Assistant Director, Engineering - Queens University

Facilities proudly builds, maintains and improves campus facilities to create a safe and welcoming environment in support of teaching, learning and research. Reporting to the Executive Director, Operations and Engineering, the Assistant Director, Engineering is responsible for developing and implementing engineering technical strategies and plans that align with the needs of the university community. This includes driving innovation and optimizing resources to deliver engineering quality and service excellence to the university community through the promotion of a supportive attitude, anticipatory service and extensive knowledge on how to best meet or exceed client service expectations.

As a professional engineer with strong cross-disciplinary knowledge of building and utility systems, the Assistant Director brings deep understanding of engineering principles and practices, stays current on emerging technologies, and leads a team of professional engineers. The role requires knowledge of regulatory frameworks, risk management, and safety protocols, and advances sustainability in alignment with the university’s climate and energy goals.

As a member of the Operations and Maintenance leadership team, the Assistant Director actively participates in annual and long-term planning, procedures and policy development and implementation and has input into financial planning and resource allocation.

To view the full job description, please visit our Careers page. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads the development of short and long-term plans/programs and annual performance targets for the engineering unit’s activities. Participates in the development and ongoing review of strategic and health and safety initiatives and projects. Participates in the creation, maintenance, and prioritization of Facilities deferred maintenance program.
• Directs, and has administrative accountability for, the delivery of engineering programs and operations in accordance with the applicable legislation, regulations, codes, and standards by providing leadership to the team in the formulation of service delivery programs, preparation of budgets, and supervision of approved engineering projects.
• Regulatory, reliability and risk: Accountable for compliance with all authorities having jurisdiction (e.g., TSSA, ESA, municipal Building/Fire, MLITSD under OHSA, MECP) across campus and the cogeneration/district energy plant; leads reliability programs, audits, and corrective actions.
• Manages the unit’s budget and analyses, continuously monitoring work to ensure fiscal responsibility; addresses and resolves budgetary variances in consultation with the Director.
• Co-develops, revises, and monitors business practices, policies, procedures and training to increase efficiency and deliver quality, client-centered services underpinned by metrics on satisfaction.
• Acts as the liaison officer between Facilities and the clients on campus in a manner that supports and adheres to the Facilities departmental mission, values and guiding principles.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, ensures that the Engineering sections of the university’s Design Standard and Construction Guidelines are current, relevant, continuously improved and applied.
• Defines engineering best practices and design approaches.
• Coordinates with Facilities multi-disciplined professionals to ensure the engineering team is properly represented in the kick-off, design review, commissioning and handover stages of major construction projects.
• Oversees project activities requiring engineering expertise that are technically complex, acting as a major technical contributor throughout the lifecycle (resources, schedule, budget, documentation).. Provides conceptual engineering input at early project stages and, where applicable, prepares or reviews engineering plans/designs in accordance with codes, standards, drawings, and specifications.
• Provides technical or project related guidance and reviews/approves engineering designs prepared by others for equipment in university buildings.
• Carries out complex engineering assessments, technical surveys, calculations, or inspections, and provides technical expertise and instruction to Operations & Engineering staff.
• Utilizes a variety of specialized engineering techniques in solving problems which are sometimes complex and difficult. Liaises with project managers both internal and external to the university.
• Plays a key role in the development and regular review of the university’s deferred maintenance strategy.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating the deferred maintenance database and overseeing the deferred maintenance building and infrastructure audits, ensuring building element data is accurate and updated annually.
• Determines the need for external contractors in consultation with the Executive Director and coordinates the selection of service providers in accordance with the university’s procurement protocols; builds strong relationships with consultants and external partners
• Continually evaluates and monitors work to ensure fiscally responsible expenditure of university funds including labour, material, and the services of contractors.
• Participates on the Facilities Joint Health and Safety Committee, ensuring appropriate risk management strategies are in place and enforced, to ensure the safety of staff and building occupants.
• Understands, and implements safe working practices under the Ontario Health and Safety Act and Regulations, as well as the university’s and Facilities’ safe work practices.
• Fosters a productive and harmonious workplace through the promotion of a positive team environment which recognizes the value of all Facilities employees.
• Creates a climate where collaboration and teamwork among diverse people and groups is the norm.
• Promotes a culture where a diverse range of ideas and perspectives are incorporated into the decision-making process.
• Plans, prioritizes, and manages the work of employees, providing strategic and tactical advice, guidance, and coaching. Identifies the need for staff resources, participates on staffing committees, and makes effective recommendations regarding employee selection.
• Manages performance by establishing performance standards, reviewing, and evaluating performance and conducting formal performance reviews on an ongoing basis.
• Assesses staff training and development needs and ensures that employees receive training required to improve and sustain successful performance.
• Investigates, addresses, and resolves employee/labour relations issues, including disciplinary matters. Makes decision or effective recommendations on matters involving possible discipline, discharge, and probationary termination.
• Other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or related) Engineering. Master’s degree in related discipline considered to be an asset.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer by Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).
• Minimum 10 years’ progressive experience in building and utility systems engineering and operations and energy management, ideally combined with facilities O&M leadership preferably industrial, construction or university environment.
• Demonstrated understanding and awareness of Federal, Provincial and Municipal Laws and codes relating to design, operation, maintenance, energy efficiency, Health and Safety, including (but not limited to) the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OH&SA), Ontario Building Code), etc.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience interpreting and applying building equipment codes and standards.
• Management experience and project management experience in an Engineering environment.
• Proficiency with CMMS and DDC/BMS (building automation/controls); Revit/BIM experience is an asset. Capacity to be a competent supervisor within the meaning of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Demonstrated career progression and will have undertaken professional development related to the required qualifications.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Valid Province of Ontario Class G driver’s license required.

Please apply online at:
https://clients.njoyn.com/CL4/xweb/xweb.asp?clid=74827&page=jobdetails&jobid=J0225-0574&BRID=EX420223&SBDID=21474&LANG=1.