Director of Public Works

City of Fort St. John

Director of Public Works

Reg FT,  Exempt

Job No:  JP202669
Location:  Fort St. John

POSITION TITLE: DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS
TERM: Regular Full Time, Exempt 
SALARY: $145,039.50 - $161,155.00/year

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK
The Director of Public Works provides senior leadership and strategic direction for the City’s core infrastructure and operational services, including Roads and Transportation, Utilities, Civic Properties, and Fleet Services. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, the Director is accountable for the safe, reliable, and financially responsible delivery of essential public services, long-term asset stewardship, and capital infrastructure planning. The role ensures departmental activities align with Council priorities, legislative requirements, and organizational objectives, and provides professional advice on infrastructure risk, service delivery, capital investment, and emerging operational issues.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Reports to the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer and operates with a high degree of independence within established corporate policies and strategic direction.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises leadership and direction over all Public Works division staff as assigned.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Corporate Alignment

• Provides leadership in the development and implementation of long-term infrastructure strategies, operational plans, and service delivery models.
• Translates Council priorities and corporate objectives into actionable departmental plans and programs, and prepares reports, recommendations, and presentations to senior leadership and Council.

Operational Oversight & Service Delivery

• Directs and oversees the delivery of Public Works services, including Roads, Utilities, Civic Properties, and Fleet.
• Ensures services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in alignment with established service levels, corporate standards, and community expectations.

Financial & Resource Management

• Accountable for the development, administration, and control of operating and capital budgets.
• Ensures the effective and efficient use of financial, human, and physical resources, and monitors performance to meet fiscal objectives and organizational priorities.

Capital Projects & Asset Management

• Provides executive oversight for the planning, design, procurement, and delivery of capital infrastructure projects, and the lifecycle management of municipal assets. 
• Ensures projects are executed to meet safety, quality, regulatory, and value-for-money expectations.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensures departmental compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations, and corporate policies, including environmental, health and safety, and procurement requirements.
• Identifies operational, financial, and infrastructure risks and ensures appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented and communicated.

People, Labour & Organizational Leadership

• Provides leadership to managers and staff within the department, including recruitment, performance management, workforce planning, and succession development.
• Administers collective agreements and fosters a respectful, safe, and high-performance workplace culture that supports employee engagement and organizational effectiveness.

Stakeholder Relations & Communication

• Builds and maintains effective relationships with internal departments, external agencies, contractors, and the public.
• Ensures inquiries, complaints, and service issues are addressed in a timely, professional, and solution-focused manner, and represents the City in meetings, negotiations, and community engagements.

Digital Systems & Asset Data Management

• Provides departmental leadership and accountability for the effective use of digital asset management and work order systems supporting Public Works operations, including service request intake, work order planning and execution, and asset history tracking.
• Establishes expectations, processes, and performance standards for staff in the consistent use of service request and work order management tools.

NOTE: The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

CORE PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
Service Excellence – strives to provide responsive, respectful, and high-quality public service.
Resource Management – exercises responsible stewardship of public funds and ensures resources are used only where necessary, justified, and aligned with organizational priorities.
Leadership – provides professional recommendations and supports respectful implementation of corporate direction.
Innovation – respectfully challenges existing processes and identifies opportunities for improvement.

CORE COMPETENCIES
Communication – clearly conveys and receives information to meet the needs of others, including listening, interpreting, formulating, and delivering verbal, non-verbal, written, and electronic messages.
Teamwork – works cooperatively and productively with others to achieve results.
Problem Solving and Judgment – assesses options and implications in order to identify practical and effective solutions.
Results Oriented – understands what results are important and focuses resources to achieve outcomes aligned with organizational goals.
Adaptability – demonstrates the willingness and ability to work effectively through change.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY AND SKILLS

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal public works, utilities, or infrastructure operations, including significant senior leadership responsibility.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License.
• Ability to pass and maintain a Police Information Check.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing regulated utility systems, capital infrastructure programs, and multi-disciplinary operational teams, preferably within a municipal or public-sector environment.
• Thorough knowledge of municipal public works operations, including transportation systems, water and wastewater utilities, fleet, and civic infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of asset management principles, capital planning, and lifecycle costing.
• Comprehensive knowledge of applicable legislation, environmental regulations, occupational health and safety requirements, and municipal governance frameworks.
• Familiarity with collective agreements and labour relations practices in a unionized environment.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership, sound executive judgment, and practical decision-making in complex technical, financial, regulatory, and political environments.
• Strong ability to lead, develop, and motivate multidisciplinary teams while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, prepare clear reports and presentations, and build productive working relationships with senior leadership, Council, staff, external agencies, contractors, and the public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position may entail lifting, climbing, walking, standing for long periods of time, sitting for long periods of time, looking at a computer for long periods of time, and lifting and/or moving items that can weigh up to 25 lbs.

GENERAL
This position is expected to achieve assigned objectives and responsibilities in alignment with the City’s strategic priorities, corporate policies, and performance expectations.  The Director is accountable for delivering results through effective leadership, sound decision-making, and responsible stewardship of resources, while adapting to changing operational, regulatory, and organizational requirements.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview and reference check, and job-related tests may be required.

Living in Fort St John
Fort St John is a unique place where breathtaking natural landscapes and a tight-knit community await. Nestled in the heart of British Columbia's stunning Peace River Valley, Fort St. John offers an unparalleled quality of life. Imagine waking up to stunning mountain vistas, enjoying endless outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, and skiing right at your doorstep. But it's not just about the scenery – it's about the warm, welcoming community that calls this place home. Experience the charm of local farmers' markets, cultural festivals, and vibrant arts scene that will make you feel like part of a close family. Join us in Fort St. John and create lasting memories in a place where adventure and community truly come together.

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