Utilities Kingston is unique in Ontario, combining water, wastewater, gas, electricity and telecommunications services in one company under the leadership of a single C.E.O. This shared services delivery model gives Utilities Kingston clear advantages in cost savings and customer service over other utility providers in the province. Utilities Kingston has provided the residents of Kingston with safe and reliable utility services for more than 150 years.

Primary Duties

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 in the organization. They ensure that the delivery of services is provided within the framework of approved policies, applicable standards, and regulations and where appropriate, provide guidance on discrepancies. Communication skills, written and verbal are essential for presenting information to influence and to gain collaboration where resources are needed to be marshalled. The Director ensures that the Utilities Engineering department is aware of corporate direction and expectations.

• Provide leadership, direction, and management of the Utilities Engineering department.
• Participates as an active team member on the Senior Leadership Team, developing corporate strategies, supporting team members with their initiatives, supporting corporate policies and programs by communicating positively and effectively with employees.
•  Provide leadership and direction on asset management activities within the engineering and the utility operations groups including data collection and analysis for each utility.
• Develop strategic long-range plans regarding infrastructure management consistent with capital budgets.
• Develop and monitor asset management performance metrics to ensure alignment with the strategic plan.
• Ensure appropriate resources are acquired and deployed to support work activities.
• 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.
• Collaborate with finance to coordinate multi-year, long term expenditure planning aligned with the asset management program while ensuring long term affordability based on revenues, debt burden etc. and monitor capital and operating budgets.
• 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.
•  Ensure appropriate and timely responses are provided to land development enquiries and applications submitted to the City of Kingston.
• Educate, guide and support Manager, Utilities Engineering in appropriate responses to various land development issues and assist in identifying appropriate solutions.
• On behalf of Utilities Kingston, resolve or communicate specific positions on matters affecting land development.
•  Represent Utilities Kingston interests and provide utility information from preliminary contact to property sale for economic development proposals in the City of Kingston.
•  Ensure the Senior Leadership Team/CEO are kept informed of emerging issues/legislation and progress on key work plan/strategic plan items.
•  Foster engagement and a positive work environment and ensure transparency and consistency in dealing with staff.
• Provide guidance and leadership to engineering management team regarding annual performance and compensation cycle planning, and employee issues.
•  Develop and support the ongoing development of leadership skills in engineering management team, cognizant of succession planning and long-range goals.
• 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