Program Engineer - Development Engineering

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for one (1) term position for up to 18 months of Program Engineer with the Development Engineering division of Planning & Development.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Reporting to the Development Engineer, the Program Engineer is responsible for leading assignments and mentoring junior staff, and is a senior subject matter expert in one or more areas of expertise relating to Infrastructure Planning, Transportation Planning, Municipal Services, and Land Development. This position will be focused on providing advice and direction in the administration of municipal engineering aspects of Subdivision Approvals, Construction Approvals, and Planning applications throughout HRM, as well as providing advice and direction for the development of new master planned communities in both urban and suburban context which are expected to include infrastructure and transportation expansion projects and associated development charges in these growth areas.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads and performs advanced-level professional work and provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public related to a broad range of Engineering matters;
• Acts as subject matter expert on engineering matters, and liaise between citizens, government agencies, developers and elected officials;
• Researches, analyses, and prepares detailed reports, terms of reference, request for proposals, policies and procedures, correspondence, and briefs; and makes recommendations and presentations to Boards, Committees and Council;
• Prepares and maintains technical standards, guidelines, and regulations, and represents the municipality on various technical committees or initiatives;
• Directs and coordinates technical employees, multi-disciplinary teams, consultants, in partnership with stakeholders, in the preparation of policy, studies, designs, plans, specifications, cost estimates and project budgets in varied areas of expertise (i.e., Development Review, Community Planning, Regional Planning, Infrastructure Planning, Development Charges, and Transportation Planning);
• Acts as witness in legal proceedings as necessary and provides expert advice at the Utility and Review Board and Court;
• Identifies emerging trends, policies and best practices from other jurisdictions and makes recommendations on business unit policies and procedures related to planning and development programs or strategic corporate initiatives;
• Monitors effectiveness of existing policies, business processes and regulations and makes recommendations for improvements as necessary;
• Provides professional advice and mentorship to other engineers and technicians;
• Develops and maintains infrastructure policy and standards, monitors policy and regulatory changes within HRM and other agencies, and monitors and reports on infrastructure related cost of growth;
• Core duties will involve one or more of the following:
• Evaluates development applications such as subdivision approvals, site plan approvals, planning applications and development agreements for engineering compliance with technical standards, design guidelines, construction standards, and professional practice guidelines;
• Evaluates and processes engineering related permits including lot grading, sedimentation and erosion control, street access, street opening, top soil removal, and blasting;
• Develops, maintains and applies a regional transportation demand model, and a process to monitor the performance of the transportation network;
• Provides engineering advice on community and regional planning matters;
• Programs and manages strategic capital projects either in-house or with external partners/ agencies, and act as Project Liaison with other divisions and/or departments during design, construction, and commissioning, identify project risk factors, and develop appropriate risk mitigation strategies.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering
• Membership in Engineers NS or eligible
• Minimum of five (5) years of related and progressive experience in municipal engineering, preferably in the land development sector
• Management and supervisory experience is an asset
• Graduation from HRM's Aspiring Leaders Program is considered an asset, and completion of the program is equivalent to one year of leadership experience
• Nova Scotia Class 5 Drivers License

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal engineering with an in-depth knowledge of one or more areas specialization, such as land development, transportation planning, transportation demand modelling, construction methods, infrastructure planning, and engineering standards.
• Knowledge of relevant provincial and federal government regulations and programs.
• General knowledge of the legislative framework and community context under which land use planning law. operates and the rights of land owners, neighbourhoods and communities.
• Strong written and verbal communications and strong interpersonal and facilitation skills.
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well- defined practical problems.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously, independently or in a team environment.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check. Drivers abstract required prior to hire.

Please note: Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.

COMPETENCIES: Analytical Thinking, Communication, Customer Service, Developing Others, Decision Making, Organizational Awareness, Teamwork & Cooperation, Values & Ethics, Valuing Diversity

WORK STATUS: Term up to 18 months, Full-time

HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, 35 hours/week (flexibility required as needed).
Flex options to work outside of these hours and hybrid may be available

SALARY: Non-Union, Eng 2 $90,860-$117,584. Salary will be determined based on relevant experience and qualifications related to the specified pay band and job. Placement above the midpoint of the pay band is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the minimum qualifications, such as those with exceptional experience, specialized skills, or demonstrated achievements relevant to the role. This ensures fair and consistent compensation practices across the organization.

WORK LOCATION: 3rd floor of Duke Tower (5251 Duke St, Halifax)

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm Thursday, November 12, 2026

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of their qualifications, including, but not limited to, educational credentials, professional licenses, and relevant certifications.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the recruiter when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link; Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax

(position # 78639906)