POSITION OVERVIEW:
- Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Director of Public
Works and Community Services is a key member of Central Elgin's Senior
Leadership Team. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for
all municipal public works and community services, including roads, bridges,
water/wastewater, waste management, municipal facilities, parks, beaches,
trails and fleet. You'll lead a diverse team, oversee significant capital
projects, manage budgets, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive long-term
asset management and strategic planning. This position is vital in delivering
high-quality, efficient services that enhance the quality of life for Central
Elgin residents, aligning with Council's priorities and fostering strong
community relationships.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Departmental Leadership & Management: Provides overall leadership to the
Department, including operational oversight and direct supervision, coaching,
mentoring, and motivating staff. Accountable for recruitment, selection,
planning work schedules, assigning and monitoring work, performance
management, providing training and development opportunities, ensuring a
healthy and safe workplace, fostering a positive employee experience, and
interpreting and applying employment legislation, human resources policies,
and collective agreements. Oversees external consultants, contractors, and
suppliers as applicable.
- Strategic Planning & Objective Setting: Establishes Department objectives in
consultation with the Chief Administrative Officer and in accordance with
Council direction. Leads the implementation of the Municipality’s strategic
plan, budgeting, and business plan activities for the Department. Develops
and prioritizes maintenance and construction projects for planning and
budgeting.
- Performance Monitoring & Enhancement: Regularly reviews, assesses, and
reports on departmental objectives and performance, devising, identifying,
and implementing strategies for continuous performance enhancement.
- Financial Oversight: Responsible for the development and oversight of the
Department's operating and capital budgets, including forecasting staffing,
equipment, materials, and supplies. Monitors and approves expenditures,
ensuring compliance with all relevant financial statutory and regulatory
requirements. Identifies and tracks grants and subsidies from various
federal, provincial, and other sources, preparing and submitting applications
where appropriate.
- Council & Stakeholder Engagement: Attends Committees, Council, and other
meetings, preparing and presenting reports, recommendations, formal
presentations, and responding to questions and inquiries as required.
- Continuous Improvement & Customer Service: Regularly reviews and evaluates
Department administrative and service delivery processes with a focus on
continuous improvement and customer service excellence
- Inter-Departmental & External Collaboration: Collaborates with other
Departments and, as a representative of the Municipality, liaises and
communicates with external stakeholders, including other governments,
agencies, residents, and elected officials, responding to inquiries to
advance the business of the Municipality.
- Policy & Procedure: In consultation with the CAO, Department management, and
other Departments, recommends, develops, and implements Department
operational procedures, policies, standards, by-laws, and work methods in
accordance with relevant legislation, best practices, and industry standards.
- Professional Development & Industry Awareness: Demonstrates a commitment to
professional development and maintains relevant professional association
memberships. Maintains a keen understanding of best practices, trends, and
advances in the fields of Public Works and Recreation for possible
application at the Municipality.
- Emergency Management: Assumes response activities in accordance with the
Emergency Plan.
- Safety & Compliance: Follows all Municipality policies and procedures and
ensures all health and safety regulations are upheld.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
- Education:
- University Degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Public
Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field. A
Master's degree in a relevant discipline would be considered an asset.
- Alternatively, an equivalent combination of education, professional
development, and extensive progressive experience in a senior municipal
public works leadership role will be considered.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in a municipal
public works/operations environment, with at least 5 years in a senior
management or director-level role.
- Demonstrated experience in managing complex capital projects, operating
budgets, and multi-disciplinary teams.
- Strong understanding of water and wastewater treatment and
distribution/collection systems, roads and bridges construction and
maintenance, and municipal infrastructure asset management.
- Experience with parks, recreation, and facilities management is highly
desirable.
- Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Comprehensive knowledge of municipal operations, relevant legislation, and
industry best practices.
- Exceptional leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills with the
ability to motivate and develop staff.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to
prepare clear and concise reports and presentations.
- Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
- Proven project management and organizational skills, with the ability to
manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
- Sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Ability to work outside of regular business hours as required for
emergencies or meetings.
- Valid Ontario Class G Driver's License and access to a reliable vehicle.
- Working Conditions:
- Primarily office-based, with regular site visits to various municipal
facilities and project sites.
- May be exposed to varying weather conditions and construction site hazards
during site visits.
- On-call availability for emergencies may be required.
JOB SPECIFIATIONS
- Location: 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada
- Job Type Full-time, Permanent
- Rate of Pay: $145,001.19 to $172,620.46
- Hours of Work: The normal workweek consists of 40 hours; Monday to Friday.
You may be required to work outside and beyond the normal hours of work.
HOW TO APPLY
The Municipality of Central Elgin is an equal opportunity employer. The
Municipality of Central Elgin will attempt to provide reasonable accommodation
for known disability for an applicant or employee if requested
Personal information is collected pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of
Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used only to evaluate the
suitability of applicants for employment. Questions respecting the collection of
information should be directed to the CAO/Clerk of The Corporation of the
Municipality of Central Elgin.
