Director of Public Works and Utilities

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Director of Public Works & Utilities for the Town of Tisdale

The Town of Tisdale is seeking an experienced, progressive, and solutions-focused leader to join our senior leadership team as Director of Public Works & Utilities.

Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Director is responsible for the leadership, planning, operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of the Town's Public Works, Transportation, Water and Wastewater Utilities, and Regional Landfill operations. This senior management position oversees staff, infrastructure, capital projects, budgets, emergency response, and long-term asset management while ensuring the delivery of safe, reliable, and efficient municipal services.

This position requires a leader who is equally comfortable developing strategic plans and working alongside crews in the field when operational needs arise.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Administration

  • Lead and supervise the Public Works, Utilities, and Landfill departments.
  • Assign and prioritize daily work activities.
  • Foster a safe, respectful, and productive workplace culture.
  • Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance management for department staff.
  • Conduct weekly toolbox safety meetings.
  • Participate in recruitment, interviewing, and staff development.
  • Address employee performance and disciplinary matters in consultation with the CAO.
  • Attend Council meetings and committee meetings as required.
  • Prepare reports and recommendations for the CAO and Council.
  • Coordinate contractors and consultants for municipal infrastructure projects.

Public Works & Transportation

  • Plan, coordinate, and oversee roads, streets, sidewalks, drainage systems, signage, snow removal, and municipal infrastructure maintenance.
  • Coordinate excavation work, utility locates, HydroVAC services, and traffic control.
  • Read engineering drawings, subdivision plans, underground utility maps, and construction specifications.
  • Perform or oversee basic surveying and construction layout.
  • Maintain knowledge of airport maintenance requirements, particularly for emergency and winter operations.

Water & Wastewater Utilities

  • Oversee the operation and maintenance of:
    • Water wells
    • Water Treatment Plant
    • Water distribution system
    • Wastewater collection system
    • Lift stations
    • Wastewater lagoon
  • Ensure compliance with Water Security Agency regulations.
  • Prepare regulatory reports and submissions.
  • Maintain operating records, water quality testing, chemical inventories, and preventative maintenance programs.
  • Coordinate emergency repairs and utility outages.
  • Work closely with engineering consultants on capital infrastructure projects.

Regional Landfill Operations

  • Oversee the operation of the Regional Landfill in accordance with provincial regulations.
  • Ensure compliance with Ministry of Environment operating permits.
  • Review and maintain Operating and Emergency Response Plans.
  • Coordinate disposal cell expansions and future landfill planning.
  • Monitor environmental compliance, water ponds, soil management, and waste segregation.
  • Prepare annual reports and respond to inspection requirements.

Infrastructure & Asset Management

  • Develop annual operating and capital budgets.
  • Assist with long-term financial planning and five-year capital plans.
  • Maintain infrastructure records and asset inventories.
  • Estimate construction projects for budgeting and grant applications.
  • Coordinate infrastructure replacement and renewal projects.
  • Maintain basic municipal mapping and AutoCAD drawings.
  • Assist with grant applications and reporting.

Occupational Health & Safety

  • Promote and maintain a strong safety culture.
  • Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety legislation.
  • Lead workplace safety initiatives.
  • Coordinate required safety training and certifications.
  • Ensure safe work practices are followed throughout the department.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess:

  • Diploma or Degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Public Works, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Municipal Administration, or a related discipline. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
  • Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible municipal public works experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
  • Strong knowledge of municipal infrastructure operations and maintenance.
  • Experience managing staff, contractors, and capital projects.
  • Experience preparing operating and capital budgets.
  • Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to respond effectively during emergencies.

Required Certifications

  • Saskatchewan Class 5 Driver's Licence (Class 3 preferred or willingness to obtain).
  • Level II Water Treatment.
  • Level II Water Distribution.
  • Level I Wastewater Collection.
  • Level I Wastewater Treatment.
  • Ground Disturbance Certification.
  • WHMIS.
  • Occupational Health & Safety training.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with experience or certification in:

  • Public Works Supervision
  • Leadership for Safety Excellence
  • Occupational Health Committee Level I & II
  • AutoCAD
  • Asset Management Planning
  • Airport maintenance operations
  • Heavy equipment operation

Working Conditions

This position involves both office and field work and requires availability outside regular working hours during emergencies, snow events, infrastructure failures, and scheduled on-call rotations.

The successful candidate must be able to:

  • Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Lift moderate weights.
  • Operate municipal equipment when required.
  • Participate in emergency response activities.

What We Offer

The Town of Tisdale offers:

  • Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits package.
  • Municipal pension plan.
  • Professional development opportunities.
  • Supportive leadership team.
  • Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a growing community.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to:

Lovely Jane Magnaye

Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Tisdale
Box 1090
Tisdale, SK S0E 1T0

Email: cao@tisdale.ca

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Town of Tisdale thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.