Working Foreperson - Client Services (Term)

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our 18,800 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

The Working Foreperson (W/F) is accountable to an Operations Unit supervisor and/or General Foreperson (G/F) for assigning, directing, expediting and monitoring work being performed on campus by employees and/or contractors and ensuring it is being performed in an effective and efficient manner.

- In addition to performing regular duties of his/her trade or function, the incumbent directs, monitors and expedites work assigned by a supervisor and/or G/F (contracted or in-house) in a cost effective and efficient manner that ensures high quality and promotes the University’s best interests.
- Ensures hazard assessments are performed prior to work commencing and all work activity complies with all applicable safety and building codes, University and legislated regulations and established trade standards.
- Provides guidance and instruction to staff to ensure work is performed effectively, utilizing the correct methods/best practices and procedures.
- Develops effective working relationships. Motivates and leads by example.
- Prepares estimates for maintenance and/or project work including labour, material, contracted services and related schedule.
- Seeks supervisor authorization for any deviation from work content, time or cost estimates as specified in the work order and/or drawings.
- Ensures accurate information in FAMIS (e.g. start date, completion date, priority, estimated hours and scope)
- Ensures Facilities Management (FM) and University policies and procedures are adhered to.
- Trains, monitors, and directs and assigned group of staff, including early intervention of attendance, punctuality, conduct and performance issues and reports concerns to respective supervisor.
- Communicates with building clients (normally University Administrators and researchers) and FM staff in a professional and courteous manner to discuss work requirements, service interruptions, and work order status, etc., as required.
- Responds appropriately to urgent and non-urgent client requests.
- Investigates, analyses, and resolves maintenance and operational issues in consultation with the G/F, supervisor, or designate when necessary.
- Utilizing FAMIS, assists supervisor and the G/F with the processing of daily time cards, scheduling, work order completions and time off requests, as required.
- May act as liaison with consultants, vendors, and contractors as required.
- Prepares and submits accident/incident reports and responds to health and safety concerns by investigating and making recommendation to supervisor regarding resolution.
- Completes reports and documentation as required
- Ensures tools, equipment, and materials (including rentals) are in good working order and on site as required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.

The successful candidate is expected to be available to work on campus.

- Conversant with the FM Safety Program and takes leadership role in promoting safety
- Knowledge and regular training in WHMIS and applicable safety legislation
- Knowledgeable concerning the work performed by the employees in the department to which s/he is assigned
- A general knowledge of the duties of his/her supervisor
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, FAMIS, e-mail, etc.
- Demonstrated leadership qualities, initiative, and ability to work with a minimum of supervision.
- Develops effective working relationships. Motivates and leads by example.
- Team oriented and works in a collaborative manner with clients and fellow employees.
- Client focused – seeks client input and responds in an appropriate and professional manner.
- Pursues and contributes input that promotes process improvement
- Respects diversity – treats others with respect, demonstrates an understanding of individual’s special needs and the duty to accommodate, avoids unnecessary conflict.
- Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct. Accepts ownership and accountability for own actions.
- Effectively communicates with co-workers, employees, supervisors and clients.

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity