Founded in 2002, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada’s intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.
The NWMO has been guided for more than 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Holders who are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for nuclear waste management. In 2024, the NWMO selected Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON)-Ignace area as the site for our Deep Geological Repository for used nuclear fuel.
Site Manager
Position Location: Site Based at Ignace, ON – 304 Main Street
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Director, Site Characterization, the Site Manager is responsible for the management of the project Site and Site Characterization Project field activities including oversight and ensuring required resources are available for field work undertaken for, or by, the NWMO at the selected site to ensure alignment and continuity of the siting programs.
This includes ensuring compliance of the work undertaken with the Site Characterization Project Governing Documents, including contract documents, Health, Safety, Security and Environment plan, Project Quality Plan, work package test plans and data management plans, and other regulatory requirements as applicable.
For the Site Characterization work, NWMO will be acting in the role of “Constructor” under OHSA and taking on the role of “lead contractor” for the management of fieldwork contractors.
Site responsibilities include: the planning, oversight and management of field work and site activities related to drilling, geotechnical investigations, and other site activities. The overall management and direction of contractors (and internal NWMO staff) undertaking fieldwork activities at the site. The oversight of Field Managers, Site Characterization staff, and contractors conducting field work; the monitoring of compliance to the Site Characterization Health, Safety, Security and Environmental management plans, cost, schedule, and the overall quality of work performed. The incumbent will ensure all work is planned and executed within an agreed schedule and cost, to assist in the selection of contractors and in aligning their health and safety program and procedures to meet the requirements of the project. Ensure accurate recording of and reporting on work performed by contractors.
Key Responsibilities:
- Responsible for site access and control including ensuring all staff, contractors and visitors to the site have the required training and, follow all the required site procedures.
- Manage and actively promote and support a strong safety culture with contractors and staff, and ensure health, safety and environment requirements are met or exceeded.
- Oversee and direct contractors and internal project management staff undertaking fieldwork activities at site. Provide oversight of all site activities related to site drilling, geotechnical investigations and other site activities.
- Make recommendations for continuous improvement and develop appropriate risk assessments and associated mitigating plans.
- Responsible for ensuring all staff and contractors at site understand and compile with health, safety and environmental regulations. Be accountable for the soundness of the advice and guidance provided.
- Provide leadership and guidance to the Field Managers overseeing and managing contractors during site activities. Ensures work is conducted according to the design, quality, schedule and budget. Acts as point or escalation for Field Managers when issues arise on site.
- Manage site investigation of accidents, incidents and non-conformances.
- Perform inspections, audits etc. to ensure Contractors are following all Applicable legislation Health, Safety and Environment Management plans, processes and procedures.
- Assist in the selection of contractors based on their proposals related to the scope of services, existing health & safety programs and past performance.
- Ensures alignment and continuity of programs between the breadth of Site Characterization activities in support of NWMO’s Geoscience, Environment and Engineering organizations.
- Responsible for developing Site reports on work progress (schedule and cost), and applicable policies, procedures and regulations (internal and regulatory). Prepare monthly site reports of health and safety performance including an analysis of data to recommend corrective actions for continual improvement.
- Responsible for operations L3 and L4 Schedule development and updates.
- Ensure accurate and regular updates of information to facilitate input into project control documentation – cost, schedule and reports.
- Provide leadership and maintain relationships with local government agencies including Ministry of Labour and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation as required.
- Ensure appropriate resources are available to manage site activities, manage and supervise staff. Facilitate the planning and organizing of their work, giving advice, guidance and direction as necessary.
- Act as a coach and facilitator to create and sustain a co-operative and supportive team environment, actively working with staff to provide training and empower them to attain optimal work performance with a high level of personal responsibility and self-management.
- Demonstrate openness and trust through the sharing of information, and by being visible and accessible to employees to enhance and develop their skills and provide support and counselling on career planning.
- Responsible for the effective management of human resource issues, including hiring, discharge and discipline, and effectively resolve work performance problems. Provide clear expectations and performance measures, meaningful feedback and recognize and reward achievements.
- Collaborate with matrix peers to manage the prioritization of work activities, resolve conflicts.
- Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, geology or project management or an equivalent level of education.
- Over 12 years of experience.
- Requires a knowledge of the principles and practices associated with engineering and geology to manage and oversee the site activities related to borehole drilling.
- Requires experience in site management in exploration and/or geotechnical foundation investigation and/or environmental ground investigation work.
- A demonstrated understanding of addressing and managing site issues in real time so as to prevent down time or standby.
- Requires experience in project management to oversee the safe and efficient day-to-day operation of the site.
- Requires extensive experience in the development, approval and monitoring of health, safety and environmental management plans.
- Requires experience in resource planning, monitoring and reporting to manage and oversee site services and ensure the quality of the work performed.
- Requires experience in business and project planning, estimating, budgeting and project controls to ensure work is planned and executed within schedule and cost.
- Requires a good understanding of the roles of the Ministry of Labour, other government agencies and regulatory bodies working with them to resolve issues.
- Requires a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively by speaking, writing and listening and good interpersonal skills to establish strong working relationships with clients, contractors, regulators, government agencies and local communities.
- Requires a strong and full understanding of OHSA and experience in managing site activities.
Other:
- This is a management level position that requires working at sites with regular exposure to danger and hazards.
- This role involves oversight of work in the WLON-Ignace area. It requires management of field team providing oversight of a 24/7 work program including borehole drilling and testing operations.
Other Requirements:
The incumbent will bring an optimal combination of the following qualifications:
· Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
· Excellent planning and organizational skills.
· Ability to influence others at all levels of the organization.
· Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
· Effective project management skills.
· An understanding of both technical and social aspects of the APM program.
Must be eligible to work in Canada and must be able to meet security clearance requirements.
This position has been identified to be performed at Site at point of hire.
NWMO currently operates in a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office (Tuesdays being universal) and 2 days working from home.
We offer a competitive base salary, health care benefits and a defined benefit pension plan.
The NWMO is committed to contributing to Reconciliation in all its work by co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being. As an employment equity employer, NWMO actively seeks Indigenous Peoples, members of visible minorities, women, people with disabilities, and additional diverse identities for our workforce. The NWMO will provide accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation, please contact us.
