Director of Public Works & Engineering

Director of Public Works and Engineering

The District of Vanderhoof, ( www.vanderhoof.ca ) known as the “Geographic centre of British Columbia, is situated in the fertile Nechako Valley at the junction of the Nechako and Stuart rivers. Home to approximately 8000 urban and rural district residents, it’s surrounding pristine lakes and rolling countryside offers an abundance of year-round outdoor activities for the discerning recreation enthusiast. This “safe and can-do community” is strategically located one hour from Prince George, a major transportation hub. Amenities include, top-flight healthcare, excellent elementary and secondary education, a strong industrial base, and an abundance of shopping and ancillary services seldom offered in smaller rural communities. Known and well respected for their balanced growth strategies, the District of Vanderhoof recognizes the importance of delivering the very best of services to our residents and visitors and as such is looking to attract an accomplished municipal executive as Director of Public Works and Engineering.
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, as Director of Public Works and Engineering, you will oversee the strategic planning, direction, and integration of all aspects of the Public Works Department operations, maintenance, and capital upgrades of municipal infrastructure, including streets, sidewalks, parks, arena, water, storm water and wastewater systems, equipment, and fleet. As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will ensure continuous operation and services to the public, such as garbage collection, transit, and snow clearing services, as well as the maintenance and upkeep of District facilities such as the cemetery, airport, district owned buildings and properties.
As the ideal candidate you will have:
➢ A bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering sciences, construction management, public administration, or closely related field, from an institution accredited in Canada with five (5) years of management and supervisory experience in the Public Works field and within a unionized environment.
➢ Engineering experience within Municipal Government, Regional District or a Consulting setting.
➢ Significant experience in construction, operation and maintenance of public works infrastructures, administrative ability; and supervisory experience, skilled in public presentations, coordination, and negotiations.
➢ Experience with tendering, and contract management.
➢ Project management, asset management and general infrastructure planning experience.
➢ A strong working knowledge of theory, principles, practices and techniques of public works, traffic engineering, municipal water and sewers engineering, and public works and utilities and facilities maintenance functions.
➢ Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
➢ Strong communication skills both oral and written.
➢Experience balancing Council demands and directives with existing priorities and available resources.
➢Political astuteness.
➢A passion for growing, developing, and empowering staff.
➢Mentorship skills and a strong work ethic, fully understanding of the challenges facing progressive, modern day communities, coupled with a track record of demonstrating your capabilities as a senior executive.
➢A proven history of positively influencing a wide range of superiors, employees, and stakeholders.
➢ Creativity and seen as a strategic leader of high integrity who embraces and practices a customer service philosophy.
➢ A valid BC Driver’s Licence (minimum Class 5).
➢Been recognized as a catalyst for positive change within the workplace bringing enlightened executive leadership as well as strategic focus to existing operations.
➢ A good sense of humour.
This is an exceptional opportunity to impact and shape the future of the District of Vanderhoof by joining a committed team of like-minded leaders. Candidates are invited to submit their resume in confidence quoting assignment DPWE to grantsmith@waterhousesearch.com.  For additional information, please contact Grant Smith at (604) 806-7715.

The District of Vanderhoof is an equal opportunity employer committed to establishing an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or any other basis protected by applicable law.

We sincerely thank all candidates for their interest however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.