Supervisor, Construction

City of Kingston; Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Kingston is seeking a Construction Supervisor who provides technical, contractual and supervisory leadership for municipal capital projects. You will coordinate survey resources and oversee inspectors and project coordinators to ensure safe, on-time delivery.

This role works with contractors, Utilities Kingston, City departments and the public, identifying improvement opportunities, applying standards, and resolving issues within delegated authority.

Qualifications

• 3 year diploma or 4-year degree in Civil Engineering
• 8+ years in municipal infrastructure construction
• 3+ years supervisory/leadership experience
• Unionized municipal staff supervision preferred
• Experience administering complex municipal construction contracts
• CET or equivalent professional designation

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for capital construction projects.
• Develop project scopes, estimates, procurement docs and specs.
• Review packages for technical accuracy and constructability.
• Monitor schedules, budgets, quality and contract compliance.
• Coordinate survey resources and technical support.
• Provide training and enforce procedures.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Contract administration

Construction knowledge

Stakeholder communication

Survey coordination

Project coordination

Budget oversight

Education

Civil Engineering Technologist Diploma

Bachelors of Applied Science – Civil Engineering

Tools

Survey equipment

Job description

Reporting to the Manager, Construction, the Construction Supervisor provides technical, contractual and supervisory leadership for the delivery of municipal capital construction projects. The position supervises Surveyor/Inspectors and Project Coordinators, coordinates construction administration and inspection resources, and independently resolves technical, contractual, quality and field issues within delegated authority.

The position works closely with contractors, consultants, Utilities Kingston, City departments, external agencies, property owners and the public to support successful project delivery. The role also identifies opportunities to improve construction administration practices and researches new construction technologies, methods and techniques.

We design, build, and maintain Kingston’s core infrastructure, from roads and sidewalks to stormwater systems and bridges. Our team ensures projects meet safety, sustainability, and regulatory standards while improving the city’s functionality and quality of life.

What you'll do...

Provides technical leadership in the development of capital construction projects, including:

• Developing project scopes, estimates, procurement documents and technical specifications
• Reviewing internally and externally prepared project packages for technical accuracy, constructability and consistency with City standards
• Identifying construction risks, conflicts and delivery concerns and recommending changes prior to tender
• Providing construction and contract administration input to support practical and enforceable project requirements

Oversees the inspection and contract administration of multiple capital construction projects, including:

• Monitoring project schedules, budgets, quality and contract compliance throughout the construction phase of capital projects
• Interpreting contract documents, specifications and standards and resolving technical, contractual and field issues within delegated authority
• Assessing cost, schedule, quality and contractual implications of construction issues and recommending or implementing appropriate solutions
• Negotiating changes in the work and addressing contractor performance, deficiencies, claims and disputes
• Coordinating project impacts and communications with City departments, Utilities Kingston, consultants, contractors, external agencies and the public
• Coordinates construction administration and inspection resources across the annual construction program, balancing staff and consultant assignments based on project complexity, schedule, workload and risk

Coordinates survey resources and technical support for capital and operational needs, including:

• Prioritizing and assigning survey work based on project schedules, urgency, workload and available resources
• Providing technical guidance on survey requirements, methods and field issues
• Coordinating survey support across Engineering and other City departments
• Managing survey equipment and recommending life-cycle replacement, upgrades and new technology

Develops and implements technical training, procedures and construction administration practices, including:

• Developing and delivering technical training material for construction and inspection staff
• Communicating and enforcing departmental procedures and standards
• Identifying opportunities to improve construction, inspection and contract administration practices
• Working with the Construction Supervisors and Manager, Construction to develop and implement practical, consistent and enforceable procedures, specifications and standard practices

Provides technical and contract administration support to City departments and Utilities Kingston, including:

• Interpreting construction standards, specifications and contract requirements
• Providing advice on constructability, materials, quality and field conditions
• Assisting with resolution of construction‑related technical and contractual issues
• Supporting coordination where City or utility infrastructure interfaces with active capital projects

Other duties as assigned

• 3 Year Civil Engineering Technologist Diploma or 4 year Bachelors of Applied Science – Civil Engineering
• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal infrastructure construction, contract administration, inspection and/or related engineering activities
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory or leadership experience, including responsibility for assigning work, providing technical direction and managing staff performance
• Experience supervising staff in a unionized municipal environment preferred
• Experience administering complex municipal construction contracts involving multiple stakeholders, contractors and consultants preferred
• Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) designation or other applicable professional designation related to civil engineering
• Advanced knowledge of municipal infrastructure construction and contract administration practices
• Knowledge of City of Kingston construction standards, specifications and contract administration practices preferred
• Experience with municipal road, underground infrastructure and utility construction preferred
• Knowledge of TAC and MTO standards and guidelines preferred
• Strong knowledge and experience interpreting construction contracts, drawings, specifications, OPSS, City standards and other applicable technical requirements
• Knowledge of the Construction Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act and other legislation and regulations applicable to municipal construction
• Strong understanding of construction quality assurance, materials testing, deficiencies and corrective action
• Ability to assess and resolve technical, contractual, constructability and field issues, including consideration of cost, schedule, quality and contractor entitlement
• Experience negotiating changes in work and resolving contractor performance issues, claims and disputes
• Working knowledge of survey methods, construction layout, equipment and field practices
• Strong organizational and resource‑planning skills with the ability to coordinate staff and consultant resources across multiple concurrent construction projects
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to provide technical direction, negotiate solutions and communicate with contractors, consultants, staff, utilities and the public
• Ability to attend active construction sites during regular and, when required, evening or overnight work periods
• Ability to work in active construction environments with exposure to traffic, heavy equipment, noise, weather and uneven terrain
• Must possess a valid Class G driver’s license and have access to transportation to attend construction sites and other work locations within the City
• Required to obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check
• Must demonstrate corporate values of Belonging, Collaboration, Accountability, and Innovation

Why us?

Join a team that’s building more than a city - we’re building a community where people thrive. At the City of Kingston, your work has real impact: safer streets, greener spaces, inclusive experiences, innovative transit, creative public spaces, and brighter futures for all.

We’re more than just a municipal government - we’re a team of problem-solvers, innovators, and community-builders who take pride in shaping the place we call home. As an employer, we’re committed to your growth, your well-being, and creating an environment where every voice counts. Your career is more than a job - it’s where your impact begins.

Why you’ll love it here…

We provide our employees with a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package, which may include extended health coverage, travel and life insurance, and long‑term disability. Specific benefits can vary depending on your role and terms of employment.

In addition, employees may enjoy access to:

• OMERS defined pension plan
• Employee wellness and assistance programs and resources
• Ongoing training and education opportunities
• Corporate perks such as discounted transit and fitness passes
• Learning & development resources and networks
• Relocation assistance and local resources

Accommodations are available at all stages of the recruitment and selection process to support a barrier‑free experience for all candidates in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require any accommodations, please let us know. For more information, you can contact us at [e-mail].

Thank you to everyone who applies. While we value each application, only those advancing in the recruitment process will be contacted. All personal information will be handled in compliance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).

The City of Kingston may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) assisted tools throughout the recruitment process. All final hiring decisions are made by qualified municipal staff.

Our commitment

The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron‑Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.

Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.

Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.