Director of Operations

at  Town of Osoyoos

KEY SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Applicable federal, provincial, and local regulations governing water operations and environmental compliance;
• Safety precautions and occupational hazards in the use of equipment; safe work methods and practices;
• Leadership skills: Generating positive attitude in others, respect, trust, conflict resolution, courtesy, written and oral communication including listening, commitment, teamwork, co-operative, flexible, high degree of integrity;
• Public contracting and contract management;
• Mathematical and related techniques used to estimate material needs and their costs;
• Operate a computer and applicable software, including word processing and spreadsheet software;
• Provide technical and professional leadership and direction;
• Interact and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Critical thinking/creative problem solving, accountable, responsive, customer service;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with politicians, municipal staff, outside agencies, and the public;
• Compose and present reports, proposals, and policies.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or related field;
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in public works management in a municipal environment or a comparable work experience in the private sector;
• A Certified Applied Science Technologist Diploma or Professional Civil Engineering Diploma from a recognized educational institution combined with significant time in municipal management may be considered as an equivalent.
• Several years of progressively responsible municipal experience, including personnel management in a unionized setting, and high-level experience in managing the operations functions of a local government.

EXPERIENCE:

• In-depth knowledge of municipal infrastructure, road maintenance, water and waste water management, solid waste management, and project management;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Considerable knowledge of local government public works departments;
• Sound working knowledge of engineering, budgeting, and costing procedures;
• Experience assisting with emergency programs;
• Ability to interpret, comprehend, and manage engineering design plans, contracts, and project specifications;
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and implement maintenance programs;
• Ability to write concise, clear technical documents and plans (including solid waste management plans, infrastructure plans, airport master plan, and facilities management plans);
• Proficient computer and software skills, and knowledge of office practices, procedures, and equipment required to produce publishable reports and documents;
• Strong organizational skills to effectively complete, deliver, and prioritize tasks and responsibilities, including coordinating projects involving multiple departments and agencies, to meet deadlines and priorities.

• Works with the CAO and Council to develop departmental goals and objectives, including short and long term as it relates to the responsibilities of the Operational Services Department;
• Plans, develops, administers, and manages contracts for capital works projects;
• Reviews plans and drafts Town bylaws that may have an effect on Operations works in general;
• Serving the organization and leading a skilled and diverse team of exempt and unionized employees, by demonstrating adherence to legislative and regulatory requirements and industry best practices;
• Ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements, create and implement documents and plans to ensure ongoing compliance with regulations from various authorities;
• In conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer, annually prepares an integrated five-year financial plan for the Operations components of the Town;
• Ability to manage external consultants, administer grant expenditure requirements from the funding agencies;
• Practice and adhere to WorkSafeBC and Town’s policies and procedures;
• Responsible for providing full management of staff including selection, promotion, development, standards, discipline, and performance reviews;
• Plans, coordinates, and directs the operations of the department;
• Directs and coordinates the provision of engineering services and consults in provision of required services;
• Directs the Town’s works programs and services. Ensures the appropriate standards and policies are established;
• Directs the preparation of annual and long-range operational planning and capital budgets for the Department, in accordance with approved guidelines;
• Monitors and controls departmental spending to ensure effective and efficient expenditure of allocated funds, within the approved budget;
• Directs the department’s safety program and regular safety meetings and establishes policies for risk management and inspections;
• Attends meetings of Council as requested;
• Prepares reports and recommendations for the CAO and any relevant committees;
• Provides input to the preparation of development agreements; reviews and provides input for utilities and other public works functions for various stages of subdivision developments;
• Ensures that staff obtain appropriate training and supervisory skill development;
• Liaise with appropriate government departments and agencies regarding financial assistance for various construction and operational programs administered by the department;
• Serves as a representative on behalf of the Town to external boards, committees, or meetings as directed by the CAO;
• Responds to public inquiries and complaints according to approved procedures;
• Directs the preparation of policies and procedures for the department;
• Performs other related duties as required by the CAO.