The Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) is a Government of Canada project to clean up the low-level radioactive waste located in the Municipality of Port Hope and Clarington, both in the Province of Ontario. The Interface Specialist (PGP) is a project-based role focused on the Port Granby Project (PGP) that reports to the Chief Engineer.

Duties

The Interface Specialist will work under the direction of the Chief Engineer in the coordination and oversight of engineering design requirements for the construction of two long-term waste management facilities and the remediation of LLRW contaminated sites in the Port Hope area.

The essential duties of the Inteface Specialist position are described in the following:

·         The Interface Specialist is part of the PHAI Chief Engineering Team interacting directly with PWGSC-hired Construction Supervisors, Contractors, and other contributing parties involved in the remediation and construction activities for the Port Granby Project long-term waste management facility. 

·         The Interface Specialist will be required to interface directly with the AECL Waste Facility Operations Team and Compliance staff to ensure that contract specifications and designs are being met as well as regulatory requirements consistent with the Port Granby Waste Nuclear Substance License and PHAI Compliance Plan documents.

·         S/he oversees and reviews submittals, change-orders and reports prepared for the Port Granby Project by AECL and/or PWGSC-hired Contractors, consultants and other contributing parties to ensure high quality (technical accuracy and consistency with contract specifications, EA and CNSC license requirements).

·         S/he provides expert advice and leads the development of ingenious, practical and economical solutions to specific engineering problems encountered by the project.  He/she will monitor and evaluate technical progress on construction activities, studies and plans against standards, objectives and contract specifications.  He/she may provide more advanced technological advice and support as required to address specific problems encountered by the project.

·         S/he interacts with Municipality of Clarington planning and engineering staff to facilitate the upgrade and construction of municipal infrastructure in support of the Port Granby Project.  S/he interfaces between municipal staff and Port Granby Project staff to ensure that municipal standards, requests and input is incorporated into the development of the long-term waste management facility as appropriate.

·         Reviews and recommends acceptance of Contractor change orders and/or associated design revisions to ensure consistency with existing detailed designs and participates in the preparation and review of as-builts, work plans and related documentation supporting the remediation and development of the two long-term waste management facility.

·         S/he actively participates in short and long range planning and assists at a senior level with the definition, coordination and implementation of the various construction and remediation contracts / work packages being executed for the Port Granby Project (i.e., developing strategies, setting priorities, developing schedules, setting objectives, etc.).

·         S/he monitors deliverables for technical accuracy and adequacy, and assesses need for potential changes in scope, cost, schedule or quality.  S/he also reviews the technical and execution implications of change orders proposed by project partners and/or their consultants.

·         Provides advice in important technical matters and assists in the identification and scoping of project deliverables and associated cost projections.

·         Works closely with other senior PHAI staff and counterparts in other organizations participating in the PHAI to confirm progress, assure alignment and resolve problems.

·         Other duties as assigned by the Chief Engineer.

Qualifications

The Interface Specialist should hold a university degree in engineering or applied science or have equivalent experience resulting in sound knowledge of an engineering specialty (e.g., hazardous/radioactive waste management systems) and significant (10 yrs +) related construction work experience.  A minimum of five years experience and capability in leading project teams or providing guidance to Contractors/consultants in the development of execution plans and field changes for related engineering projects is important, as is experience in low-level radioactive waste and/or hazardous chemical/industrial waste management containment system construction.  Broad knowledge of Best Available Technology for low-level radioactive waste management solutions, contaminated site remediation requirements, landfill design, radiation protection, environmental protection and monitoring would be an asset.  Registration or eligible for membership in a provincial engineering association, or equivalent, is desirable.

The Interface Specialist will maintain a high level of creative thinking and keep abreast of developments and latest technologies in the field, in regard to low-level radioactive waste management and related subjects.

Knowledge of AECL’s engineering procedures and practices, organization and quality processes as well as AECL’s compliance program requirements (e.g. radiation protection) and procurement practices is an asset.  S/he must have mature contract management skills.

The Interface Specialist should have a mature knowledge of project management principles (scope, schedule, time, quality, risk) and hands-on experience in the management of construction and engineering activities during the various phases of a project such as the PHAI (i.e., concept, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning).

The Interface Specialist must be a proven “team player” with a dynamic and competent motivational manner (e.g., highly self-motivated and motivating of others) displaying strong leadership qualities.  This team player must have superior verbal communication and technical writing skills as well as the ability to work effectively with personnel of varying disciplines.

The Interface Specialist should be proficient in MS Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Access, MS Project, etc), have a broad knowledge of AECL’s practices and organization and have knowledge/experience with general “Project Management” principles and practices.

AECL has an Employment Equity Program and encourages applications from women, Aboriginal Peoples, visible minorities and persons with disabilities.