Ministry of Transportation Engineering Development Program

The Engineering Development Program (EDP) is a 6-year rotational program where participants gain engineering experience in a variety of disciplines. EDP participants are encouraged to secure their engineering licence with the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) once they have satisfied the licensing requirements. Participants will need to successfully secure a regular position within the ministry, but outside the program by way of a self-directed job search before the end of the program.

Benefits of joining the program

• Gain relevant work experience. The EDP is designed to provide you with the opportunity to complete rotational assignments related to engineering and contracts standards, asset management, engineering and design, and construction of provincial highway infrastructure.
• Satisfying and meaningful work. Your contribution will be vital towards enhancing Ontario's highways and bridges, as well as MTO’s delivery of the largest highway construction program in Canadian history.
• Mentorship program. EDP participants are assigned mentors who are licensed engineers and will be available to answer questions, provide coaching, act as a sounding board for ideas, and support the EDP participant in their new professional experience.
• Networking opportunities. Interact with engineering professionals from the private sector, municipalities, and transportation agencies, putting you on the right track to a successful career in the Ontario Public Service.
• Career Growth in the Ontario Public Service. Begin with us, stay with us. You will have the opportunity to apply for more senior positions once you obtain your P.Eng. from PEO.

Eligibility

Candidates must be recent university graduates within the last 2 years and have graduated from a minimum of a 4-year degree in an engineering discipline such as general civil, geotechnical, traffic management, transportation, structural or materials specialities to qualify for the technical/educational requirements for professional licensing with Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO). You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada eligible to work in Ontario. You must also have a valid class G driver’s licence or equivalent.

How and when can I apply?

You can apply for this program through the OPS Careers website by submitting a cover letter and resume. EDP job postings are posted in the fall of each year. Be sure to check our website often for updates and the OPS Careers website.

You may also choose to be notified of opportunities by e-mail for up to nine months when new job advertisements are posted that match the criteria or career stream of your interest. To subscribe to these notifications, see the Job Alert Subscribe.

To be alerted of EDP job postings during the period of your subscription, select the Region(s) you are interested in, select “Science and Engineering” as a job category, select “English” as Jobs Posted in, and “>$50,000” as a minimum salary.

Resources to help you prepare a cover letter and resume

Yes. It is recommended that you review and update your resume and cover letter for every job posting you apply to. For more tips and tools on resume writing go to our Ontario Public Service Careers website. From the main page, click on "Hiring Process" (found on the left side of the screen) to access a Resume Writing Guide and other tools.

On-the-job learning

The ministry provides both formal and informal learning and developmental opportunities, a rotational assignment approach that works with your interests, and a mentoring program to assist you with your transition and growth. Participants can expect to engage in practical, multifunctional learning experiences through rotational assignments in many disciplines, which may include:

• Highway design
• Traffic
• Structural
• Geotechnical/Engineering materials
• Construction

Types of work or rotational assignments

Potential work may include the following:

Highway design

• research technical data and conduct site investigations for the development of preliminary engineering and detailed designs, contract drawings, and tender documents for highway, structural, electrical, and maintenance projects
• undertake highway geometrics/operations studies and assist in assessing environmental impacts assist in consultant acquisition and management, including evaluating proposals and assessing adherence to ministry consultant assignment requirements
• prepare a variety of preliminary reports, correspondence, and presentations related to projects of an engineering or transportation systems planning nature

Traffic

• collect data, participate in investigations and prepare traffic operations reports on specific highway areas
• prioritize improvements and carry out capacity and collision analyses to identify problem locations
• evaluate proposed changes to traffic control practices and policies
• develop traffic modelling and forecasting
• participate in the development of innovative solutions to traffic management issues and the design and implementation of new control devices

Structural

• conduct structural condition inspections
• perform preliminary designs and investigations
• assist in the design of bridge structures
• utilize computer modelling to assess bridge behaviour (SFRAME, CANBAS)

Geotechnical/Engineering materials

• assist with pavement condition assessments
• recommend pavement management strategies for distressed sections of highway sections
• assess field information including, pavement condition, and subsoil and aggregate sources
• prepare preliminary pavement and soils design reports and recommend rehabilitation programming
• provide input to the regional preventative maintenance program

Construction

• support the contract administration of ministry construction projects by monitoring the day-to-day administration of construction contracts
• organize staff, review work progress, and ensure proper records are established and maintained
• manage quality assurance acceptance testing and inspection
• assist in the acquisition and management of consultants, including evaluating proposals

Contact us

Please direct any questions you have about the EDP to MTO-EDP@ontario.ca. A ministry staff person will respond to you shortly.