Bridge Evaluation Engineer (Engineer 1-3)

About Us

The Department of Public Works supports Nova Scotia's 23,000 kilometers of roads and highways, and 4,100 bridges. Our Structural Engineering Division is growing, and we have an opportunity available for a Bridge Evaluation Engineer to join to our team. Become part of the team today who is responsible for managing bridge evaluations to determine load carrying capacity, overweight special move permits, inspections of bridges, bridge rehabilitation and project management. Watch your projects come to life and make exciting impacts to the Provincial road network of Nova Scotia.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager of Structural Engineering and under the general supervision of the Senior Bridge Maintenance Engineer, the Bridge Evaluation Engineer is responsible for evaluating and processing Overweight Special Move Permits, which includes liaising with the District Bridge Engineer, Senior Bridge Maintenance Engineer, Vehicle Standards Engineer, Vehicle Compliance, and other Department staff.

Primary Accountabilities

The primary responsibilities of this position will be:

• Evaluating existing bridge infrastructure to determine load carrying capacity of bridges using the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code based upon configuration and condition, using plans, inspection reports and occasional site visits/inspections to provide load postings as required for the bridges owned by Nova Scotia Department of Public Works;
• Being involved in structure rehabilitation to improve load carrying capacity and providing recommendations based on safety, economics, and constructability;
• Responsible for preparing and reviewing tender documents for bridge load rating analysis and strengthening schemes;
• Procuring engineering consulting services, preparing Terms of Reference, coordinating proposal reviews, awards contracts, supervising consultants' work and approving payment; and
• Will also review processes and procedures to help modernize the Special Move Permit system.

Qualifications and Experience

A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited engineering institute and working knowledge of structural design and analysis with experience and understanding of the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code and Department Standard Specifications is required.

Candidate must be a current member of Engineers Nova Scotia (ENS) or must be eligible to become a member of ENS. Candidate must be able to manage multiple priorities, have excellent organizational skills, be a quick learner and demonstrate sound decision-making skills.

The incumbent will have effective verbal and written communication skills for dealing with department personnel, other government agencies, consultants, contractors, and the public.

A working knowledge of the Public Highways Act, the Motor Vehicle Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the associated regulations are preferred.

Knowledge of the Department's policies and procedures would be considered an asset.

Candidate must demonstrate proficiency with computer software applications including Microsoft Office Suite.

Experience with structural analysis software and /or finite element analysis is considered an asset.

Experience and knowledge of project management techniques, consultant procurement practices and agreements, tendering processes, advanced highway structure design and highway structure evaluation computer applications is considered an asset.

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

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

A majority of your time will be spent in an office environment, but site visits will be required during all seasons and various weather conditions on heavily-travelled roads or in rough, isolated areas of construction sites.

Additional Information

An Engineer must be "Licensed to Practice" as determined by Engineers of Nova Scotia (ENS) before being classified as an Engineer 3.

This position requires occasional travel throughout the province of Nova Scotia to visit project sites and meet and work collaboratively with other technical staff across the Department and Highway Programs division.

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