Working Foreperson - Client Services (Term)

Dalhousie University; Halifax; On-site; CAD 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Dalhousie University, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is seeking a Working Foreperson - Client Services (Term) to lead on-campus maintenance teams and contractors, ensuring work is performed safely, efficiently, and to university standards. You will report to an Operations Unit supervisor, assign tasks, monitor progress, and maintain records in FAMIS while communicating with university clients to minimize service interruptions.

This is a full-time, 1.0 FTE, 2-year term position.

Qualifications

• The candidate demonstrates leadership in field operations and safety promotions.
• Experience coordinating a team of staff and/or contractors on campus projects.
• Strong communication with clients and internal stakeholders; proficient in safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Direct, monitor, and expedit e work assigned by a supervisor or foreperson.
• Ensure compliance with safety codes, regulations, and university policies.
• Develop effective working relationships and lead by example.
• Prepare estimates for maintenance and/or project work including labour, materials, and services.
• Maintain accurate information in FAMIS including dates, hours, and scope.
• Communicate work requirements and status with clients and FM staff.

Skills

Leadership

Safety awareness

Team coordination

Communication skills

Problem solving

Tools

FAMIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Details

Position Information

Position Title: Working Foreperson - Client Services (Term)

Department/Unit: Facilities Management

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Posting Number: FM149-26

Employee Group: NSGEU Local 99

Position Type: Term

Duration of Contract (if applicable): 2 years

Employment Type: Full Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE): 1.0

Rate: $1.00 per hour Premium

Classification: Working Foreperson

About Dalhousie University

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.

Job Summary

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

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

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Diversity Statement: 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.

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies: 1

Open Date: 11/05/2026

Close Date: 11/11/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/22453