Project Manager (Design & Construction)

The Role

Plans, designs, and manages the construction and rehabilitation of engineering projects, including environmental engineering (water treatment, supply and storage, wastewater treatment, solid waste disposal), and transportation engineering (e.g., roads, bridges).

Duties/Responsibilities

• Directs technical staff on in-house design projects and the preparation of final contract drawings. Assigns work to clerical, survey, and drafting staff on in-house projects and provides technical direction to construction inspectors and survey crews. Provides direction, guidance, and performance evaluation to consulting engineers, with input into their hiring and dismissal.
• Coordinates the consultant selection and hiring process (e.g., terms of reference, submissions, shortlists, interviews, selection, insurance certificates). Reviews and negotiates workplans and budgets with same. Makes recommendations to Committee and Council. 
• Chairs/participates on project teams to establish scope and determine environmental assessment (EA) status. Conducts public meetings to explain project scope and obtain input on final designs.
• Writes/reviews environmental study reports (ESR), identifies engineering/technical components on project alternatives, and writes pre-design reports. Gathers technical information and organizes field testing/investigations for ESRs.
• Provides technical assistance to the Transportation Division in the review of development applications affecting Regional roads.  
• Prepares project designs; develops/meets design schedules; and organizes engineering/legal surveys, geotechnical investigations, easement acquisitions, and land purchases. Performs design calculations and engineering analyses. 
• Prepares design drawings and directs technical support staff in the preparation of final contract drawings. Incorporates requirements of the Region, area municipalities, utility companies, and Ministries. Prepares project cost estimates based on final designs.
• Determines and arranges/negotiates construction approvals and requirements with utility companies, developers, area municipalities, and Ministries/agencies; prepares approval applications; and negotiates cost sharing.
• Prepares and approves technical and contract specifications and drawings for tender documents.  Prepares tender schedules, and writes public tender advertisements.  Responds to tenderer inquiries and issues written addenda for clarification.
• Legally witnesses public tender openings. Ensures mathematical accuracy and legal/technical compliance. Summarizes tenders, confirms budget availability, recommends contract award, and prepares reports for Finance.
• Prevents construction interference with other Regional operations.
• Chairs and documents pre-construction and site meetings with contractors. Reviews and approves technical shop drawings and contractor submittals. Arranges detours and notifies emergency services, businesses, residents, and property owners of project extent, duration, access arrangements, and closures. Coordinates with utility companies for removal/relocation of facilities that conflict with proposed designs.
• Interprets construction documents with contractors.  Authorizes design changes/extra work. Negotiates claims, disputes, and payment with contractors and ensures holdbacks. Reviews and monitors contractor work schedules and budgets, arranges purchase orders, and approves payments.
• Visits construction sites to assess quality of work progress, and compliance with legal contract and health and safety legislation. Arranges for material and equipment testing inspections. Establishes deficiency lists, releases holdbacks, conducts final inspections, and issues completion certificates. Accepts completed contract work on behalf of the Region.
• Prepares budget estimates and forecasts for the 10-year capital program (e.g., estimated costs for consultants, testing, inspection, construction contractors). 
• Performs related duties, as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of civil engineering, engineering methods/administration, contract administration and law, and budget preparation/monitoring normally acquired through a diploma in civil engineering technology, plus progressively responsible related experience in a project management environment.
• Membership/eligibility for membership in the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists, at the Technologist level.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, practices, collective agreements, related guidelines, contract laws, and legislation (e.g., health and safety, construction, water, environmental protection act, environmental assessment).
• Analytical, problem solving, and continuous improvement skills to work independently on concurrent projects; review decisions/problems with Regional/political sensitivity with management; explore project alternatives individually or as part of a project team; make recommendations on improvements to contract standards and existing engineering standards/procedures; and ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and per legal contracts.
• Communication, human relations, and negotiation skills to direct and guide contractors, consultants, and staff; coordinate project requirements; respond to inquiries and conduct public drop-in centres, open houses, and formal public meetings; present to committees, area municipalities, and Councils; communicate with the public during construction to avoid conflict/claims; represent the Region’s interests in contract interpretation and negotiations; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read and interpret policy/procedure manuals, engineering/technical work-related journals, design specifications, contracts, reports, legal documents, and correspondence. Ability to write clear, enforceable project correspondence, reports, contracts, and agreements. 
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office, computer programming/ computer aided design software.
• Ability to adjust hours to attend public consultation meetings.
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region. 
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.