Public Works Management

public-works-construction

  • Program Title: Public Works Construction Technician
    Credential: Diploma
    Delivery: Online
    Program Length: 3 Semesters (1 year)
    Program Availability: Full-time or Part-time
    Offered: This program is available starting every Monday.

    Program Description

    This course of study is ideal for public works professionals looking to assume positions of greater responsibility. The concentration, offered through our online diploma program, provides public works professionals with the specialized knowledge to make tangible differences in their organizations and in the quality of life of their communities. This diploma program is conveniently delivered in an online format, meaning you can earn your diploma and complete all coursework from your own home with minimal disruption to your personal or professional life. As writing and comprehension skills are fundamental to any supervisory or leadership position, the program begins by ensuring that students have a reasonable capability in this area.

    Students have a total of fifty-two (52) weeks to complete their program requirements, starting from the date of their first course.

    Learning Outcomes

    The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

    1. Describe safety practices and procedures to protect self and others.
    2. Interpret blueprints, drawings and layouts using architectural and measurement conventions.
    3. Describe methods and procedures for the use of hand and power tools.
    4. Describe the methods and procedures required for the use of stationary equipment.
    5. Describe the methods and procedures required for rigging and hoisting operations.
    6. Describe methods and procedures required for formsetting.
    7. Describe the methods and procedures required for the placement of concrete.
    8. Describe earthwork, barrier and environmental control practices and procedures.

    Your Career

    Your Career

    The Public Works Manager reports to the Director of Operations. This position manages, supervises and coordinates the activities and operations of Water, Wastewater and Infrastructure within the Public Works Department.

    Main Duties:

    • Assume management responsibilities for assigned services and activities of the Water, Wastewater and Infrastructure.
    • Manage the policies, procedures and priorities for Public Works.
    • Plan, direct, coordinate and review the work plan for staff; assign work activities, projects and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
    • Select, train, motivate and evaluate staff; work with employees to correct deficiencies; aide in discipline and disciplinary procedures.
    • Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the division’s annual budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor ad approve expenditures; implement adjustments.
    • Serve on committees to enrich the community and the members.
    • Prepare and present reports and other necessary correspondence.
    • Provide assistance to the director in all aspects related to Public Works; recommend revisions to programs, policies and procedures where applicable.
    • Respond to, and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
    • Maintain records for all band equipment and maintenance schedules.
    • Follow and meet all INAC, CIAS/ACRS reporting requirements.
    • Manage each infrastructure area and coordinate maintenance, road, water, sanitation and community buildings.

  • Admission Requirements

    College Eligibility

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; OR
    • Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Certificate; OR
    • General Educational Development (GED); OR
    • Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program).

    Call the Admissions Office at 1 (800) 267-2577 for more details. Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.

    Application Process
    Program intake – Apply to this program by visiting our Registration page. If you are entering into this program as a mature student please attach your resume when submitting your registration information online.

  • Courses

    Semester 1
    Basic Study Skills
    Job Site Safety
    Construction Math
    Introductory Skills for the Crew Leader
    Fundamentals of Crew Leadership
    Introduction to Project Management
    Interpersonal Skills
    Successful Negotiations and Resolutions
    Control Setup

    Semester 2
    Boundary and Topography Surveys
    Construction Documents
    Construction Planning
    Estimating and Cost Control
    Project Planning and Scheduling
    Resource Control
    Quality Control
    Process Improvement

    Semester 3
    Human Relations and Problem Solving
    Procurement and Contracts
    Document Control and Estimating
    Working from Elevations
    Walking and Working Surfaces
    Concrete Properties and Quality Control
    Environmental Awareness
    Survey Equipment Use and Care of EDMIs and Total Stations
    Data Collection and Basic Computer Skills

    Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of information provided on our website. The College reserves the right to modify any course, program, curriculum, fee, timetable, or campus location at any time.

  • Course Descriptions

    Semester 1
    Basic Study Skills
    This course will enable students to assess their current study skills and plan for improvement. Students will practice time-management techniques for successful studying. Students will learn to develop powerful reading skills and practice memory techniques to enhance ability to learn and improve test performance. This course will also help students to develop specific study skills for mathematics and related subjects and implement an action plan to improve them.

    Job Site Safety
    Stresses the importance of job site safety and identifies the project manager’s duties and responsibilities regarding safety. Covers loss prevention and creating a zero-accident work environment. Presents several checklists as references.

    Construction Math
    Reviews basic math skills related to the construction trades and demonstrates how they apply to the trades. Covers multiple systems of measurement, decimals, fractions, and basic geometry.

    Introductory Skills for the Crew Leader
    Introduces trainees to the knowledge and skills required for team leadership. Covers practical information about today’s construction industry; basic leadership skills; safety responsibilities of a supervisor; and a detailed survey of project control techniques.

    Fundamentals of Crew Leadership
    While this module has been designed to assist the recently promoted crew leader, it is benefi cial for anyone in management. The course covers basic leadership skills and explains different leadership styles, communication, delegating, and problem solving. Job-site safety and the crew leader’s role in safety are also discussed. This edition goes into detail on project planning, scheduling, and estimating with new performance tasks to assist the learning process.

    Introduction to Project Management
    Introduces the role and responsibilities of project management, including technical and management skills and an overview of the phases in a construction project. Describes alternate project delivery methods.

    Interpersonal Skills
    Discusses the values and expectations of the workforce, building relationships, and satisfying stakeholders. Describes the principles of effective communication, applying the management grid, and using relationship skills to create a leadership environment. Also discusses behavioral interviewing and professional development of personnel.

    Successful Negotiations and Resolutions
    Describes the key elements of successful negotiations and negotiating techniques. Discusses how to recognize nonverbal signals, use negotiating tools, and apply conflict resolution strategies. Identifies symptoms and barriers to solving project-related problems and applying problem-solving techniques, brainstorming, and identifying root cause consequences.

    Control Setup
    Contains information and instructions for setting up, running, recording, and closing a horizontal traverse and a level loop. Also covers primary and secondary control plans, as well as vertical control for multilevel structures.

    Semester 2
    Boundary and Topography Surveys
    Contains information and instructions for gathering, recording, and plotting profile and cross-section leveling data. Includes plot and site plans to identify rights-of-way, utilities, setbacks, boundaries, and tie-in locations.

    Construction Documents
    Emphasizes the importance of documentation and explains the types of documents, drawings, and specifications used on a project. Explains methods of obtaining work in the industry and types of contracts and insurance requirements.  Describes the change order process and the documents required to close out a project.

    Construction Planning
    Discusses the importance of formal job planning and creating a performance-based work environment. Discusses the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) as the foundation that identifies deliverables, tasks, and time. Introduces the basics of quality control and defines the roles and responsibilities of an effective team and how to allocate resources.

    Estimating and Cost Control
    Emphasizes the importance of accurate estimating and summarizes the estimating process and the steps in developing an estimate. Defines the purpose of a cost control methodology, explains how to perform simple cost analysis, and covers the project manager’s role in controlling cost and tracking rework cost.

    Project Planning and Scheduling
    Provides instruction in the basics of scheduling from simple to-do lists through bar charts, network diagrams, and methods of managing resources. Discusses the importance of formal schedules, job planning, and establishing priorities. Describes alternative scheduling methods. Introduces the stages of planning, how to implement a plan, and how to coordinate with other contractors. Includes planning resources, materials, equipment, tools, and labor.  Discusses short- and long-term schedules

    Resource Control
    Identifies the resources that must be controlled, the major factors which affect production control, and production control standards. Explains the project manager’s role in the process and how to distinguish between production and productivity. Explains how to evaluate and improve production control and productivity. Introduces the stages of planning, how to implement a plan, and how to coordinate with other contractors. Includes planning resources, materials, equipment, tools, and labor.  Discusses short- and long-term schedules

    Quality Control
    Defines quality control and quality assurance, and stresses management’s concerns about quality. Explains project quality management and how to develop an effective quality control plan. Discusses how to identify, assess, and measure weaknesses to avoid rework.

    Process Improvement
    Describes the project manager’s role in creating a culture of continuous improvement. Explains the fundamentals of a continuous improvement program and how to identify the critical problems and processes that require improvement, implement a continuous improvement process, and measure results. Emphasizes the importance of satisfying internal and external stakeholders.

    Semester 3
    Human Relations and Problem Solving
    Focuses on the communication process and developing effective communication and leadership skills. Compares problem solving to decision making. Discusses potential human relations difficulties and how to resolve them.

    Procurement and Contracts
    Provides an introduction to using and maintaining document control. Defines the elements of material, labor, and equipment estimates and how to develop, organize, and look for errors in an estimate.

    Document Control and Estimating
    Describes the necessary procedures for preparing ground for highway/heavy construction.  Explains soil basics, including terminology, identification, and classification. Addresses earthmoving operations, such as laying out slopes and grades, site excavation, and hauling, along with methods of stabilizing soils.

    Working from Elevations
    Discusses the hazards and safeguards associated with the use of aerial lifts, ladders, and scaffolding.
    Describes how to safely set up and use this equipment. Explains how to identify, avoid, and react to unsafe conditions when working from elevations. Covers the selection and use of appropriate fall-protection equipment.

    Walking and Working Surfaces
    Participants learn how to recognize the hazards, employ the safeguards, and avoid and respond to accidents and injuries related to walking and working surfaces.

    Concrete Properties and Quality Control
    Covers the chemical and physical properties of concrete and the components, such as cement, aggregates, and admixtures, that make up the concrete mixture. Explains the various methods and equipment used to sample, test, and inspect concrete.

    Environmental Awareness
    Minimizing hazardous-waste production and preventing water and soil contamination are covered in this module. Participants learn about the training and medical surveillance requirements for personnel working with materials such as hazardous waste, lead, asbestos, and silica. Also covered are the primary types of environmental problems and the hazardous-waste shipping requirements common on a construction site.

    Survey Equipment Use and Care of EDMIs and Total Stations
    Covers the setup, use, calibration, and care of electronic distance measuring instruments and total stations.

    Data Collection and Basic Computer Skills
    Covers the use of integrated total station systems and GPS surveying systems. Explains the use of integrated field and office software to collect and manage data.

  • Fees & Expenses

    Fees Apply for this Academic Year.

    • Registration: $100.00
    • Textbooks: $1025.00
    • Shipping: $61.00
    • Tuition: $7,814.00

    Total Tuition & Fees: $9,000.00

  • Enroll Online Or By Mail / Fax.

    For additional information, send an e-mail or call us toll free: 800–267-2577

    Download registration form here.

    Please Download and Save the DE Enrollment and Procedure Guide and Contract .PDF to your desktop.

    Mail or fax your completed form to:
    Native Education & Training College of Business, Healthcare, Human Service & Technology

    101-147 McIntyre St. W
    North Bay, ON P1B 2Y5
    Fax: (705) 497-7839

    Sign Up Online:

      Enroll Online Or By Mail / Fax.

      For additional information, send an e-mail or call us toll free: 800--267-2577

      Download registration form here.

      Please Download and Save the DE Enrollment and Procedure Guide and Contract .PDF to your desktop.

      Mail or fax your completed form to:
      Native Education & Training College of Business, Healthcare, Human Service & Technology

      101-147 McIntyre St. W
      North Bay, ON P1B 2Y5
      Fax: (705) 497-7839

      Sign Up Online:

      Personal Info:

      MaleFemale



      Program Information:


      CertificateDiploma

      Full TimePart Time


      First Nation Ed. AuthMetisAboriginal HRDCFirst NationOther



      Academic Background:

      OSSDGEDGASOntario Basic Skills

      Post-Secondary Education: