Inspector, Drainage Systems Maintenance and Operation

JOB SUMMARY

The Municipal Drainage unit is responsible for the operations of the Agricultural, Rural and Urban Drainage Programs in accordance with the Drainage Act, City policies, and other relevant legislation, which includes ensuring that the City’s surface water conveyance and drainage system infrastructure are properly maintained and do not pose any potential risks to the public, private property, to the City or to the environment; overseeing the administration of consulting and construction contracts; creating information tools to ensure dissemination of drainage related information and conducting public meetings; and assisting in the resolution of disputes between landowners with respect to drainage issues. 

You are responsible for the inspection and resolution of several concurrent service requests, complaints, and capital projects involving the repair and maintenance of various aspects of the extensive urban drainage system and storm water management system. You supervise and inspect contractor work to ensure conformance with contractual requirements by: coordinating site work activities of general contractors, consultants, utility companies, survey crews, and city operational crews; ensuring compliance of proper contract specifications as well as provincial and municipal by-laws and codes; preparing and completion of as built drawings and summary records; providing a point of contact for public; and fielding inquiries and complaints to ensure minimum disruption.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 2 year community college diploma as a Civil Engineering Technician or directly related field

Minimum of 7 years of relevant construction inspection experience in the field of construction, municipal, structural or development projects including demonstrated communication abilities

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES

KNOWLEDGE

• Basic principles of sewer, water, drainage structures and systems construction practices, procedures, lot grading and surveying techniques
• Awareness of project management concepts
• City of Ottawa standards and specifications
• MNR, CA, DFO, MOE and other related agency regulations
• City of Ottawa Drainage, Property Standards, Sewer and Water By-lays and Permits
• Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations for Construction Projects for Ontario
• Working knowledge of applicable occupational health and safety legislation (emergency first aid, WHMIS, confined space)

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Conflict resolution/problem solving techniques
• Must be able to cope with irate members of the public
• Must be diplomatic and assertive when dealing with members of the public and elected officials
• Must show tact and compassion when dealing with residents and their private property
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with stakeholders including the public
• Read and interpret municipal engineering drawings and to translate this understanding to monitor materials, quantities and construction activities
• Prepare clear and detailed reports of contractor activities
• Safety conscious in a construction related environment
• Perform arithmetic calculations
• Work with basic survey equipment
• Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software such as Microsoft
• Operate a vehicle
• Work well under pressure
• Effective interpersonal relationship with supervisors, subordinates and the public
• Diplomacy, discretion and tact; trustworthy
• Willingness and desire to help residents solve drainage related issues
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work in situations of potential conflict
• Working with minimal supervision
• Effective team player and cooperative
• Attention to detail
• Physical ability to perform all aspects of the position
• Willingness to work hours suiting contractor’s schedule or particular project requirements with occasional requirement for nights and week-end work
• Working in various weather and environments