- Lead essential public works operations and strengthen the services that keep the growing community of Taloyoak moving
- Enjoy a competitive salary of $115,000–$130,000, plus a $26,000 Northern Living Allowance, ubsidized furnished housing, relocation assistance, and two annual round-trip flights for you and your family
- Experience life in a welcoming Arctic community, where professional challenges meet outdoor adventure, cultural traditions, and a close-knit way of life
The Hamlet of Taloyoak is a community unlike any other, standing as the northernmost settlement on mainland Canada. Its name, meaning "large caribou hunting blind" in Inuktitut, reflects a heritage built on resourcefulness, tradition, and connection to the land. The local way of life weaves together generations of knowledge, from hunting and fishing to the creation of intricate arts and crafts. Taloyoak is well known for its one-of-a-kind carvings made from stone, whalebone, caribou antler, and walrus ivory, often depicting figures from Inuit legends. The community is also home to skilled artisans who craft distinctive "packing dolls," arctic animals dressed in traditional parkas.
With a population of over 1,000, primarily Inuit, Taloyoak offers an opportunity to contribute to a tight-knit, culturally rich environment. Those who join the team will find themselves in a place where history and modern governance intersect, shaping a future that honours tradition while embracing new opportunities.
The Hamlet of Taloyoak is looking for a full-time Director of Public Works based in Taloyoak, NU.
Reporting to the Senior Administrative Officer (SAO), you will play a pivotal role in leading the Public Works Department and ensuring the reliable delivery of essential municipal services across the community.
In this position, you will be primarily responsible for strengthening day-to-day operations, establishing effective systems and schedules, and overseeing a multi-functional team delivering water and sewer, road, waste, fleet, and facility services.
More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Leading the Public Works Foreman and operational teams, setting clear schedules, expectations, and performance standards
- Ensuring reliable water delivery and sewage collection, including staffing coverage, service tracking, complaint resolution, and regulatory reporting
- Overseeing road maintenance, grading, snow clearing, and drainage activities
- Coordinating solid waste collection and the effective operation of related municipal services
- Directing preventive maintenance and repairs for Hamlet vehicles and heavy equipment
- Overseeing the maintenance and repair of municipal buildings and related assets
- Managing employee training, workplace safety, timesheets, performance, and emergency coverage
- Administering departmental budgets, purchasing, inventory controls, annual sealift requirements, and equipment replacement planning
- Developing operational plans and improving routes, staffing, equipment utilization, and overall service efficiency
- Preparing departmental reports and coordinating with the SAO, Council, contractors, government agencies, and other Hamlet departments
To read the full position description, please click here.
To qualify, you will need 5+ years of relevant experience in municipal operations, public works, construction, utilities, fleet and equipment operations, or a related field, with supervisory and staff-management experience within an operational or trades environment. You will also ideally hold a relevant post-secondary qualification or Red Seal/Journeyperson certification, preferably as a mechanic. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.
The following are required:
- Ability to undergo a Criminal Record Check
- A valid driver’s licence, with a Class 3 licence considered an asset
- Current First Aid and CPR certification, or a willingness to obtain and maintain certification
- Availability to respond to urgent operational matters outside regular working hours, including evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays
- Ability to work in varying Arctic weather conditions at municipal facilities and outdoor worksites
Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:
- Knowledge of water delivery and sewage collection systems, with experience using Fluid Manager considered an asset
- Experience with road maintenance, snow clearing, heavy equipment, fleet maintenance, and preventive maintenance programs
- Experience developing work schedules, operational plans, budgets, purchasing requirements, inventory controls, and reports
- Experience supervising a multi-functional workforce, including employee training and performance management, with knowledge of collective agreement requirements
- Experience managing essential services, competing priorities, staffing shortages, and urgent operational issues
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and electronic record-keeping systems
- Experience working in a northern or remote community and an understanding of small-community operations
- Fluency in Inuktitut (asset)
As our ideal candidate, you will be a confident and practical leader who can organize competing priorities, solve problems, and provide clear direction while remaining tactful, respectful, and culturally aware. Your ability to build trust, adapt your communication style, and work effectively with employees from different backgrounds will help you succeed in this close-knit Inuit community.
This is an impactful leadership opportunity for an experienced public works or trades professional who is ready to strengthen essential services, build effective systems, and help the Hamlet meet the needs of a growing community.
Compensation based on skills and experience, is a competitive annual salary of $115,000 - $130,000 plus a Northern Living Allowance of $26,000, negotiable depending on experience, and a host of excellent benefits including:
- Comprehensive benefits plan including extended health care, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability coverage
- Four weeks of vacation plus two weeks of management leave
- Relocation assistance, including shipment of up to 1,500 pounds of personal belongings for an individual or 4,000 pounds for a family
- Fully furnished, all-inclusive three-bedroom accommodation for $300 per month, including utilities and Starlink internet
- Two round-trip flights per year for you and your family
- Company vehicle provided for business use
- Company-provided phone
- Access to local K-12 schooling, including a newly opened high school
- A vibrant and welcoming community offering recreational activities, local events, and friendly neighbours eager to connect
If you have the expertise, adaptability, and drive to make a lasting impact in this role, we encourage you to apply today!
