.
• Assists in the preparation of operations and capital budgets and business plans, including providing periodic updates/projections.
• Prepares staff reports and represents Solid Waste Resources at Regional Council and committees of Council.
• Manages and ensures response to unresolved public inquiries and complaints concerning the solid waste collection and processing.
• Directs, co-ordinates and manages technical employees and consultants in the preparation of studies and reports.
• May perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience

• University degree in a related engineering discipline and registered professional engineer with Engineers NS.
• Minimum of five years’ experience with solid waste management systems or related field.
• Contract and project management experience, reporting to senior levels of municipal government is considered a strong asset.
• Minimum two years’ experience in an active leadership and supervisory role.
• A suitable combination of education and experience deemed to be equivalent to technical and supervisory requirements may be considered.

Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities

• Good knowledge of the provision of municipal services and of dealing with complex service contracts within a municipal administrative framework.
• Thorough understanding of public/private partnerships, contract administration and information management systems.
• Technical knowledge of modern solid waste/resource management systems, including collection, waste-resource facility operational issues, diversion of materials, and disposal of residuals.
• Extensive knowledge of the regulatory requirements for municipal waste disposal and diversion systems including the Nova Scotia Environment Act, Municipal Government Act, Transportation of Dangerous Goods and HRM regulations and bylaws.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of waste/resource management system design, tendering, and procurement process.
• Proficient in managing and directing employees, contractors, and consultants.
• Good knowledge of project management and financial management systems within a municipal infrastructure environment.
• Ability to make decisions; work effectively in a team environment, with tight timelines and public scrutiny.
• Demonstrated supervisory, administrative, and organizational ability.
• Skill in managing contractors and measuring contractor’s performance to optimize service delivery for Halifax customers.
• Ability to analyse and apply knowledge of collection and facility operations to solid waste programs, to identify potential problems and implement changes to improve customer service.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Computer skills including working knowledge of computer databases, spreadsheets, project management, and the remote reporting system.
• Ability to effectively represent the Business Unit with other staff in the Municipality, and with outside agencies and other contacts. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with facility operators, collection companies, other staff, elected officials, community organizations and the general public.
• Challenges the status quo and looks for new and different opportunities to solve old problems.
• Makes sound judgements using an appropriate combination of research, analysis, and experience.
• Decision maker, flexible, strong client-focus and able to manage a variety of activities concurrently.
• Professional, reliable, and dedicated.
• Uses tact and diplomacy in dealing with clients, customers, other solid waste staff, and outside agencies.
• Prepared to use own vehicle in accordance with appropriate HRM policy.
• Ability to work with computers with a good working knowledge of word processing, spread sheets, databases, project management, and the remote reporting system; demonstrated and proven supervisory, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must clearly demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Graduation from HRM’s Aspiring Leader’s Program is considered an asset, and completion of the program is equivalent to one year of leadership experience.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.

COMPETENCIES: Valuing Diversity, Analytical Thinking, Customer Service, Organizing & Planning, Organizational Awareness, Teamwork & Cooperation, Visioning, Strategic Thinking & Innovation, Decision Making, Communications

WORK STATUS: Permanent, Full-time

HOURS OF WORK: 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday; 35 hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours and hybrid may be available.

SALARY: Non-Union ENG4 $121,290 - $140,440; Salary will be commensurate with education and years of applicable experience.

WORK LOCATION: 40 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth NS. Work location can be changed according to operational requirements.

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59PM on Tuesday, April 22 2025.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the recruiter when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link: Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax

(position #72282024)