Associate Director, Traffic Systems & Operations

at  Niagara Region

ABOUT US

Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high-quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.
At Niagara Region, we value diversity - in background and experience. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We aspire to hire and grow a workforce reflective of the diverse community we serve. By doing so, we can deliver better programs and services across Niagara.
We welcome all applicants! For more information about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Niagara Region, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Niagara Region, Ontario or email related questions to diversity@niagararegion.ca. To send input on reducing barriers in the current hiring process, please email myhr@niagararegion.ca
For the Region’s full employee equity statement, Working at Niagara Region - Niagara Region, Ontario.

DON’T HAVE EVERY QUALIFICATION?

You may be hesitant to apply if you do not have every qualification listed in the posting. While specific qualifications are important for certain roles, we invite individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience and education to apply. Our recruiters will evaluate your suitability for the role.
Please note that for unionized roles, we must follow collective agreement requirements. However, we encourage all interested candidates to submit their applications. We believe success in a role can extend beyond meeting every single requirement.

JOB SUMMARY

Salary Pending Review
Reporting to the Director of Transportation Services, the Associate Director of Traffic Systems & Operations is responsible for the overall management of the Traffic Systems and Operations section, including the development and implementation of policies related to road user safety, intelligent transportation systems and traffic operations (signals, signs & pavement markings), to ensure legislative compliance, effective and efficient operational performance, customer satisfaction and the safe movement of people and goods on the Regional Road network.

EDUCATION

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Civil or Electrical Engineering or a related discipline is required.
• An equivalent combination of education, experience and qualifications may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE

• 10 years of experience in municipal traffic systems and operations, traffic signal design, installation and maintenance and traffic signage and pavement marking, including at least 5 years in a management capacity.
• Licensed as a Professional Engineer (P. Eng) with the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) OR Certification with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) as a Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.).
• International Municipal Signals Association (IMSA) Level II Certification in Signals, Signs, Marking and Roadway Lighting.
• Progressive experience in the application of engineering theories, practices and trends to manage large contracts and projects, including reviewing, approving and implementing work plans and project budgets.
• Demonstrated financial management knowledge and experience in developing, implementing and monitoring operational and capital budgets.
• Demonstrated experience (5-10 years) in preparing and issuing requests for proposals, quotations, prequalification and tenders for the procurement of supplies (including preparing specifications) and retention of consultant and contractor services.
• A demonstrated record of strong leadership and guidance, team advocacy, staff delegation, empowerment, staff development and results orientation.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Highway Traffic Act, Employment Standards Act, Occupation Health and Safety Act, the Ontario Traffic Manuals, Minimum Maintenance Standards, AODA and Environmental Assessment Act.
• Significant knowledge of traffic signal design, operations and maintenance.
• Comprehensive knowledge of project management methodology based on PMI (or equivalent) project management techniques.
• Knowledge of project development, scheduling, monitoring, and control systems.
• Project Management professional (PMP) designation is preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must maintain ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business purposes.
• After hours support during inclement weather is a requirement.
• May be required to support emergency operations under the incident management structure, at the direction of the Emergency Operations Centre Director.
• Regional staff strive to enable the strategic priorities of council and the organization through the completion of their work. Staff carry out their work by demonstrating the corporate values.

MANAGES PEOPLE RESOURCE PLANNING FOR THE DIVISION OR OPERATING UNIT, DETERMINING IDEAL ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURES, IDENTIFYING DESIRABLE ROLE AND SKILL MIX REQUIREMENTS AND ENSURING ONGOING WORK QUALITY AND DELIVERABILITY OF RESULTS. (30% OF TIME)

• Enables results with the organization’s human capital strategy to foster employee engagement.
• Directs and provides leadership for the activities and coaching of direct reports, providing work direction, setting priorities, assigning tasks/projects, determining methods and procedures to be used, resolving problems, ensuring results are achieved, and managing staff recruitment, performance, and skill development activities.
• Ensures alignment and coordination of activity and quality of output between teams under their direction.
• Ensures focus is service excellence, communication/transparency, innovation, and data integrity and work flow integration.
• Ensures staff has the information and resources to make successful plans and decisions.
• Ensures all people related issues, including recruitment, grievances and labour relations issues, are aligned to HR and Corporate standards and practices.
• Helps to break down barriers to employee success, ensuring collaboration and cooperation with other teams within their division and department.
• Ensures Occupational Health & Safety policies, programs and practices are implemented, and maintained. This includes workplace inspections, monitoring, accident reporting and investigations, and ensuring any observed hazards or lapses in the functioning of OH&S processes, and other OH&S concerns are responded to promptly.
• Ensures all individuals under supervision have been informed of hazards and instructed on the necessary risk control and emergency response measures.
• Monitors performance and quality of services provided by contractors, consultants and suppliers, managing work expectations, reviewing payments, and taking appropriate action in dealing with non-performance/ noncompliance, to ensure that the work program as developed for the traffic systems and operation capital budget is properly undertaken.

DEVELOPS, MANAGES AND ADMINISTERS ANNUAL AND MULTI-YEAR CAPITAL AND OPERATING BUDGETS FOR THE DIVISION, ENSURING SUPPORT OF COUNCIL’S OBJECTIVES, FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY, BUDGET ADHERENCE, IDENTIFYING AND EXPLAINING VARIANCES, AND FINANCIAL REPORTING IS EFFECTIVELY MANAGED IN COMPLIANCE WITH CORPORATE FINANCIAL POLICIES. (10% OF TIME)

• Authorizes, and administers the acquisition of goods and services for the operating unit and direct reports in accordance with the procurement policy and procedures.
• Optimizes grant opportunities through all levels of government.

ENHANCES SERVICE EFFECTIVENESS THROUGH SUPERIOR PUBLIC SECTOR ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND AS SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM MEMBER. (10% OF TIME)

• Directs and manages service delivery of major program initiatives within the Traffic Systems and Operations unit, using best practices in service delivery and continuous improvement.
• Develops and leads special studies, projects and other policy reviews within Transportation Services and in cross-departmental teams; developing project specific strategies and methodologies (as required).
• Represents the Department in traffic operations/safety matters before the Ontario Municipal Board, Council, area municipalities and external interested parties.
• Develops and maintains relationships with staff across the corporation, all levels of government and other organizations to support core objectives of the corporate, department and divisions strategic business plans, understand customer/service delivery needs, improve systems and processes and ensure effective communication of information.
• Liaises with other government agencies, manufacturers and suppliers of operating and maintenance materials and services.
• Attends, and chairs (as necessary), technical and management committees as a representative of the Division, Department or Region.
  Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.