Manager, Engineering (Utilities)

The Municipality of North Cowichan (population 31,990) is located in the beautiful Cowichan Valley on Southern Vancouver Island, between Nanaimo and Victoria. Our communities of Chemainus, Crofton, Maple Bay and the South End are home to a multitude of artistic, cultural and outdoor recreational activities. The Municipality provides a stable and varied work environment, competitive pay and benefits.

We are seeking a technically strong, solutions-oriented Manager, Engineering (Utilities) to manage the planning and delivery of water and sanitary infrastructure projects and related services. If you are self‑motivated, looking to take on a new challenge where you can make a difference, enjoy both responsibility and accountability with one of British Columbia's most inclusive and environmentally conscious municipalities, we look forward to receiving your application!

This position will focus on the short, medium, and long‑term planning and delivery of water and sanitary utilities infrastructure. It supports the infrastructure design and construction section and the Operations department with the operation and maintenance of all water and sanitary assets. This role includes reviewing and interpreting condition and capacity data, asset condition ratings, failure history, study recommendations, and field‑based insights to inform maintenance, replacement, upgrade, and new capital projects. The position also supports the development of cost estimates, evaluates financial impacts on reserves and taxation, reviews of land development application referrals, and responds to various inquiries and service requests. The role manages assigned staff to support effective and accountable service delivery.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Water and sanitary infrastructure planning, including the project management of capital projects from concept through delivery (including scheduling, annual/capital budgeting, risk management, and leading project meetings).
• Asset management processes.
• Conceptual and preliminary design of infrastructure.
• Coordination of inspection and condition assessment programs to inform infrastructure planning and asset renewal strategies.
• Assessments for land development applications.
• Review and management of consultant projects.
• Master planning and prioritization of infrastructure projects to inform the capital budgets and plans.
• Review and respond to service requests including field investigations and technical analysis.
• Receive, investigate, and respond to inquiries and complaints, ensuring information is clear, timely, and consistent with municipal policies and standards.
• Management of direct reports, including assignment, review of work, setting priorities, and providing ongoing performance feedback and support.
• Other duties may be assigned from time to time as required.

Required Skills, Qualifications and Abilities:

1. Qualifications:
   1. Completion of a post‑secondary degree in civil engineering or a related field.
   2. Registered (or eligible for registration) as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng) with Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (EGBC). Applicants eligible for registration of P.Eng with EGBC but not yet registered will be required to register with EGBC within six (6) months as a condition of hire. An equivalent designation may be considered where it aligns with the scope of the position.
   3. Minimum of three (3) years of technical engineering experience. Experience in a municipal government setting is preferred. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
   4. Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience, preferably in a unionized environment, resulting in a demonstrable ability to lead effectively.
   5. Demonstrated knowledge of project management principles and practices; Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is considered an asset.
   6. Possession and maintenance of a valid Class 5 B.C. Driver's License; a satisfactory current driver's abstract will be required.
2. Skills:
   1. Demonstrable skills in project management, including the ability to coordinate multiple phases of engineering projects, manage consultants, and deliver work within budget and timeline.
   2. Demonstrable skill in identifying project risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
   3. Demonstrable skill in spreadsheet, word processing, database programs and computer file organization.
   4. Demonstrable advanced proficiency using AutoCAD, and the ability to use mapping and GIS programs in an engineering and asset management environment.
   5. Demonstrable proficiency with engineering and project planning software and related tools.
   6. Demonstrable skill in engineering/asset management planning.
   7. Good organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
   8. Demonstrable skills in cost estimating and budget tracking.
   9. Demonstrable skill in modelling and technical analysis would be an asset.
3. Abilities:
   1. Demonstrable ability to independently manage the full lifecycle of infrastructure projects – from planning and design through to delivery – by developing and executing comprehensive project plans (including scope, schedule, budget, and risk), coordinating cross‑functional teams and contractors, and ensuring accountability for cost, quality, and timelines.
   2. Understanding of servicing requirements and the ability to assess land development proposals.
   3. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and build effective working relationships.
   4. Demonstrable ability to keep accurate records and notes to prepare conceptual and preliminary drawings, other records, spreadsheets using Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and other programs.
   5. Independence of judgement and capacity of working with minimal supervision.
   6. Demonstrable ability to communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders, including staff, consultants, and members of the public.
   7. Demonstrable ability to prepare and present complex technical and financial materials to senior leadership and Council.

A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package is offered.

This position is excluded from union membership.

Candidates being considered will be required to undergo a comprehensive evaluation of skills, qualifications, and abilities. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a police information check.

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