Assistant Director, Engineering

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Assistant Director, Engineering

Closing Date: 11/23/2025

Location: Kingston, Ontario

Job Description

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 (Executive Director), the Assistant Director, Engineering (Assistant Director) 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.

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.
  
  

Special Skills

• Proven leadership, communications, organizational and analytical skills.
• Superior skills in the technical aspects of building maintenance with the ability to read and translate architectural, mechanical, electrical, and structural drawings and specifications.
• Sound knowledge of civil engineering and architectural drawings.
• Strong computer aptitude with the ability to learn new applications, knowledge of computer systems and in particular computerized building automation control systems.
• Knowledge of ISO standards as well as Association of Physical Plant Administrators maintenance standards.
• Strong business and financial acumen; able to develop and monitor budgets and take appropriate remedial action if needed.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, policy development and writing, data acquisition and analysis and report writing, and project management.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people who have a wide range of skills, experience, and responsibility inside and outside the university community.
• Ability to prepare written reports and client correspondence in a manner suited to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to think strategically and communicate long term priorities to the operations and maintenance groups.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiating skills with the ability to influence others.
• Ability to adapt quickly and handle evolving priorities on an on-going basis.
• Business analysis skills with the ability to see implications and provide consultative solutions and recommendations.
• Exceptional attention to detail with superior organizational and planning skills to manage multiple priorities and make decisions regarding competing and sensitive priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to deal with sensitive issues in a confidential and/or professional manner, demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and effective judgement.
• Ability to develop professional working relationships across all levels.
• Ability to lead a team of professionals to ensure deliverables are met on time and within scope.
• Capacity to work under pressure and to lead change.
• Strong customer service aptitude.
  
  

Decision Making

• Approve/improve/reject engineering designs prepared by others.
• Certify engineering drawings illustrating designs by engineering team members.
• Use personal expertise and technical / professional knowledge to provide advice and direction to other professionals.
• Identify and seek resolution to unique Engineering problems / issues, involving others when required and ensuring required background information is available.
• Select Engineering methods and equipment to satisfy the interests of users and the Operations and Engineering unit while at the same time conserving energy.
• Decide what Engineering design criteria must be implemented to meet code requirements, regulations and standards.
• Determines goals, objectives, strategic initiatives.
• Determines content of various reports, such as business plans and other short- and long-term planning documents that provide direction and propose objectives.
• Undertakes technical problem solving related to building systems and decides best course of action.
• Manages budget(s) and approves expenditures of funds; identifies when corrective action may be required and implements appropriate steps to address variances.
• Effectively resolves client complaints.
• Identifies and seeks resolution to unique problems/issues, involving others and ensures background information is documented.
• Recommends long-term capital improvements.
• Recommends replacement or repair of building systems and infrastructure.
• Determines how to support the maintenance plans and priorities to ensure physical operations and facilities are maintained and services are provided at an acceptable level and in compliance with established standards.
• Determines when and what engineering policies need to be developed or amended.
• Participates in the procurement process and provides coordination between the unit, supplier and procurement services.
• Has input into major operational and maintenance decisions in collaboration with key stakeholders (e.g., a complete plant shutdown, replacement of equipment or systems requiring capital funding) and also has input into maintenance plans and priorities to ensure facilities are maintained.
• Determines when to advise the Executive Director of any situation that might impact negatively on the Department and formulates strategies for remedial action.
• Allocates work assignments and assesses effectiveness of work including quality assurance/control.
• Evaluates job candidates and make effective recommendations on suitable hires.
• Makes decisions and/or effective recommendations regarding transfers and promotions.
• Evaluates employee performance and decides on appropriate training or coaching to address lack of proficiency in carrying our responsibilities, or remedial action for staff disciplinary situations.
• Assesses investigation outcomes of grievances and makes effective recommendations on appropriate course of action or next steps on grievances.
• Makes effective recommendations on level of discipline up to discharge and probationary termination.
  
  

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300-55 Metcalfe St

Ottawa, ON K1P 6L5

Email: info@ccwestt-ccfsimt.org

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