Quality Assurance/Quality Control Lead

Overview

Location: IOL Kearl, Fort McMurray, AB (FIFO from Edmonton or Calgary)

Position: Project-Based / Full-Time (Turnaround)

Work Schedule: 6 Days On and 1 Day Off, working 10-12+ hours per day 

Shift: Day Shift

Employment Type: Open to Employee and DSP (Direct Service Provider) Contract Arrangements

Positions Available:1

Reporting to: Site Manager

Waiward is a respected construction and maintenance service provider operating one of Canada's largest fabrication facilities based in Edmonton, Alberta. Guided by our mission, To Be Your Trusted Partner, we are committed to acting with integrity and delivering exceptional service in everything we do. Through strategic growth and continuous improvement, we have remained dedicated to providing our clients with an unsurpassed level of quality, expertise, and performance. 

Our success is built on the strength of our people and our unwavering commitment to our core values.

At Waiward, we believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace is essential to unlocking the full potential of our team. We are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining talented individuals from all backgrounds and fostering an environment of fairness, respect, and opportunity. We invest in our people based on their expertise, capabilities, aspirations, and performance, while embracing the unique perspectives that strengthen our organization.

As an industry leader, we recognize that diversity and inclusion drive innovation, collaboration, and long-term success. We are committed to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their ideas, experiences, and perspectives as we continue to grow alongside the communities and clients we serve.

Job Purpose

The QA/QC Lead is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all quality assurance and quality control activities related to welding, structural, piping, and mechanical construction work during the Kearl Oil Sands turnaround project. The QA/QC Lead ensures all work is executed in accordance with applicable codes, standards, client specifications, and Waiward quality requirements. This position provides leadership and guidance to QA/QC personnel, interfaces with client representatives and construction teams, and ensures the accurate completion and turnover of quality documentation throughout all phases of the project.

Responsibilities

• Display a commitment to Waiward's incident-free vision, values, and culture.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the project scope, schedule, inspection requirements, testing requirements, quality documentation, and turnover processes.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of contracts, specifications, applicable codes, standards, client requirements, and jurisdictional regulations.
• Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), Quality Field Packages, and project quality processes.
• Ensure all inspection, testing, and quality control activities are performed in accordance with approved procedures, project specifications, and client requirements.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, training, supervision, and task assignment for QA/QC personnel and inspectors.
• Maintain effective communication with project management, construction teams, client representatives, subcontractors, and regulatory authorities regarding quality-related matters.
• Oversee the implementation, compliance, and effectiveness of the Quality Management System (QMS), quality manuals, procedures, and work instructions.
• Conduct quality reviews, audits, and assessments, ensuring corrective and preventative actions are implemented and effectiveness is maintained.
• Document, investigate, and report non-conformances (NCRs), ensuring deficiencies, rework activities, and closeout requirements are effectively managed.
• Oversee welding quality requirements, including welder qualifications, continuity logs, welding procedures, and qualification records.
• Coordinate and manage third-party NDE providers and inspection agencies, including the review and approval of testing reports and quality documentation.
• Monitor field construction activities to verify compliance with approved drawings, specifications, procedures, and applicable quality requirements.
• Develop and maintain turnover systems, ensuring the progressive compilation, review, and completion of quality records and turnover packages.
• Coordinate system walkdowns, turnover activities, punch list management, and completion reviews with project management, quality personnel, and client representatives.
• Lead quality meetings and provide input into continuous improvement initiatives while supporting the successful execution of turnaround objectives and project milestones.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in construction and/or maintenance quality inspection, including mechanical, piping, structural, and welding activities.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a QA/QC Lead, supervisory, or leadership role.
• Certification as a CSA W178.2 Level II Welding Inspector with a current visual acuity record (required).
• Working knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and project specifications, including CSA W59, CSA W47.1, ASME B31.3, and other relevant industry standards.
• Experience leading quality personnel and coordinating quality activities on industrial construction or maintenance projects.
• Working knowledge of NDE methods, including RT, UT, MT, and PT.
• Strong understanding of Quality Management Systems (QMS), quality documentation, turnover packages, and non-conformance management processes.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, train, and provide direction to Quality Inspection personnel.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to maintain accurate quality documentation and turnover records.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with project teams, client representatives, subcontractors, and regulatory authorities.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely while influencing and driving quality requirements across the project.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and document control systems, including Bluebeam, Word, and Excel.
• Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence with a satisfactory driver's abstract.
• Must successfully complete a pre-access Drug & Alcohol test and meet all Waiward and Kearl site access requirements.
• Required certifications may include CSTS 2020, CSO/BSO, Fall Protection, Confined Space Entry & Monitor, Elevated Work Platform (EWP), and other client-specific training requirements.
• Previous turnaround and oil sands project experience is considered a strong asset.

Working Conditions

• This is a camp-based turnaround position at the IOL Kearl site in Fort McMurray, AB.
• Fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) transportation is provided from Edmonton or Calgary.
• The successful candidate will stay at Wapasu Camp for the duration of the rotation.
• Candidates must be able to work a 6-and-1 rotation consisting of 12+ hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and statutory holidays as required by the turnaround schedule.
• The incumbent is required to work on an active construction site where they may be exposed to moderate noise levels, extreme weather conditions, and various workplace hazards, including heavy equipment.
• The incumbent must be physically capable of working in an industrial environment and adhering to all site-specific safety requirements.

Physical Requirements

• The incumbent is required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as conducting inspections, preparing and analyzing data, reviewing quality documentation, viewing a computer screen for extended periods, and extensive reading.
• The incumbent is required to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time.
• The position requires the ability to work on uneven ground, climb ladders and structures, enter confined spaces, and perform occasional lifting while maintaining compliance with site safety requirements.
• The incumbent must be capable of wearing all required personal protective equipment (PPE) and performing duties safely in an active industrial construction environment.

Direct Reports 

• None

Employment Statement

Waiward is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.