Lead Hand, Roads

at  Region of Waterloo

Lead Hand, Roads
Job Number: 1706
Job Type: Temporary Full-Time
Temp Contract Length: 6 months
Location: 100 Maple Grove Rd - Regional Operations Centre
Job Category: Transportation
Number of Positions:1
Department: South Patrol Yard
Division: Transportation Services
Hours of Work: 40
Union: CUPE 1656
Posting Date: September 26, 2024
Grade: CUPE 1656 Grade 007
Salary Range: $36.46*
*Note: As per the collective agreement, probationary employees will receive 5% less than the regular permanent rate of the classification they are employed in, until the completion of four (4) months continuous service or eighty (80) actual days worked, whichever is the greater. They will then commence receiving the regular permanent rate.

ABOUT US!

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051. Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we focus on equity, inclusion, and sustainability. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core values emphasize caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.
Dish with One Spoon Wampum:

Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:

• Recognizing our shared humanity and land
• Taking only what we need
• Leaving some for others
• Keeping the dish clean

This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core values, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Ability to read and understand policy, procedural, and instructive material such as safety notices, equipment operation manuals, material safety data sheets, and product labels, and basic writing and math skills normally acquired through a Grade 12 education. Functional knowledge of, and demonstrated ability in, the proper operation and use of equipment related to own job duties and those of assigned crews, normally acquired through 3 years of directly related experience.
Leadership and human relations skills in order to plan, organize, direct, and coordinate crew activities, normally acquired through 2 years of related experience.
Functional knowledge of surveying procedures and ability to perform surveys related to roadway construction; and of proper use of concrete and its physical and chemical properties to complete concrete repairs and properly finish concrete surfaces. Functional knowledge of road building requirements, including cross sections, excavation, installation of road beds, side slopes, ditches, line, and grade.
Knowledge of Regional standards, policies, and practices, and Provincial and Federal legislation, including the Ontario Traffic Manual, Occupational Health & Safety Act, Highway Traffic Act, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, and related on-the-job training, (e.g., snowfighter II, first aid & CPR, defensive driving, confined space entry, spills management, propane handling, fire extinguisher, chainsaw operator, arbors course, electrical safety, bridge and culvert management, cutter/skidder, compressed gas, welding, and hot work permit, trenching safety, landscape equipment safety, hours of service regulations, forklift theory).
Ability to function effectively and safely in a variety of environmental conditions, including exposure to road and driving related hazards. Analytical and problem solving skills to coordinate and monitor multiple work tasks, and assist to resolve complex public works issues.
Computer skills with ability to use basic Microsoft Word, a maintenance management system (e.g., Hansen), weather monitoring software, road monitoring software (e.g., GIS), and time and attendance management system.
Valid class “D” driver’s licence with “Z” (Air Brake) endorsement and an acceptable driving record are required to operate Regional vehicles.
Ability to support and project values compatible with the organization and to participate as an effective team member.

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Internal 1656 applicants are required to submit a document with their name on it (or an optional resume). 1656 staff are encouraged to internally apply with an updated resume, especially for those job opportunities that are a promotional opportunity, so that their qualifications are appropriately captured during the screening phase.
The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. The Region of Waterloo invites applications from all qualified individuals. We are strongly committed to employment equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourage applications from Black, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.
The Region of Waterloo is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number (519) 575-4400, TTY number (519-575-4608) to request an alternate format.
Please note: candidates will be provided an update on their application Please check your spam or junk folder occasionally as some candidates have noticed our emails in those folders (Gmail and Hotmail in particular).

THE ROLE

Assigns, delegates, coordinates, directs, and oversees the performance of general roads maintenance on Regional roads and roadsides, including summer maintenance and winter snow and ice control, with particular emphasis on quality of work and performance of work crews.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists Area Supervisors to plan/schedule annual programs (e.g., road surfaces, shoulders, roadsides, drainage and structures, safety, winter maintenance). Coordinates day-to-day roads maintenance activities; determines employees/materials required; makes necessary arrangements (e.g., underground utility locates); prepares work schedules; assigns duties; ensures safety measures are followed; and reviews completed work. Completes, interprets, and sets up traffic protection plans and monitors crews’ adherence to same. Under the direction of the supervisor, appoints temporary work site lead hands to implement plans/direct crews as necessary.
Performs daily vehicle and equipment circle checks. Performs minor repairs or replacement of parts, as required (e.g., replace broken light bulbs/mirrors). Refers equipment problems identified by crews and advises supervisor or Fleet Services of requirements for service or repair. Adds grease and fluids (e.g., oil, windshield washer fluid), and checks and torques wheel lugs, as required. Cleans or assigns staff to clean interior and exterior of equipment, including underbody and engine area of salt trucks.
Operates tandem axle trucks, combination plow/wing units, and computerized material spreading unit for plowing, salting, and sanding operations in winter. Installs and removes snow plow equipment, (e.g., plow blades, harness, spreaders), checks blades for replacement and logs changes; and prepares same for storage. Performs minor repairs and replacement of parts (e.g., pins, blades, cables).
Completes brine usage reports and ensures crews record and submit same. Calibrates spreading unit as per road/weather conditions and refers issues for service or repair. Monitors material stock in salt domes, brine tanks, and equipment supplies and notifies supervisor for reordering.
Patrols roads year-round to monitor work performed by maintenance staff and contractors; identify and document hazards and immediate maintenance needs; and determine general maintenance needs and requirements. Reports issues to dispatch for work orders, and/or assigns to crew or reports to supervisor.
Patrols roads in winter to determine if plowing, salting, or other winter maintenance is required. Under the direction of the supervisor determines overtime according to the rotation schedule and advises if additional resources (e.g., equipment, staff, materials) are required. Monitors allowable driving hours of staff as to not exceed legislated limits.
Monitors and performs snow and ice control activities including maintaining winter drainage works and installing and removing snow fences. Monitors and documents winter damage caused by accidents (e.g., damaged guideposts, steel beams) for insurance claims. Answers questions and provides clarification for same. Operates snow blower, as required.
Monitors and performs concrete repairs (e.g., bridges, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, catchbasins, manholes); maintains and cleans off bridge decks and structural components; and installs culverts and other storm sewer components. Provides input to supervisor and project managers regarding water ponding on roadways. Occasionally inspects or cleans catchbasins and manholes with Water Services staff.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitors for and removes graffiti from Regional property. Ensures proper barriers are erected while cleaning to limit spread of chemicals and dust.
Monitors the operation of and operates trucks to haul material or equipment to work sites and events and to haul material and equipment from outside the Region as required.
Monitors and performs groundskeeping duties (e.g., grass cutting, bank removal, garbage removal, planting, felling and removing trees and brush) on Regional roadsides and properties. Coordinates removal of noxious weeds (e.g., poison ivy, giant hogweed, buckthorn) with Weed Inspector.
Monitors and performs general roads maintenance activities (e.g., hot/cold patching, dead animal/debris removal, guide rail/cable maintenance, drainage maintenance) on roads and roadsides as required. Assists supervisor to determine asphalt work to be contracted out.
Performs surveys to prepare for roadway construction and rehabilitation.
Operates vehicles and equipment, such as pickups, single axle and tandem axle dump trucks, chainsaws, brush chippers, tractor-loader, mowers, tractors, and loader to assist crews in performing annual program activities. Uses oxygen-acetylene torches to cut metal components on culverts, storm sewers, and plows.
Trains staff and recommends improvements to training programs regarding equipment use, techniques, and new technologies. Attends seminars and workshops to remain up-to-date and shares with staff. Recommends equipment and ideas for cost and safety improvements to supervisor.
Performs other related duties as assigned.