Public Works Officer (Bilingual)

The Officer, Public Works is responsible for providing support with regulations. The role liaises with municipalities, as well as internal and external stakeholders, including Engineering, Public Relations, and Regulatory Affairs to ensure that changes in regulations are efficiently implemented. The incumbent acts as the first point of contact for Transport Canada (TC) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for inspections, safety improvement programs, and all aspects related to level crossings in their respective region. The role handles projects and coordinates the successful completion of new crossing requirements by communicating with Signals and Communications (S&C) and negotiating agreements with road authorities.

Main Responsibilities

1. Program and Contract Management
   • Handle and coordinate FRA and TC funded programs such as at-grade crossing programs
   • Coordinate and run recoverable projects with road authorities (at-grade crossing widening and reconstructions)
   • Negotiate agreements with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that CN’s interests are protected and minimize financial exposure
   • Collaborate with external stakeholders to formalize agreements into contracts
   • Adjust contracts to reflect project specifications
   • Act as the Company’s representative at meetings with municipalities, states and regions, road authorities as well as the FRA and TC to review safety at crossings
2. Municipality Management
   • Review plans for municipality roads and intersection improvement projects in proximity of a railway crossing in order to meet engineering and regulatory standards
   • Lead municipal processes to facilitate crossing rehabilitation programs initiated by the organization, prepare estimates, and work with municipalities
   • Work with the Track Supervisors to establish recoverable and non-recoverable crossings
   • Collaborate with municipalities and ensure that recoverable costs are billed and paid for in order for crossings to be refurbished
   • Conduct safety audits of public, private, and farm crossings and liaise with road authorities, owners, and CN’s Engineering Officers to ensure deficiencies are corrected
3. Whistle Warning Management
   • Handle anti-whistling applications by overseeing the process with municipalities, following requests to remove locomotives’ whistles
   • Audit and settle if it is possible to remove whistles
   • Find solutions to ensure safety at crossings
   • Work with municipalities to ensure implementation and recoverable costs are paid
   • Coordinate fencing applications to resolve trespassing issues
4. Audit and Deficiencies Operations
   • Carry out FRA and TC audits to ensure that requirements and rules are met
   • Notify and inform appropriate individuals when deficiencies are identified
   • Respond and monitor Regulatory Deficiency Notices and ensure responses within time allowance

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. The role requires minimal travel (up to 20%) to construction sites within the region. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure, and stress.

Requirements

1. Experience
   • Minimum 2 years of experience in civil engineering
   • Experience in engineering drawing reviews
   • Experience working in a public projects’ environment
2. Education / Certification / Designation
   • High School Diploma
   • Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology
   • Any education for any of the above would be considered an asset
3. Technical Skills / Knowledge
   • Technical knowledge and writing skills
   • Knowledge of railroad field operations
   • Ability to review engineering drawings and memos
   • Fluently bilingual both written and verbal (English, French)