Operations Manager

Operations Manager

The Town of Faro is currently seeking applications for a Fulltime Permanent – Operations Manager to administer and guide major capital projects and lead the Public Works Department. The Town offers an attractive compensation package, up to 9% RRSP contribution, benefits, and relocation assistance (if required).

Position Description

Position Title: Operations Manager
Classification: Full-Time | Permanent | Management (Director Level)
Salary Range: $95,000 – $117,205 (commensurate with experience)
Department: Public Works 
Immediate Supervisor: Chief Administrative Officer

Purpose

Guided by the Town’s Official Community Plan, Council’s Strategic Plan, and the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Operations Manager will play a pivotal role in delivering a diverse range of programs to the community. Reporting to the CAO, the incumbent must be an excellent leader with strong organizational skills to oversee the Public Works Department and all sub-business areas contained within. This role requires an understanding of leadership, strategic planning, critical thinking, municipal operations, applicable legislation & regulations, asset management, fleet management, financial/budget management, and project management. This role will also be instrumental to the development of key departmental initiatives including policy creation, implementation of best practices and standards, and strategic optimization to ensure the delivery of best value to the community.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Operations Manager provides expert assistance to the Administration (CAO and Senior Management Team) and Council in various areas including municipal water, project management, wastewater, street and landscape maintenance, facility security and maintenance, and other infrastructure development.

Qualifications Required

A combination of experience and education will be considered. The ideal candidate will bring significant leadership experience in public works operations, supported by strong communication skills and technical proficiency.
Education:

1.    The incumbent may possess a university degree or college diploma in Civil Engineering, Business Administration, Project Management, Environmental Sciences/Services, or any other related discipline from an accredited institution.

2.    The incumbent must also be Certified (or be near certified) in the Environmental Operations Certificate Program (EOCP) with a Small Water Operator, Water Treatment and/or Distribution Level 1, Chlorine Handling and Water Treatment certificate.

3.    Applicants without the preferred educational qualifications but who possess extensive public works management experience, supported by relevant training or coursework, are encouraged to apply. Proven, progressive on-the-job learning and operational leadership will be valued.

Experience:
1.    Minimum of 5-7 years of experience at a senior management level in a municipal public works environment of comparable size and complexity or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
2.    Minimum of 3-5 years of experience supervising and managing employees, preferably in a unionized environment.
3.    Significant (meaning 5+ years) experience in project management, preferably in utilities, infrastructure, facilities, etc. 
4.    Experience as a Lead Hand or Operations Manager in a public works department is an asset.
5.    Previous experience as a Lead Hand or Manager of a public works department in a unionized environment would be considered a strong asset.
6.    Over 3 years of experience preparing, analyzing, and administering capital and operational budget programs. 
7.    Knowledge of heavy machinery, road operations (winter, fall, spring, summer).
8.    Knowledge of and experience with cost estimation and quality control methodologies.
9.    Knowledge of Yukon regulations and standards that generally govern Public Works/Municipal activities. 
10.    Progressive experience in planning and design of municipal infrastructure and facilities including but not limited to roads, bridges, water and waste system, sanitary sewer collection systems, street lighting, etc. 
11.    Demonstrable experience successfully leading change in organization of comparable complexity and size. 
12.    Significant knowledge and experience in Occupational Health and Safety.

Skills:
1.    Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to clearly communicate with Council, staff, contractors, and the public.
2.    Computer skills at an intermediate to advanced level in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, and other typical software used in an office environment. 
3.    Working knowledge of CAD, ADOBE, GIS, Microsoft Projects, and/or any type of asset management/facility software would be considered an asset. 
4.    Exhibit a high standard of initiative, self-direction, and self-discipline. Display a commitment to personal professional development. 
5.    Possession and maintenance of a valid Class 5 Yukon Driver’s License and must have a driving record that demonstrates responsible and safe driving behaviour.

Other:
1.    Able to effectively manage priorities with minimal supervision.
2.    Demonstrate and maintain the highest degree of professional standards, integrity, and ethics while dispensing the duties of the role. 
3.    Maintain strict confidence of privileged information gathered as a result of one’s role with the Town.
4.    Comply with all Town Bylaws, Policies, and Procedures, and provide recommendations for their improvement. 
5.    Must be able to secure a clean Vulnerable Sector Policy Record Check.

Duties

General Functions (approx. 70%)

Departmental Leadership
•    Lead, motivate, oversee, and mentor all public works staff, ensuring alignment with corporate vision, mission, and values as well as the strategic direction of Council.
•    Through collaboration, set goals for the department in accordance with corporate and legislative agendas and as per available resources.
•    Through collaboration, work with public works team to decide how to approach tasks and develop safe work plans to accomplish established goals.
•    Communicate effectively, clearly, and regularly with the team and ensure the team understands the “Why” behind the “What”. 
•    Organize, monitor, and ensure the completion of tasks assigned to the team. 
•    Develop professional development plans for each staff within the department. 
•    Manage and resolve conflicts in a timely manner using diplomacy and tact. 
•    Hold yourself and the team accountable in accordance with prevailing policies of the Town.

Change Management
•    Support the design, development, delivery, and management of organizational change within the department and across the organization. 
•    Positive relationship management, communication, and consulting skills in order to build positive relationships with all departments. 
•    Implement new or reinvigorate existing programs within the Town.

Human Resources Management
•    Provide supervision & support to staff.
•    Conduct performance reviews and work to develop training and career development plans.
•    Working collaboratively with the CAO to conduct workplace investigations as required. 
•    Take the lead on determining departmental staffing requirements and work with the CAO to meet those needs within budget. 
•    In collaboration with the CAO, perform all activities pertaining to managing the employee-employer relationship with staff including but not limited to recruitment and performance management. 
•    Take every precaution reasonable to ensure employee safety.
•    Play a key role in ensuring the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), applicable employment standards legislations, and all prevailing HR policies are fully implemented and complied with. 
•    As required, provide support to the CAO during the negotiation process of the CBA.
•    Manage labour costs in compliance with prevailing policies, budgets, or directives of the CAO.

Finance and Budget Management
•    Works closely with Council, CAO, Senior Management Team, and the Public Works Team to identify budget requirements. 
•    Prepare, review, and recommend annual capital and operating budgets and forecasts. 
•    Research external funding sources and support the Town’s application process.
•    Implement, oversee, and regularly monitor the budget performance and develop reports for the CAO and Council.
•    Ensure the spending of funds are justifiable and in compliance with prevailing policies.  
•    Develop, revise as appropriate and recommend user fees and charges for Council’s consideration.

Liaison, Communication & Customer Service
•    Respond to enquiries, resolve complaints and liaise with the general public, staff, consultants, vendors, Senior Management Team, Members of Council, and community groups regarding projects or public works matters. 
•    Prepare reports and/or make recommendations to the CAO regarding customer complaints.
•    Attend Council, Committees, staff, Management, community groups, public, and/or other meetings as required. 
•    Make presentations and provide advice/guidance on procedures, strategies, major service agreements, partnership proposals and internal studies, and significant new or pending regulatory developments.

Operations Functions
•    Develop, implement, review, and evaluate the effectiveness of departmental policies and procedures. 
•    Develop, implement, review, and evaluate design specification and maintenance and repair standards for buildings/facility management, parks, Public Works buildings, roads, water and wastewater, waste management services, and all other assets within the Town. 
•    Assess infrastructure installation, replacement, and maintenance needs. 
•    Manage and oversee the Town’s Permit for the Large Public Water Drinking System (and all amendments thereto) and ensure all compliance orders are responded to in a timely manner.
•    Manage and oversee the Town’s Permit for the Solid Waste Facility (and all amendments thereto) and ensure all compliance orders are responded to in a timely manner. 
•    In collaboration with the Public Works Lead Hand, develop, implement, and monitor workplans for all departmental staff and report progress to the CAO. 
•    Manage and oversee the water and wastewater sampling program, including scheduling collection, distribution, and plant sampling in accordance with permit, environmental compliance standards, and other regulations. 
•    In collaboration with the Public Works Foreman, ensure the annual inspections and calibration of instruments and equipment as required and especially for mission critical systems and Asset Management. 
•    Prepare or cause to be prepared the annual reports for various systems within the department. 
•    Manage and oversee well monitoring/management program.
•    Plan, organize, and facilitate internal/external inspections and audits of key systems.
•    Work with the CAO concerning land use and planning, capital construction projects, and Town Beautification Plan.
•    Develop and/or maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) or Standard Operating Manuals (SOM) for all positions within the Public Works Department.
•    Coordinate emergency response and repairs to Town assets.
•    Direct and/or lead the planning, implementation, and maintenance of the Town’s infrastructure.
•    Manage the fleet of Town vehicles and mobile equipment.
•    Manage and ensure the security of all Town’s assets including but not limited to keys, equipment, vehicles, facilities/buildings, sites, tools, etc. and immediately report any security breach to the CAO. 
•    Play a leading role in public procurement processes.
•    Work closely with and in some cases directly liaise or oversee work performed by the Town’s vendors, contractors, and suppliers. 
•    Coordinate with the Finance Officer and Lead Hand on the purchase of routine materials/inventories for the proper functioning of the department.

Administrative Functions
•    Communicate with the CAO on a daily basis to keeping the CAO fully appraised of the happenings within the department. 
•    Participate as a member of the Senior Management Team providing input on departmental and corporate planning and strategic initiatives. 
•    Participate as a member of the Town’s Emergency Response Team.
•    Develop reports for Council through the CAO. 
•    Work closely with the CAO in developing organizational policies. 
•    Attend all Council Meetings.

Project Management, Special Projects, Data and Reports (approx. 30%)
•    Responsible for project funding applications, including proposals and project reporting.
•    Manage capital growth-related projects throughout the organization with the CAO and in collaboration with external partners (ex. Yukon Government & other municipal partners). 
•    Develop RFP’s or tender package for Town’s projects as required.

    Computers & amp; Technology 
•    Submit work orders, as necessary, using computers and delegating to the appropriate personnel for action.
•    Track, gather, and maintain data about the operations and maintenance of assets, and provide reports to the CAO as required.

Other duties as may be assigned.

Materials, Equipment, Outcomes/Consequences of Error

Materials & Equipment Used: Standard office equipment.
Outcomes/Consequences of Error: 
1.    Errors or negligence may cause embarrassment to Town of Faro or the public. 
2.    Incorrect information forwarded to the Chief Administrative Officer or Council could result in wrong decisions being made which may negatively impact the Town of Faro and/or the public. 
3.    Poor budget management could result in financial risks to the Town of Faro and incompletion of projects under management. 
4.    Poor management and relationship with employees may result in low morale and a toxic workplace culture. 
5.    Failure to respond appropriately to the public may result in the loss of public confidence or reputational damage to the Town of Faro. 
6.    Engaging in gossip, rumors, or other unprofessional commentary within the organization or within the community about the organization may negatively impact the confidence of Council, Staff, and/or the Public. 
7.    Breaching confidentiality may expose the Town to reputational, financial, and legal risks. 
8.    Failure to follow prevailing policies, bylaws, or procedures would create risks and exposures to the Town of Faro. 
9.    Poor or insufficient communications with the CAO, Staff, Senior Management Team, and Council could result in poor policy decisions or incorrect decisions being made. 
10.    Failure to secure Town assets could result in security breaches, misuse or inappropriate use of Town assets, no accountability and responsibility, and the potential compromise of Town’s insurance or warranty policies.

Challenges & amp; Difficulties

1.    Choice of Action: Determine own work priorities to ensure deadlines are met and records are kept up to date. Work within clearly defined and established policies and procedures. Refer situations outside of one’s scope of work or capacity to manage to the Chief Administrative Officer.
2.    Challenges and Difficulties: Maintain a high degree of professionalism and responsiveness as well as diplomacy when interacting with the public. Must always exercise good/sound judgement and make appropriate referrals to the CAO when in doubt.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Financial Responsibilities

1.    Responsibility for budgets includes Project/Program budget and Departmental budget

Supervision of Staff

Type/Number of Staff Supervised: Public Works (number varies throughout the year)

The following are direct reports to this position
a.    Public Works Lead Hand/Lead Hand
b.    All Public Works Employees (Seasonal, Part-time, and Full-time)

Working Conditions

Stress:
The role of Operations Manager regularly involves handling multiple competing demands, simultaneous deadlines, and high-stakes decision-making, particularly during peak operational periods and emergencies. The ability to remain calm, focused, and solutions-oriented under pressure is essential.

Interruptions and Distractions:
Frequent and often unpredictable interruptions are expected due to ongoing interactions with staff, contractors, members of the public, and other stakeholders. These may require immediate attention and the flexibility to shift priorities.

Work Environment:
The primary work setting is a private office; however, the role also requires regular on-site presence in public spaces, construction zones, and community facilities. This includes both indoor and outdoor environments and necessitates transitioning frequently between office-based tasks and field operations.

Physical Effort:
Duties may involve prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and office-based work. The role also requires physical movement across worksites, including walking on uneven terrain, inspecting facilities, and monitoring staff adherence to safety protocols. Occasional lifting, bending, and physical exertion may be required.

Work Hazards & Conditions:
This position involves frequent transitions between administrative tasks, community travel, and site inspections. Exposure to weather elements, construction noise, and operational equipment is common. The incumbent must be vigilant in observing safety practices and mitigating workplace hazards.

Hours of Work:
This is a full-time position with core hours from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Flexibility is required to work outside regular hours for Council meetings, public consultations, or emergency response situations.
 

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