The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is the lead intermunicipal agency working to address river-related environmental issues and concerns within the Rideau Valley watershed. Thanks to our many partners, the scope of our conservation work includes planning, source water protection, tackling flooding and erosion problems and researching water movement and use in the valley. We help people maintain healthy shorelines, provide advice on development-related issues and report to municipalities, agencies and the public about watershed conditions and trends. We also provide public access to natural waterfront areas, deliver community-based stewardship programs, reduce water pollution and protect fish and wildlife habitat.

The Director of Watershed Science and Engineering is responsible for leading a team of highly skilled professional staff including engineers, scientists and technicians to support RVCA’s science and engineering programs which include: flood forecasting and warning; natural hazard identification and management; drinking water source protection; watershed modeling; monitoring and reporting of hydrometric conditions, surface water quality, aquatic habitat and groundwater; water and erosion control infrastructure; and technical reviews that support land use planning and development review.

As the ideal candidate, you hold an engineering degree in water resources, environmental or related discipline and you have a strong understanding of groundwater, surface water and aquatic habitat resources. You are a licensed professional engineer in Ontario and you bring ten years of related experience. You have strong people management and leadership skills, familiarity with relevant legislation, excellent communication and presentation skills, success cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders and partners, and a strong desire to inspire and lead a dynamic team of professionals driven to deliver high quality programs and serve the needs of our municipalities, partners and the public.

The incumbent will also work closely with the Director of Planning and Regulations as program areas overlap, foster a collaborative relationship with all departmental directors as a member of RVCA’s management team, and support and provide advice to RVCA’s Board of Directors, member municipalities and other partners and levels of government.

RESPONSBILITIES

• Develops and implements programs, policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all relevant internal and external policies, guidelines and legislation.
• Recruits, supervises, mentors and supports the performance and professional development of a diverse team of employees including engineers, biologists, ecologists, and groundwater and surface water specialists.
• Works with staff to implement and review programs and identify opportunities for program development and enhancement.
• Gathers feedback from stakeholders and clients and adjusts processes and operations as appropriate to maintain or improve service standards.
• Provides guidance to staff and reviews reports and technical work as required.
• Manages large scale technical studies and capital projects such as water and erosion control infrastructure, including the preparation and evaluation of tender documents and the management of external consultants.
• Coordinates efforts to secure external or alternative funding for departmental activities, including preparation, submission and management of funding proposals and fundraising ventures.
• Prepares and implements an annual departmental work plan and budget, including requirements for staffing and resources as well as the generation of revenues.
• Participates in the preparation of the Authority’s annual work plan and budget. • Helps develop and implement strategic plans, corporate policy and management systems.
• Supports the integration of all Authority programs and services and participates in multidisciplinary teams and committees within the Authority as assigned.
• Develops and delivers written and verbal reports for several audiences including the management team, Board of Directors, municipal councils, advisory committees and stakeholder and partner meetings.
• Supports the Board of Directors, member municipalities, other levels of government and partners in achieving watershed objectives through advice, participation on committees or other means.
• Establishes and fosters effective and collaborative working relationships with a wide range of external partners including municipalities, provincial ministries, federal agencies and local stakeholders
• Speaks on behalf of the Authority in media interviews as required, especially related to flood forecasting and warning.
• Manages the collection, maintenance, analysis and reporting of complex, sensitive and confidential information • Other related duties as assigned.

EFFORT AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Long periods of sitting at a desk to including periods of concentration to review and assess data and reports
• Long periods of looking at screens • 80% of work is performed indoors in a normal office environment
• 20% of work is performed at various locations to support monitoring field work
• Regular long periods of driving to locations in the watershed
• Potential exposure to confrontational situations
• Working outside of normal office hours is required at least monthly to attend and present at Board meetings as well as other community presentations

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENTCIES

• Degree in water resources engineering, environmental engineering or a related discipline and a strong understanding of groundwater, surface water and aquatic habitat resources.
• Licenced Professional Engineer in Ontario (P.Eng.)
• 10 years' experience, preferably with an Ontario Conservation Authority, municipality, or similar watershed management agency in another jurisdiction
• Familiarity with relevant legislation and regulations including, but not limited to, the Conservation Authorities Act, Clean Water Act and Planning Act
• Strong people management and leadership skills • Demonstrated ability to recognize, react and respond to changing external circumstances
• Strong organizational skills with proven ability to prioritize workloads
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex and unique technical problems that frequently require independent action.
• Strong presentation and communication skills with the ability to communicate complex concepts and present to large audiences
• Demonstrated ability to lead public consultation, facilitate meetings and navigate contentious issues
• Strong negotiation and conflict management skills with the ability to collaborate and uncover win-win solutions
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. French language skills are considered an asset
• Valid Class “G” Driver's license and satisfactory driving record.
• Commitment to performing job compliance with the highest ethical standards.
• Strong commitment to championing protection of the environment and the safeguarding of land and water resources

If you have a strong commitment to championing protection of the environment and the sustainable management of land and water resources, please send your resume and covering letter, no later than October 25, 2024 to

Visit us on the web at www.rvca.ca/career

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The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is an equal opportunity employer. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applications; however, we will contact only those candidates selected for consideration. We are committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you are selected for an interview and you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.