Design Engineering Technologist

11549BR

Design Engineering Technologist

Job Posting

The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is inviting applications for the permanent, full-time position of Design Engineering Technologist in the Design & Asset Management group of Public Works.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

This position reports to the Supervisor, Design Engineering Technologist, and is responsible for preparing designs and providing expert knowledge in the field of civil/municipal engineering. The position is required to review existing conditions related to the upgrading and enhancement of municipal infrastructure, and to provide insight, judgement and technical expertise in the development of feasible design solutions. The Design Engineering Technologist works on a variety of municipal infrastructure designs including new construction and rehabilitation of streets, storm sewers, bridges, retaining walls, sidewalks, curbs, pavement (resurface, renewal, recycled, etc.), guiderails, traffic improvements, active transportation facilities, parking lots and trails.

The Design Engineering Technologist works in a team environment with a Design Engineer and is responsible for researching project background, establishing design parameters and alternatives, preparing complex engineering designs and specifications, estimating project costs, producing record drawings, providing technical and engineering expertise to internal and external contacts, and tendering / awarding of projects ranging in value from several thousand to several million dollars.

The Design Engineering Technologist must possess a strong background in civil/municipal engineering design practices, and must have the ability to operate, maintain and customize procedures for the civil engineering design software, with a high level of proficiency in Autodesk Civil 3D.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Formulates the scope and design requirements for identified capital projects from record information, site visits and collaboration with interest holders.
• Apply municipal design guidelines and policies to develop and produce designs for capital projects.
• The Technologist assesses survey and soil/asphalt investigation results, conducts additional site investigations and analyzes relevant field information, reviews survey data and analyzes existing topography to develop effective design alternatives, establishes horizontal and vertical alignment, prepares detailed engineering drawings, quantities and specifications and administers design review processes.
• The Engineering Design group is a team of approximately 30 people who design approximately $100 million worth of construction work per annum.
• Supports procurement activities including advertisement, requisition of funds, obtaining approvals from interest holders and preparing tender documents for delivery to Procurement.
• Responds to design related tender inquires and coordinates the issuance of addendums when required.
• Maintains project documentation and provides thorough project information to Construction Services.
• Evaluates tender bids for accuracy and conformity to HRM requirements. This involves producing a detailed spreadsheet summarizing unit prices bid and unit prices estimated, ensuring that the calculated totals are correct, and analyzing the bids for unbalanced bidding and bid irregularities.
• Prepares Council, CAO and Director Award Reports to address project background, bids received, Local Improvement Charges applicable and recommendation to award tender. This includes obtaining availability of funds confirmation and stakeholder approvals and detailing budget implications. This may also involve determining cost sharing and obtaining final agreement of cost sharing with outside agencies.
• Represents the department at pre-construction and on-site meetings with Construction Inspectors, Contractors, Utility representatives, elected officials and members of the public as required.
• Provides detailed information, technical advice, interpretations and general advice to inquires from the general public, elected officials, government agencies, consultants, contractors and other HRM departments as required regarding Capital Projects.
• Performs an integral role in the production of record drawing information.
• Keeps current with ongoing adaptations to design software and industry standards.
• Evaluates civil engineering design software and makes recommendations to senior staff for purchasing.
• Installs, implements, customizes and provides support and guidance for civil engineering design software.
• Develops standards and procedures for computer-aided design software to be implemented in the Municipal Service Systems Design Guidelines and used as the standard for all municipal engineering projects within the HRM.
• Consults with software developers/experts to problem solve and stay current with ongoing advancements in software.
• Provides technical expertise and training for civil engineering design software.
• Evaluates, assesses and makes recommendations for new infrastructure.
• Creates, monitors and maintains essential databases used by technical staff for project coordination, project status reports, cost estimating, time reporting, and unit price summary.
• Reviews and critiques proposed changes to HRM engineering standards, policies, or details.
• Reviews geotechnical test results in conjunction with the final selection of the upgrade strategy.
• Manages a technical library.
• Provides technical guidance and assistance to design colleagues and other HRM departments.
• Other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:

• Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology.
• Minimum of six years of civil/municipal engineering work experience.
• Preferably registered as a Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) with TechNOVA (or eligible).
• Have civil engineering design software training from a recognized program or a suitable combination of training and experience.
• A valid NS Class 5 Driver’s License (or equivalent) and access to a reliable vehicle is an asset, as travel within the HRM is required for business purposes.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• High level of expertise in civil engineering design software, preferably Autodesk Civil 3D.
• High level of expertise in computer-aided design, preferably AutoCAD.
• Strong knowledge of the HRM Municipal Services Systems design guidelines and/or other design guidelines necessary to carry out accurate civil engineering designs.
• Proficient in the design and preparation of municipal and civil engineering drawings.
• Proficient in estimating quantities of materials, unit costs, and total costs of municipal projects.
• Strong knowledge of HRM Contract and Specifications for Municipal Services and Nova Scotia Road Builders Standard Specifications for Municipal Services.
• Knowledge of Provincial/Federal regulations and guidelines affecting municipal designs.
• Proficient in spreadsheet, email software and word processing computer applications.
• Sound working knowledge of GIS.
• Effective communication capabilities including writing and speaking skills.
• Reviews and assesses compliance and implications of predesign strategies as outlined in the capital budget program versus final detailed design.
• The Engineering Technologist must have a clear understanding of municipal guidelines and specifications. In some rehabilitation circumstances, the guidelines cannot be feasibly achieved. The Engineering Technologist must be cognizant of physical and financial constraints and must use judgement to determine the optimum design solution.
• Independently reviews and assesses requested changes to civil/municipal engineering designs and determines scope of potential revisions for approval by the Design Engineer.
• Prepares and finalizes details of contract documents including information to tenderers, form of tender and form of agreement.
• Evaluates engineering software and make recommendations for purchasing based on engineering design requirements.
• Evaluates and defines standards and procedures for computer-aided design software.
• Determines required revisions to HRM Specification Document and manages ongoing adaptations.
• Supports the Active Transportation group in the assessment and design of upgrades/new Active Transportation facilities.
• Ensures technical reference materials are available and up to date for fellow Public Works staff.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.