Engineering Services Manager

Position Details:

Employer: Town of Blackfalds

Location: Blackfalds, AB

Industry: Municipal Government

Position Outline:

Situated in central Alberta, and approximately halfway in-between the Province’s two largest urban centres (Edmonton and Calgary) on Highway #2, the Town of Blackfalds retains the feel and security of a small town.  With a population of 11,415 (according to the 2024 Municipal Census), Blackfalds is one of the youngest and fastest-growing communities in Canada.

We are only a short drive from all levels and options of educational opportunities (including within a couple of hours from several world class post-secondary universities), as well as regional-scale shopping outlets, cultural, and entertainment venues.

Additionally, outstanding indoor and outdoor recreational prospects, a robust and diversified economic base, and affordable land and housing, are among the factors contributing to our thriving, successful, and dynamic community.

In short, Blackfalds is a modern, active, fun, and vibrant community of young families, thriving businesses, and outstanding recreation opportunities.

Please visit our website for additional information: www.blackfalds.ca

Reporting to the Director of Infrastructure and Planning Services, this newly created position will oversee and manage a GIS Technician within the Engineering Services department and provide support for infrastructure policies, projects, and programs for the Division.

The Manager will be instrumental in building a strong foundation of engineering and project management principles through collaboration and policy development.  This position will oversee resource planning, human resources, budgeting, capital projects, and the permit to practice requirements for the Town.  This leader will implement expert strategies to boost efficiency and innovation for this exciting new department towards meeting the engineering needs of the Town while strategically growing the Engineering Services department.

The Engineering Services Manager will:

• Provide engineering-related answers to information requests from residents (i.e., upcoming work, service complaints, drainage issues, etc.), as well as engineering-related answers to information requests from the development and building industry (i.e., record searches, as-built information, etc.).
• Manage the development and data of the GIS and Mapping system as it relates to Asset Management.
• Initiate, draft, and assist in the development of policies and procedures prepared by the Infrastructure and Planning Services Division.
• Assist other departments by providing engineering and GIS technical resources for ongoing maintenance, operational, and planning projects.
• Provide input and support for grant applications for Town infrastructure capital projects.
• Spearhead the hiring, training, coaching/mentoring, and performance management of subordinate staff.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the annual operating and capital budget for the Engineering Services Department.
• Support the Director in the preparation of Council presentations, and present to the Council occasionally for programs and projects pertaining to the Department.
• Work collaboratively with the Director to ensure capital projects are delivered based on the Project Charter criteria, or under the leadership of the Director.
• Assist with public consultation and engagement for programs and projects as directed. 
• Consult with other levels of government and private sector organizations involved in planning, engineering, GIS, and construction management to ensure the successful delivery of Town projects and programs.
• Review design drawings, and ensure that they are in compliance with town standards.
• Support in the development and awarding of request for proposals and tenders.
• Manage the department’s GIS database to prioritize the replacement/rehabilitation of roads, underground infrastructure, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and other Town assets as required.
• Coordinate, review, and assist in the administration of contracts for design and construction projects prepared by engineering consultants.
• Participate in residential, industrial, and commercial lot grading inspections.
• Complete periodic construction inspections for new developments to ensure compliance with town standards.
• Review contractor and consultant invoices, and ensure payments.
• Prepare, implement, and monitor appropriate engineering risk mitigation for assigned projects.
• Manage and review engineering and GIS drawings as part of the development or capital project process.
• Manage the Town’s digital mapping system, and ensure all town attribute standards are being followed and updated regularly.
• Oversee corporate spatial data related to land base information (i.e., legal, land use, etc.) through the Town’s GIS system.  Ensure the accurate reporting of construction deficiencies, and oversee the process for issuance of Construction Completion Certificates and Final Acceptance Certificates.
• Regularly visit work/project sites to confirm that construction is developing as approved.
• Monitor projects during the warranty/maintenance period to ensure deficiencies are identified and corrected.

The Engineering Services Manager will demonstrate the following skills and attributes:

• Ability to continuously represent the Town/Department in a professional and competent manner.
• Exceptional time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and organize workloads.
• Ability to work as part of a larger team, and with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity with related municipal legislation, and other provincial statutes, or the ability to get up to speed quickly.  
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and comfortable interacting directly with the public.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings, Real Property Reports, site plans, and perform mathematical calculations to independently determine compliance with engineering and design requirements.
• Capacity to identify and resolve unique and complex problems relating to development and civil works.
• Excellent and proven customer service skills, in order to balance the needs of stakeholders with local and provincial regulations and standards.
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Proven project management knowledge, scheduling, and troubleshooting abilities.
• Technical knowledge of GIS, AutoCAD systems, and design principles.
• High degree of personal initiative and self-motivation, with effective critical thinking and organizational skills, as well as an unwavering high degree of integrity and professionalism.

The Engineering Services Manager will possess the following, or an acceptable combination focused on administrative leadership:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited institution.  A professional Engineering (P. Eng.) designation is “critical” for this role, and you will be a member in good standing with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).
• Experience in project management, coupled with a PMP (Project Management Professional) designation would be an asset.
• Demonstrated, and successful track record of supervisory and proven leadership experience at a management level in a municipal setting is an asset.
• Five (5) plus years of experience in the implementation and management of civil construction projects in a municipal setting is required.

A competitive compensation package will be provided to the successful candidate.  This includes an attractive and competitive base salary, a comprehensive municipal benefits package, and enrollment in LAPP (Local Authorities Pension Plan).  Details will be discussed in further conversations.

James Davies                                

Managing Director

DCG Executive Search Services Ltd.

Phone: (780) 758-9796

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.daviescg.com