Director, Water & Wastewater System Services

Halton Region; Oakville; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional government entity in Ontario is seeking a Director for Water & Wastewater System Services to lead a team delivering safe and reliable service. You will be responsible for overseeing the operation and regulatory compliance of wastewater and water infrastructure, ensuring adherence to federal and provincial regulations. The ideal candidate has extensive experience, strong leadership skills and a commitment to operational excellence. This position includes a hybrid work model and requires interaction with various stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten years of senior leadership experience in municipal water and/or wastewater services.
• Extensive knowledge of municipal water and wastewater operations.
• Demonstrated leadership in fostering a high-performing, inclusive team culture.

Responsibilities

• Ensure reliable delivery of safe drinking water.
• Lead strategic direction for Water & Wastewater Services.
• Oversee long-term planning for water and wastewater infrastructure.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Post-secondary degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering

Job description

Director, Water & Wastewater System Services

Reporting to the Commissioner, Public Works, the Director of Water and Wastewater System Services leads a multidisciplinary team responsible for safe, reliable, sustainable service delivery 24/7/365 of the Region’s network of over 2,000 kilometers of gravity sewers and force mains, 2,000 kilometers of distribution water mains and transmission mains, and 32 water pumping stations, reservoirs, and towers.

The Director provides leadership to a multidisciplinary team delivering advanced asset management and capital planning, operation and regulatory compliance of water and wastewater linear infrastructure, pumping stations, and related facilities. The role ensures the Region meets or exceeds all provincial and federal regulations while advancing long‑term system resilience, environmental stewardship, and service excellence for residents and businesses.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure 24/7 reliable delivery of safe drinking water and effective wastewater collection and treatment, in compliance with all provincial and federal legislation.
• Lead and provide strategic direction for Water & Wastewater Services, incorporating best practices, sustainability, climate resilience, and continuous improvement into all programs and operations.
• Oversee long‑term planning for water and wastewater linear infrastructure, pump stations, and distribution systems to support growth, redevelopment, and asset renewal.
• Lead strategic initiatives including the Region’s Basement Flooding Mitigation Program and Advanced Metering Installation program.
• Build, develop, coach and support a large and diverse workforce of approximately 160 staff that includes technical, operational, engineering, and administrative staff.
• Oversee development and implementation of multi‑year capital programs aligned with Regional Council priorities, environmental requirements, and fiscal responsibility.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, safety, innovation, and customer service.
• Oversee emergency preparedness, response, and system reliability, including extreme weather events and system disruptions.
• Oversee water quality management systems, environmental monitoring, regulatory reporting, and audit requirements.
• Ensure infrastructure meets current and emerging regulatory standards, growth demands, and lifecycle replacement needs.
• Provide leadership for comprehensive asset management programs, including condition assessment, lifecycle planning, capital prioritization, and long‑range financial forecasting.
• Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring cost‑effective service delivery and transparent reporting.
• Provide professional expertise, advice and recommendations on issues related to Water & Wastewater System Services to support the Commissioner of Public Works, senior leadership and Regional Council.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships through regular consultations with Regional Council, the CAO, the Commissioner of Public Works, other Regional departments, Local Municipalities, developers and consultants.
• Ensure the Region complies with and operates within relevant legislation including, existing Environmental Employment Law, Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks Regulations, operator certifications, permit approvals, labour relations and the Safe Drinking Water Act, Ontario Water Resources Act and Environmental Protection.

Skills & Qualifications

What you Bring

• Minimum of ten (10) years of professional senior leadership experience in municipal water and/or wastewater services. A post‑secondary degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering (or related field) preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of municipal water and wastewater operations, provincial/federal regulatory frameworks, and industry best practices.
• Proven ability to successfully lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex, high‑impact projects from concept to completion. Demonstrated leadership in fostering a high‑performing, inclusive, and accountable team culture in a unionized environment.
• Strong background in project management, procurement, consultant and contractor management, and public/stakeholder relations.
• Superior judgment, strategic thinking, problem solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with elected officials, senior management, community partners, developers, and regulatory bodies.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and customer service excellence with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes.

Working / Employment Conditions

• A current (obtained within the past six (6) months), original and acceptable Criminal Records Check.
• The working environment is a hybrid work model as per the Region’s Hybrid policy, and requirement to travel to operational facilities or other municipalities as required.
• The incumbent must provide their own transportation.
• This position may also have contact with residents, senior management, members of Regional Council, and both governmental and non‑governmental organizations.

Important information about your application

• In accordance with requirements in Ontario Regulation 191/11 – Integrated Accessibility Standards and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Halton Region will accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition representative of the nature of the accommodation(s) you require.
• Please submit your application online. We will accommodate individual needs for applicants with disabilities and others who are not able to apply online. If you experience any issues with submitting your application, please contact HR Access at 905‑825‑6000 extension 7700.
• Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date specified on the posting.
• We encourage applications from all qualified individuals; however, only those under consideration will be contacted.
• Personal information collected through the job application process will only be used for the purpose of determining qualifications for employment.
• If selected for an interview, you will be contacted by email and/or phone. Please ensure the contact information provided on your resume is up to date and that you check your email and voicemail regularly.

Halton Region serves more than 624,000 residents throughout Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville. We are committed to the delivery of high quality programs and services that make Halton a great place to live and work. We engage great people who contribute to meaningful work that makes a positive difference in our community. At Halton, you are encouraged to grow and succeed in your career and are recognised for your accomplishments and contributions. As an employee, you will be part of a progressive, service focused and award‑winning employer with a diverse and inclusive work environment.

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Management and Manufacturing
• Industries: Government Administration