Conservation Areas Superintendent

Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA); St. Marys; Hybrid; CAD 83,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group Benefits

OMERS Pension

Vacation package

Free conservation area access

Job summary

Upper Thames River Conservation Authority seeks a Superintendent, Conservation Areas for Wildwood Conservation Area in St. Marys, Ontario. The role oversees day-to-day operations, staff leadership, enforcement activities, and water system oversight to ensure safe, compliant services.

The position is permanent, full-time, based at Wildwood, with 35 hours/week and on-call duties. Competitive compensation and benefits are provided to support the mission of healthy, resilient communities.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Parks Management or related field required.
• Provincial Offences Officer designation within 1 year.
• Drinking water system designation required within 3 months.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily conservation area operations and visitor services.
• Supervise and train staff across roles.
• Manage budgets and contribute to revenue initiatives.
• Maintain facilities, infrastructure, and amenities.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and enforcement activities.
• Oversee drinking water systems and emergency response as needed.
• Build relationships with visitors and community partners.
• Coordinate events, programming, and communications.
• Support health, safety, and risk management requirements.
• Assist water management and flood response activities.

Skills

Staff supervision

Public safety

Customer service

Education

Parks Management Diploma

Provincial Offences Officer designation

Chainsaw Operations Certification

Small Drinking Water System Designation

Job description

Location: Wildwood Conservation Area, St Marys

Job Status: Permanent, Full-Time

Compensation: $45.68 (starting) to $55.59 per hour

Benefits: Comprehensive Group Benefits, Pension Plan (OMERS) and Vacation package; f ree access to UTRCA Conservation Areas (Fanshawe, Pittock and Wildwood)

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week: weekends, evenings and as per on-call responsibilities

Number of Positions: 1 vacancy

Application Closing Date : Posted until filled. Applications will be reviewed starting September 14.

At the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), our mission is Communities engaged in a healthy, resilient environment . We work in partnership with the 17 municipalities within the Upper Thames River watershed, whose appointed representatives bring both urban and rural perspective to our Board of Directors. Together, we shape policies and programs that reflect the needs of our communities and support the long-term health ofourwatershed.

We focus on five key areas:

• Protecting people and property and supporting safe development
• Providing natural spaces and recreational opportunities
• Making science-based decisions
• Empowering communities and youth.

The Upper Thames River watershed spans approximately3,421 square kilometersand includes predominately rural landscapes, as well as the urban centers of London, Stratford, and Woodstock. We serve a diverse population of approximately600,000 residents. Our Conservation Areas offer outdoor recreational opportunities that welcome people of all ages and backgrounds, helping to educate visitors and share conservation messages that support the health of our watershed.

As a member of our team, you will support our mission by contributing your skills, knowledge, and experience to meaningful work. We believe diverse perspectives make us stronger and are committed to creating a collaborative, inclusive environment where people feel supported, respected, and encouraged to do their best work together. If this opportunity aligns with your experience and interests, we invite you to apply.

Summary

The Superintendent, Conservation Areas, is responsible for the overall day-to-day operation, maintenance, customer service, and regulatory compliance of Wildwood Conservation Area. The role provides leadership to staff, manages recreation area services and infrastructure, oversees drinking water systems and enforcement activities, and ensures operations are delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with UTRCA policies, legislation, and budget requirements.

As part of the Conservation Area Unit within the UTRCA, this position’s main work location will be at Wildwood Conservation Area in St Marys, Ontario. The Superintendent may assist at other Conservation Areas when needed based on the operational requirements of the Unit.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee daily conservation area operations, maintenance activities, and visitor services.
• Supervise, schedule, train, and support full-time, seasonal, and part-time staff.
• Manage operational budgets, approve expenditures, and contribute to annual budget planning and revenue generation initiatives.
• Maintain conservation area facilities, infrastructure, lands, and recreational amenities.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and legislation, including enforcement activities.
• Oversee drinking water systems, including operational monitoring, regulatory reporting, staff certification requirements, and emergency response as the Overall Responsible Operator when designated.
• Build positive relationships with visitors, tenants, community partners, and emergency service agencies.
• Coordinate special events, recreational programming, marketing, and social media communications.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, risk management, and workplace training requirements.
• Support water management and flood response activities, including inspections, on-call duties, and emergency response functions.

Qualifications

• A Diploma from an accredited College with a focus on Parks Management, Law Enforcement program or another related field is required;
• A Provincial Offences Officer designation required within 1 year;
• Chainsaw Operations Certification would be considered an asset;
• Small Drinking Water System Designation (required within 3 months of hiring). Limited Sub-system designation preferred.
• Minimum of (5) five years’ work experience in Conservation Area operations and/or enforcement program, or in a related field is required;
• Minimum of (3) three years’ experience supervision, mentoring and coaching staff, preferably within the Parks / Conservation Area environment;
• A comprehensive understanding of Ontario Drinking Water Protection Regulation and experience and ability to upgrade to specific system requirements;
• Experience and comfort with interpreting and enforcing policies;
• Experience with swimming pool operations would be considered an asset.
• Successful candidates will be required to provide a satisfactory police check prior to commencement of employment.

We are committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment that is free from discrimination and fosters belonging. We encourage and welcome applications from qualified members of the four designated groups, and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Accommodation is available and will be provided in all aspects of the hiring process as required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation and as request by applicants. Should you require accommodation in making an application, please contact UTRCA by phone at 519-451-2800 or at the email address above.

Personal information collected in relation to the recruitment process is collected under the authority outlined in the Conservation Authorities ActR.S.O. 1990, c.C.27, s.18(1) and will be used to determine eligibility for employment. Questions about this collection of personal information should be directed to: General Manager, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, 1424 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 5B9, 519-451-2800.