Right of Way Contract Supervisor, Light Rail

JOB SUMMARY

The Right of Way (ROW) Contract Supervisor manages agreements, construction activities, projects, work and obligations relating to the O-Train (both Line 1 and Line 2) network’s ROW and adjacent properties, and:
 

• Reviews Proximity Studies submitted for development within or adjacent to the O-Train network’s ROW for impact on rail operations and safety, and/or to the integrity of the City’s rail facilities, properties and structures.

• Communicates and works closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure ongoing adherence to regulatory, legislative and operational standards and requirements. Ensures that all involved parties meet their obligations with respect to ROW access, permits, authorities, policies and agreements as they relate to the areas in and around the ROW. Monitors ongoing and compliance, obligatory requirements outlined in the project agreements, and service level agreements.

• Regularly meets with contractors and external organizations in-person and on-site to assess and develop standards and requirements for proceeding with work, projects, and construction activities in and around the ROW. Establishes and develops positive working relationships with internal and external contacts to promote collaboration and communication regarding work being conducted in or around the O-Train network’s ROW. Acts as a liaison between external stakeholders, the O-Train maintainers and Rail Operations with regards to work being completed in and around of the ROW. Works closely with other City of Ottawa departments as part of the permitting process to coordinate work and the activities along the ROW.

• Identifies, plans and implements improvements and recommends changes to ensure the ongoing protection and integrity of the rail system, vehicles, facilities, structures, and other assets, as well as the safety of all customers, employees, contractors, consultants, the public, and others. Actively monitors work being completed on-site and conducts inspections to ensure compliance with agreements, standards and legislation. Participates in project identification, prioritization and planning; completion of environmental impact assessments, compliance to regulatory and operational requirements, at all stages of the project lifecycle. Attends weekly maintenance meetings, provides updates on work being completed and planning for all maintenance activities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 4 year university degree in Business Administration, Transportation Planning or related field.

Minimum of 5 years of Contract and Project Management experience, preferably in rail or another mode of the transportation industry with demonstrated skills in supply management, project management and procurement, contract management, budget management, and performance and productivity evaluation.

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of the issues and principles pertaining to Light Rail and Transit Operations, including local government structure, and related Federal and Provincial legislation, regulations, standards, codes and by-laws relating to railway structures such as bridges and tunnels and railway operations 
• Possess an understanding of principles of evaluation methods/techniques and project risk management
• Knowledge of the principles of contract management
• Processes for preparing section and division budgets 
• SAP (Accounting and purchasing module) 
• Supply management and procurement processes including, but not limited to:
  • Processes for developing RFPs/RFTs 
  • Processes for tendering and contracting work
• Principles of project management, including monitoring, cost containment/control and reporting
• Rail operation activities including signalling, rail traffic control railway operating rules, railway governance, planning and scheduling principles
• Confined space legislation and work practices 
• Possess a good understanding of collective agreements and the transportation industry, preferably as they apply to light rail operations
• Risk management principles to ensure contractor safety in the rail corridors
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Proven ability to work independently, with minimum supervision, and collaboratively with all staff as part of a team  
• Possess organizational skills and flexibility to plan, organize and prioritize own work, act decisively, and deal effectively with multiple demands, conflicting/shifting priorities, pressures and deadlines
• Able to draft RFPs, select the most appropriate bidder, track the contract obligations to expected conclusions, evaluate productivity and efficiency, and assess contractor performance  
• Able to manage and complete concurrent complex, multi-million dollar, contracts/projects according to schedule and within budget
• Oversee the activities of technical staff, consultants, contractors, and integrate activities with other levels of governments, railroads and external agencies
• Able to create and amend agreements
• Able to establish and maintain an efficient network of contacts
• Able to prepare, defend and control budgets
• Possess computer literacy in MS Office Suite in a Windows environment, including use of the intra/Internet 
• Able to communicate effectively, mediate and negotiate persuasively 
• Possess excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills
• Able to think analytically, and concentrate/focus on accuracy and detail 
• Able to demonstrate sound judgement
• Able to act courteously and exercise tact and diplomacy
• Innovative and able to demonstrate a results-oriented approach to problem solving
• Possess maturity, patience, tact, integrity 
• Flexible and able to deal with contentious issues/situations 
• Possess a work record of good attendance and job performance