Director Utilities Engineering


Utilities Kingston
Kingston, Ontario


Last Day to Apply: January 16, 2022

Position Title: Director Utilities Engineering  

Reports To: President & CEO  

Department: Engineering 

Position Summary: 

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team the Director Utilities Engineering promotes and advances the mission and vision of Utilities Kingston, the strategic plan, and the culture of the organization by leading through its values while promoting and aligning to the multi utility model. The incumbent sets expectations including performance metrics, provides clear direction and manages resources for the delivery of engineering services throughout the organization. They ensure the delivery of services is provided within the framework of approved policies, applicable standards, and regulations and where appropriate provide guidance on deviations. Communication skills, written and verbal are critical to presenting information, to influence and to gain collaboration where resources are needed to be marshalled. Ensures the Utilities Engineering department is aware of corporate direction and expectations.

Major Responsibilities: 

  1. Provide leadership, direction, and management of the Utilities Engineering department
  2. Coordinate and guide asset management activities within the engineering and the utility operations groups including data collection and analysis for each utility.
  3. Develop strategic long-range plans regarding infrastructure management consistent with capital budgets.
  4. Develop and monitor asset management performance metrics to ensure alignment with the strategic plan.
  5. Create, maintain and update the Distribution System Plan in support of electric rate applications.
  6. Ensure appropriate resources are acquired and deployed to support work activities.
  7. Coordinate proposed projects with other utility work and City Engineering to ensure projects address pending land use and development demands for infrastructure, economic development, and transportation.
  8. Collaborate with finance to coordinate multi-year, long term expenditure planning ensuring long term affordability based on revenues, debt burden etc. and monitor capital and operating budgets.
  9. Work closely with senior City of Kingston staff in establishing short- and long-term plans for development in the City of Kingston including the Development Charges Review process
  10. Ensure appropriate and timely responses are provided to land development enquiries and applications submitted to the City of Kingston.
  11. Educate and guide staff in appropriate responses to various land development issues and assist in identifying appropriate solutions.
  12. On behalf of Utilities Kingston, resolve or communicate specific positions on matters affecting land development.
  13. Represent Utilities Kingston interests and provide utility information from preliminary contact to property sale for economic development proposals in the City of Kingston.
  14. Ensure the Senior Leadership Team/CEO are kept informed of emerging issues/legislation and progress on key work plan/strategic plan items.
  15. Foster engagement and a positive work environment and ensure transparency and consistency in dealing with staff.
  16. Participate in labour relations issues as required
  17. Provide guidance and leadership to engineering management team regarding annual performance and compensation cycle planning
  18. Develop and support the ongoing development of leadership skills in engineering management team
  19. Promote skill development in engineering group, cognizant of succession planning long-range goals
  20. Promote and provide guidance and regular communication on corporate programs and policies, setting expectations for the role of management in engineering department on such matters as organizational Values, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, attendance management and performance management

Skills and Abilities: 

  • Advanced MS Office skills
  • Advanced written and verbal communication skills
  • Advanced interpersonal skills
  • Intermediate project management skills
  • Intermediate understanding and application of various software tools including asset modeling, GIS, ACAD
  • Advanced ability to coordinate, organize and plan complex and varied inputs into projects, budgets, and asset management
  • Advanced ability to think and plan strategically and translate strategy into action

Knowledge:

  • Intermediate knowledge of civil engineering principles, processes, standards and environmental assessments
  • Intermediate understanding of various Acts and Regulations
  • Advanced knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety requirements as it relates to individuals, the organization, and operational requirements.
  • Basic knowledge of contract law and municipal by-laws.
  • Intermediate knowledge of the municipal land development approval process, economic development process, development agreements and land use planning regulatory frameworks.
  • Basic knowledge of electrical and natural gas distribution systems.
  • Advanced knowledge in employee management techniques 

Experience: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline
  • Professional Engineer
  • 6-8 years’ experience in the utility sector responsible for infrastructure planning, asset management and budgeting
  • 5 years’ supervisory /management experience in both a unionized and non-union environments
  • Class G drivers’ license 

Positions Supervised: 

Manager, Utilities Engineering 

Note: This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the incumbent. The incumbent may be asked to perform other duties which may be assigned from time to time.

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