Coordinator Provincial Highway Sign Programs (Planning Technician 1-2(a)-(b)

About Us

Building and maintaining our provincial infrastructure is no small job.

The Traffic Engineering & Road Safety team of the Department of Public Works directly impacts the quality of traffic engineering efficiency and road safety engineering operations in the province. We develop and ensure comprehensive standards, policies, procedures, and programs are in place to mitigate injury and collisions on Nova Scotia's highways.

Our team is comprised of professional staff who develop and manage various policies and programs, collect collision and traffic census data, conduct engineering studies and analysis, and impact traffic control devices, highway signage, legislation, and regulations.

About Our Opportunity

Under the general direction of the Manager of Traffic Engineering and Road Safety, the Coordinator Provincial Highway Sign Programs is responsible for the development, administration, and management of provincial jurisdiction highway signage programs. This position is responsible for the development of policies, procedures, standards and specifications that are compliant with provincial traffic engineering standards, and are in support of the Public Highways Act and the Motor Vehicle Act.

The Coordinator Provincial Highway Sign Programs is also responsible for the design of functional signing plans for interchanges, intersections, detours and supporting structures. This includes development of project cost estimates, preparation of tender text, design guides, specifications, special provisions, drawings, etc. for inclusion in a construction tender package. This activity also includes coordination with Department engineering staff on multi disciplinary projects and supervision of consultants and contractors.

The Coordinator Provincial Highway Sign Programs provides expertise and guidance to Department staff, other government agencies, private business sector groups and the general public. Provides quality control and conducts field audits to ensure adherence to sound traffic engineering practices during Department construction, maintenance, and operational activities and can resolve difficulties encountered.

Primary Accountabilities

Key responsibilities for the position include:

• Administer, coordinate and manage the design and delivery of all 100 Series Highway Sign Programs.
• Manage and deliver detailed signage designs, pavement marking designs, drawings, and materials and installation specifications; or develop Terms of Reference and Scope of Work statements for the procurement of design consultants for these services as stand alone projects or coordinated as part of multi disciplinary engineering projects. Contribute to the preparation of tender text, design plans, specifications, special provisions, drawings, and estimates etc. for construction tender packages.
• Provide highway signage expertise to Department staff, Central Sign Shop, other government departments, engineering consultants and maintenance contractors in the interpretation and intent of design plans and specifications. Perform construction inspection and quality control audits on new and existing highway signage projects to ensure that design standards and policies are being met, maintaining effectiveness, and are continuing to meet policy and procedure requirements. Prepare deficiency lists and communicate any corrective actions required, Commission new projects.
• Investigate requests for new or replacement signage identifying qualifying needs, criteria, prepare designs, issue instructions for manufacture and installation. Review existing signage concerns/problems submitted by department staff, general public and other government sources. Develop and recommend upgrades and renewal programs as needed. Administer the provincial 100 Series Highway Sign Maintenance Program including making expenditure recommendations and budget monitoring for the delivery of policy compliant signage maintenance processes.
• Develop sign design policies, procedures and standards for provincial sign programs and interpret them for, and communicates them to, interdepartmental staff, engineering consultants, private sector and general public.
• Research, develop and recommend highway signage related amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act and Public Highway Act as well as the regulations pursuant to these acts. Research legislation, standards and procedures of other jurisdictions ensuring the province is compliant with national standards and practices.
• Respond to public inquiries about traffic engineering, highway signage, and pavement marking issues. Meet with representatives of municipal units, private companies, and private citizens to inform them of project extents and negotiate the terms and conditions of any necessary agreements.

Qualifications and Experience

Grade 12 plus completion of an approved Civil Engineering Technology program, or an equivalent combination of training and experience may be accepted.

A working knowledge of design standards including the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada and the Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads is required. Strong skills in AutoCAD are a necessity. Proficiency in design software including Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, and other graphic design software would be an asset. A working knowledge of the Motor Vehicle Act, the Public Highways Act, Temporary Workplace Traffic Control Manual, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Regulations made pursuant to these Acts, would be considered an Asset.

Demonstrated capability to carry out projects within specific deadlines while meeting high quality standards is essential. The candidate must have strong organizational, leadership, analytical, writing and communication skills.

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Related equivalencies may include, but are not limited to:

• High School plus 2 years of related experience with GIS, CAD/drafting and/or surveying.

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.
• Typically located in a comfortable office environment.
• Much of the time is spent in a comfortable position with frequent opportunity to move about.
• Regularly reads and interprets multiple sources of information, regular requirement to type, read and work on a computer.
• May experience pressure with deadlines and need for accuracy.
• Opportunity to participate in a flexible work schedule.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.