Project Engineer - Dam Safety

Summary

The Capital Regional District (CRD) serves as the regional government for 13 municipalities and three electoral areas across the stunning southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. We offer a workplace where employees can reach their full potential, engage in meaningful work, and build lasting connections with colleagues and communities.

Infrastructure & Water Services plays a vital role in ensuring safe drinking water and fostering a resilient water supply, alongside the efficient management of the region’s wastewater systems. The CRD is embarking on exciting initiatives such as the Regional Water Supply Master Plan and the Core Area Wastewater Program—projects that will shape the future of water and wastewater services for generations to come. The Regional Water Supply Master Plan alone recommends critical projects to be implemented over the next 30 years, presenting significant opportunities for those committed to innovation, sustainability, and community impact.

If you're passionate about contributing to vital infrastructure projects, supporting operational efficiency, and enhancing the well-being of our communities, we invite you to join our team. Here, you'll be part of a group of dedicated professionals working on high-impact projects that make a tangible difference in the lives of the people we serve. Be part of something special—an opportunity to work in one of the most beautiful places on Earth while contributing to the future of water and wastewater services.

This position is accountable for dam safety and engineering related project work and is responsible for routine dam safety compliance activities, including surveillance of dams. The role supports the continued development and improvement of the IWS Dam Safety Program, and involves completing routine dam related activities, as well as leading projects to resolve dam safety related issues. The role supports the important need to build the resiliency of the IWS water supply dams and reduce risk against hazards. 

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs a wide range of project management, engineering tasks, and technical work in support of the IWS Dam Safety Program.
• Conducts dam safety related studies, assessments, and reviews, and assists with planning and prioritization of operating and capital dam projects.
• Works with staff and consultants, including liaising with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Collects, researches, analyzes, and studies technical dam information and performance data. Identifies unusual dam conditions and prepares responses and action plans.
• Performs and leads investigation of a variety of dam safety issues, including gathering information, consulting with external agencies, and identifying and selecting the preferred alternative for completing dam rehabilitation work.
• Coordinates, prepares and completes Dam Safety Program tasks, including:
  • Dam surveillance activities, including inspections.
  • Participating and leading related projects and initiatives.  
  • Preparation and updating of dam plans, manuals, and procedures. 
  • Supporting documentation of the formalized Dam Safety Management System.
  • Monitoring compliance with regulations, licenses and agreements.
  • Preparing and submitting documents to the Dam Safety Office.
• Provides professional certification of work within field of expertise including signing and sealing related design drawings and as-constructed drawings.
• Provides professional and technical expertise as well as guidance and direction.
• Updates  and  improves  the Dam Safety Management System and related tools and processes.
• Monitors and tracks financial aspects of projects, including budgets, review of invoices, and recommendations for payments. 
• Drafts staff reports, presents technical information and responds to related enquires. 
• Makes recommendations and supports decision making, including preparing action plans, and project plans.
• Implements dam projects from scoping through design, construction and  commissioning. 
• Provides project oversight and project management ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Provides contract administration duties, including: 
  • Prepares and reviews contract specifications, drawings, detailed cost estimates, requests for proposals, and tender documents.
  • Receives, evaluates and recommends acceptance or rejection of tenders and proposals.
  • Provides assistance, direction and clarification of contract intent to internal/external stakeholders.
  • Provides contract oversight and administration including overseeing, directing, liaising and negotiating with contractor and/ or consultants.    
• Reviews system operations and forecasts potential improvements prior to their need.
• Ensures current standards are adhered to for design, construction and operational matters.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge and uses experience to evaluate and/or implement engineering standards and practices in compliance with federal and provincial guidelines and legislation.
• Follows all policies, procedures and standards of the CRD.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Additional Information

• None

Key Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal and team-building skills are required.
• Detailed knowledge of embankment dam design, including knowledge of surveillance systems and performance monitoring.
• Demonstrated experience with high-risk type infrastructure, preferably large dams.
• A thorough knowledge of standards, materials, methods of construction and design, contract administration and engineering operations.
• Demonstrated experience with project management and project oversight working with complex and diverse initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience with contract management including providing direction and oversight while ensuring standards and expectations are met.
• Knowledge of and ability to use various computer word processing, spreadsheet and project scheduling programs and databases.
• Excellent presentation skills with demonstrated ability to communicate complex, technical information to non-technical and technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge and understanding of WorkSafeBC practices/protocols, Workers' Compensation Act and OHS Regulations and other relevant safety statutes.
• Knowledge of federal/provincial/municipal regulations, legislation, codes, standards and guidelines related to dams and water.

Qualifications

Certifications