Associate Director - Waterworks Operation

Requisition ID: 42254 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function
The Waterworks Operations Branch is responsible for the construction, maintenance and operation of the city’s water utility to ensure the safe and secure supply of potable water to customers and fire-fighting flows for the Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services (VFRS).  The water system is comprised of transmission and distribution watermains, water service connections, water meters, water valves, fire hydrants, pressure reducing valves (PRV), the Dedicated Fire Protection System (DFPS) in False Creek and miscellaneous assets.  The Branch delivers maintenance and operational programs and capital programs and projects of varying scales.

The Associate Director, Waterworks Operation manages a staffing compliment primarily at the Manitoba Street works yard and provides managerial and professional leadership in the areas of planning, organizing and directing of operations in accordance with City Policies and Waterworks Standards and Procedures. Managing people, human resources and labour relations is a significant part of the job. The Associate Director works to promote a healthy and inclusive workplace culture with safety as a top priority for the Engineering Department and ensure employee and public safety through continuous improvement of its training and safety programs, review of emerging best practices and compliance with codes and regulations.

The position reports to the Director of Water & Utilities Management who reports to a Deputy General Manager of Engineering Services. The position leads and provides guidance to a management team made up of a combination of three (3) Superintendent II’s, seven (7) Superintendent I’s and an Administrative Manager, and a unionized operations group consisting of 150+ staff.  The position maintains a strong collaborative working relationship with internal and external staff including the Associate Director of Water Design, other Associate Directors in Engineering Services, and Metro Vancouver as required for the planning, constructing, and maintenance of the water system. Non Engineering partners include VFRS, Parks and Recreation, Real Estate and Facilities Management, Corporate Communications, Parks and Supply Chain.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Operational:

• Directs the operation and maintenance of the City’s water distribution system and water system capital construction projects delivered by City forces.
• Develops and implements short term and long term operational strategies, plans and targets ensuring alignment to the Strategic Plan; participate in the planning and coordination of capital projects.
• Enhances the economic viability of maintenance and construction activities by assessing current service models, identifying high value cost savings projects, developing business case proposals, and implementing strategies to optimize service.
• Fosters a culture of safety and drives continuous improvement of the branch’s safety programs and ensures compliance with Worksafe BC regulations and Corporate safety requirements.
• Collaborates with senior management and other partners on the implementation and monitoring of the objectives outlined in the Departmental and Corporate Strategic and Operational Plans. 
• Identifies risks and develops mitigation strategies to minimize potential impacts.
• Identifies, monitors and reports on key operational performance indicators for the branch. 
• Responds to inquiries from members of the public, Mayor and Council in a timely manner. Broadly represents the City when working with media relations on issues related to water construction work.
• Oversees research and preparation of reports, presentations and communications on behalf of the branch.  
• Identifies and facilitates partnership development opportunities with internal Divisions, other municipalities and external partners. Participate and support external agencies such as BCWWA and CWWA.
• Directs professional consultants as required for independent analysis of programs and operational support.
• Participates in Emergency Preparedness and Planning in addition to Emergency response with the EOC and Emergency Management Department.

Policy/Procedures: 

• Develops, implements and enforces construction and maintenance standards, policies and practices.
• Creates an environment that supports operational efficiency, compliance, risk mitigation, and the achievement of branch objectives.
• Develops new or improved policies and procedures that support best practices and ensure compliance with City Standards and Environmental Regulations.
• Inspects and reviews the work of the construction and maintenance crews.
• Leads Occupational Health and Safety initiatives, ensuring compliance and consistency to promote a strong culture of Health and Safety.

Financial Management: 

• Develops, recommends and administer the annual budgets of the branch. 
• Monitors and reports on key performance indicators to ensure financial objectives are met and compliance with City policies is achieved.
• Leads and oversee continuous improvement initiatives driving cost-effective capital and operating programs.
• Participates in the capital budget process and financial planning for multi-year activities as a member of the senior leadership team.

Human Resources: 

• Creates an environment of collaboration, teamwork and innovation. Provide coaching and mentorship in developing employees, and promote and establish strong, effective communications with staff.
• Identifies and co-ordinate professional development and succession planning initiatives, including completion of annual performance plan and performance review discussions with direct reports.
• Liaises with the various union representatives to build a positive culture and proactively address employee issues and grievances.  Negotiates Letters of Understanding with the Union relating to shift and operational changes. Participate in or provide guidance for Collective Agreement Negotiations.
• Oversees staffing levels (hiring), promotional competitions, classification reviews and organizational re-structuring.

Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications
Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in business or Engineering, or an Engineering Technologist diploma supplemented by business and technical courses and minimum of 10 years related experience managing in a unionized operations environment, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• A valid Class 5 British Columbia Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of water system operations and regulations, requirements and trends within the service area.
• Advanced knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety, rules, regulations and precautions related to the work and Worksafe BC regulations.
• Good knowledge of construction processes and maintenance and operational methods of water utility infrastructure.
• Good knowledge of management principles, policies and practices including recruitment and selection, leadership, performance, attendance management and collective agreements.
• Strong working knowledge of Collective agreements. 
• Sound knowledge of the City’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion programs.
• Excellent leadership skills in order to motivate, engage, develop, and mentor a large and effective operational work team.
• Excellent communication (oral and written), interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Skilled in conflict resolution and have the ability to identify potential pitfalls and problems areas.
• Ability to initiate and implement creative and innovative policy, procedure or process changes while ensuring buy-in from staff and other stakeholders. 
• Ability to lead a diverse and multi-disciplinary teams within a unionized environment.
• Ability to develop and implement plans that meet the needs of the organization and incorporate business vision, priorities, strategies, goals, emerging technologies, industry trends, and economic viability.
• Ability to create and manage department budgets, cost controls, scheduling and work planning.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, productive relationships at all levels in the organization and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects, programs and processes with competing schedules and resources.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite.  At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: Engineering Services (1300) 

Affiliation: Senior Exempt 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date:  November, 2024

Salary Information: Pay Grade RNG-121: $136,537 to $179,642 per annum

Application Close: October 6, 2024

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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