Project Officer/Engineer- Second DGR Project

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel inside a deep geological repository, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

The NWMO has been guided for more than 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Holders who are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for nuclear waste management. In 2024, the NWMO selected Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace as the potential hosts for the site for a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel.

This decision means our office and staff will, in the future, be relocating to Ignace, Ont., and the deep geological repository will be situated in the area of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace. Infrastructure planning and development are underway to support this transition and ensure that both the community and our employees are well served and supported, now and in the future.

In 2023, the NWMO took on the responsibility to manage intermediate- and non-fuel high-level radioactive waste in a deep geological repository. This work is separate and distinct from the work the NWMO has led since 2002. As a result, we have begun to plan for a second deep geological repository to safely manage this waste for the long term. This Project Officer/Engineer role will support the work associated with the new mandate.

Project Officer/Engineer – Second DGR Project

One (1) Position Available – Fulltime

Position Location: Toronto Head Office – 22 St. Clair Avenue East
or Ignace, Ontario – 304 Main Street

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director, Project Management Office, the incumbent will provide project management and coordination for the Second DGR Project, a key initiative within NWMO governance. Working in a matrix organization, the incumbent will ensure deliverables for their assigned Projects are completed according to schedule, cost, scope, and quality requirements.

The Project Officer/Engineer will actively promote and support a strong safety culture within the NWMO and ensure Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) requirements are met or exceeded.

Responsibilities

• Undertake and be responsible for overall project planning and monitoring including responsibilities for developing and managing schedule, scope, cost, and quality to achieve project expectations.
• Develop and maintain key project management documents, such as charters, execution plans, scopes of work, risk registers, KPIs, and schedules, in line with project governance.
• Promote and support a strong safety culture within the NWMO and ensure HSE requirements are met or exceeded.
• Interact with internal stakeholders to understand their needs and requirements and prepare/maintain a compliance matrix to ensure all requirements identified during scope definition are complied with.
• Develop project execution strategies and plans including objectives and scope definitions, cost estimates, schedules, and related plans, in accordance with applicable project management governance. Develop reports and dashboards to report on Project status and progress as required.
• Monitor compliance of Project internal and contracted projects to applicable Project standards, practices, QA/QC policies, performance standards and specifications.
• Review detailed cost variance reports provide explanation and recommendation for over and under expenditures and take corrective action when required.
• Support contract administration for projects with suppliers/consultants that support project delivery. This involves meeting with external parties to confirm requirements, review progress, address deviations from plans (including budgets and schedules), and obtain cooperation; ensuring compliance with contract administration processes like change control and dispute resolution; reviewing progress reports and providing advice and assistance to other team members concerning project procedures as required.
• Assist with the development and continuous improvement of PMO business processes and procedures to enhance quality, efficiency, and output.
• Communicate regularly with internal stakeholders and other designated contacts within the NWMO to understand competing priorities.
• Provide advice and assistance to other team members concerning project procedures as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• A four-year bachelor’s degree in an appropriate engineer or science field or an equivalent level of education.
• Requires strong theoretical and practical technical knowledge in engineering or science encompassing subject areas relevant to best practices related to planning, execution, controls, and the closing out of assigned projects.
• A period of over 8 years is considered necessary to gain this experience.
• Experience with full project lifecycle and contract management. This experience should include the management of complex technical projects from concept through to operations and managing the technical aspects of field projects.
• Comprehensive knowledge of conceptual planning in all phases of design and multidisciplinary experience in overseeing design requirements (focus on owners’ design, operational and maintenance needs embedded in them).
• Requires knowledge of economics to provide cost estimates and cost trending concerning construction and operations.
• Requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communications skills to work with a wide variety of stakeholders and provide required reports
• Demonstrated ability to motivate, influence and obtain cooperation from a diverse group of internal and external project stakeholders to achieve the agreed goals and objectives of the project.
  • Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team and to interact effectively with project staff.
  • Experience establishing effective working relationships with contractors and consultants, to resolve issues arising in contracts. Good negotiating skills required when dealing with contract changes and adherence to contract terms and conditions.
  • Excellent planning and organizational skills with keen attention to detail, problem-solving skills decisiveness, and sound judgement

Other Information

• P.Eng certification is an asset.
• A PMP certification is an asset

Must be eligible to work in Canada and must be able to meet security clearance requirements.

NWMO currently operates in a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office (Tuesdays being universal) and 2 days working from home.

Candidates residing in the Greater Toronto Area: Office Location – 22 St. Clair Avenue East until their role is required to relocate.

We offer a competitive base salary, health care benefits and a defined benefit pension plan.

The NWMO is committed to contributing to Reconciliation in all its work by co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being. As an employment equity employer, NWMO actively seeks Indigenous Peoples, members of visible minorities, women, people with disabilities, and additional diverse identities for our workforce. The NWMO will provide accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation, please contact us.

As an employment equity employer, NWMO actively seeks Indigenous Peoples, members of visible minorities, women, people with disabilities, and additional diverse identities for our workforce.