Job Description

City of Duncan

Director of Public Works and Engineering

---------------------------------------------------------------





The City of Duncan invites applications from candidates with the proven skills, qualifications, and abilities for the permanent full-time position of Director of Public Works and Engineering.



Duncan is small, in a Big way. Just a few hundred metres off the Highway (about 60 kilometres north of Victoria) you'll find 300 shops and services in a few beautiful, walkable, compact downtown blocks lined with 40 world-renowned totem poles. Within minutes of downtown are 5 golf courses, 15 wineries, lake and ocean waterfront, world class trails, cultural amenities, and all forms of indoor recreation. This compact city of 5,000 people aims to be one of the most livable small cities in Canada, proudly serving as the economic and cultural heart of the Cowichan Valley. Located in the traditional territory of Cowichan Tribes, Duncan seeks to be welcoming, diverse, creative, environmentally sustainable, and resilient.



Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Public Works and Engineering is a member of the senior management team and plays a crucial role in supporting initiatives across all departments.

Necessary skills and qualifications include:

A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience at a senior management level. An engineering post?secondary education would be an asset (e.g. University degree in civil engineering). Operations management experience. Occupational Health & Safety Program implementation and management experience. Ability to effectively consult and collaborate with First Nations. Superior ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team to meet organizational objectives and work within the organization's core values. Working knowledge of the Local Government Act, Community Charter*, other acts, regulations, and bylaws concerning engineering and operations activities.
Thorough knowledge of budgeting and financial control, project costing, tendering and RFP procedures, grant applications and administration, and standard construction documents such as MMCD and CCDC. Sound knowledge of advanced business management principles and best practices. Superior ability to develop and maintain excellent working relationships with elected officials, senior staff, employees, other agencies, First Nations, members of the public, various boards, commissions, committees, and organizations. Ability to give sound advice and write effective reports and recommendations for the guidance of Council. Excellent interpersonal and communications skills. Proven negotiation skills. Ability to manage conflict effectively. Ability to lead, motivate, mentor, coach, and contribute. Experience with community emergency response programs and ability to respond in the event of an emergency. Possession and maintenance of a valid BC Driver's Licence (Class 5); a satisfactory current driver's abstract will be required. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.




This excluded position offers a wage of $130,000 to $144,000 depending on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience. A detailed job description and required qualifications are available on the City of Duncan website (www.duncan.ca).



You will be working with a group of experienced employees who will be expecting the Director to look at the whole picture, listen effectively, bring energy and enthusiasm to the position, and communicate a vision, while being sensitive and respectful to differing opinions. Your collaborative leadership style nurtures a positive and respectful workplace climate and empowers your team while supporting their continuous improvement.



If you are looking for a challenging career opportunity and enjoy the lifestyle a small community offers with access to an abundance of amenities, you are invited to submit your resume (containing full details of education, training, and experience), cover letter (including date available to start), and three references to the attention of Human Resources at

hr@duncan.ca

.

This is an open-until-filled position.

Applications will be considered starting on Monday, September 29, 2025.



The City of Duncan is committed to being an accessible employer and to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We aim to remove barriers in the workplace and work with employees to provide reasonable accommodation where required. If you require accommodation in applying for a posted position, please contact Human Resources at 250-749-6126 or

hr@duncan.ca

.

We thank all applicants, but only those being considered for interviews will be contacted.

Director of Public Works and Engineering

Education : Bachelor's degree


Experience : 5 years or more