Water Manager

Lakeshore; Belle River; On-site; CAD 125,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipality in Ontario is seeking a qualified Manager of Water to oversee water and wastewater services. The role requires a 4-year engineering degree or equivalent and at least 7 years of supervisory experience. The manager will ensure compliance with regulations while managing projects and budgets effectively. This position offers a competitive salary and the chance to positively impact the community's water services.

Qualifications

• 7 years of progressive experience in supervisory or management positions.
• Experience in a unionized environment is an asset.
• Clear police clearance.

Responsibilities

• Manage water and wastewater services for the Municipality.
• Ensure compliance with MECP regulations.
• Oversee division projects and budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication

Time management

Technical knowledge in water treatment

Education

4 year Civil/Environmental/Water Resource Engineering degree or CET with Class 3 Water license

Professional Engineering designation

Job description

Job Description

Posted Monday, February 9, 2026 at 5:00 AM | Expires Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 4:59 AM

Help Lakeshore build the best team to serve the residents of Lakeshore!

Position: Manager, Water

Salary: Grade 10, Non-Union ($125,834 to $147,183)

Reports to: Executive Director, Infrastructure Services

This position is due to a vacancy. The Municipality uses an online questionnaire to screen applications.

Purpose of Position:

Reporting to the Executive Director - Infrastructure Services, the Manager - Water is responsible for the overall management and administration of the water and wastewater services for the Municipality of Lakeshore, including all associated facilities and systems, engineering design projects, operations and maintenance of the Municipality’s water and wastewater treatment, pumping, distribution and collection systems in accordance with all municipal policies and Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) regulations.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Either a 4 year Civil/Environmental/Water Resource Engineering degree from a recognized university or a Certified Engineering Technologist combined with a Class 3 Water license (or eligible).
• Professional Engineering designation is required or alternatively a CET designation/Class 3 Water Operator license.
• 7 years progressive experience in a supervisory, management position preferably with municipal experience directly related to water and wastewater treatment and distribution related experience.
• Experience in a unionized environment would be an asset.
• Clear police clearance

Knowledge & Skills:

• Excellent organizational, time management, leadership, managerial and public relations skills.
• Excellent computer, report writing and communications skills, both verbal and oral.
• Technical knowledge in water treatment/distribution and wastewater treatment/collection.
• Advanced knowledge of Ontario Provincial policies, legislation and regulations that affect municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities, including Ontario Water Resources Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) regulations, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare accurate reports and polices with researched information, logical analysis and recommendations.

Major Responsibilities:

• Leads and oversees the Municipality of Lakeshore’s Water Supply System and Drinking Water Quality Management System (DWQMS).
• Leads and oversees the Municipality of Lakeshore’s Wastewater Collection and Treatment Systems.
• Maintains efficient operation of all staff and resources required to effectively operate and manage the water and wastewater systems for the Municipality.
• Responsible that the required maintenance is carried out on both systems and accurate records are kept in a responsible manner.
• Develops and manages all procedures and processes related to the operation of the division including review and monitoring of all statistical records relative to facilities and operations to ensure compliance with all application regulations, legislation, by-laws, etc.
• Manages the compliance program for education and training requirements for water treatment operator licensing.
• Manages all contracts (maintenance and capital) for the division including contracts with Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA).
• Oversees and manages all projects and activities of the division.
• Provides leadership direction, guidance and support to division staff through coordination and consultation with the Supervisor - Water Treatment (O.R.O) and Supervisor - Distribution and Collection.
• Responsible for the development, monitoring and administration of the division budget, including all capital, operating and life cycle items.
• Provides assistance and consultation with other departments, as required, to ensure successful coordination of projects in Operations and the effective and efficient provision of services.
• Oversees and manages preparation, review and awarding of tenders related to the operation of the division.
• Ensures that staff training requirements are maintained in accordance with all necessary certifications, licences and regulations.
• Tracks, manages and ensures that all regulatory reporting and requirements are being fulfilled.
• Participates in reviews related to growth projects and proposals, including the Consolidated Linear Infrastructure (CLI) process for water and wastewaster.
• Participates in, contributes to and supports departmental initiatives and priorities.
• Provides training, guidance and instruction to staff as necessary to ensure compliance with all Occupational Health and Safety regulations and municipal standards, policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Prepares and present reports, correspondence, and documents for Council, outside agencies and other departments within the Municipality.
• Attends and participates in external committee meetings as appointed or required including but not limited to Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) Source Protection Committee, Union Water Supply System Inc. (UWSS Inc.), etc.
• Consults and coordinates action plans with other departments, groups and agencies.
• Ensures that all equipment, vehicles, infrastructure and assigned technological equipment such as computers, radios, tablets, and cell phones are maintained in accordance with corporate policy.
• Ensures that the terms and conditions of any and all Collective Agreements are administered and adhered to
• Other duties as assigned.

Decision Making & Judgement:

• Excellent judgment and decision-making ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines and respond to emergency situations.
• Developing and managing long and short-term capital infrastructure projects and daily operational requirements.
• Managing the divisional budget.
• Managing the daily operation of the division including all projects, and personnel, supervising and delegating assignments.
• Training and compliance requirements.
• Providing leadership oversight and strategic direction to the division.
• Conducting performance reviews and managing personnel to ensure maximum efficiency and productivity.
• Assisting in the preparation of operating and capital budgets for approval by Council.
• Directly supervises Supervisor - Water Treatment, Supervisor - Distribution and Collection, Water Management Analyst, Water Compliance Coordinator and Administrative Assistant – Water Management. Other roles may be added and/or modified based on the experienced growth in the Municipality.
• Indirectly oversees water operators, students, contractors and labourers engaged in any works carried out within the division.
• Establish goals and objectives for the division.
• Plans, prioritizes and assigns work.
• Accountable for health and safety responsibilities of staff; must ensure compliance with OHSA as well as Municipality of Lakeshore’s Health and Safety policies and procedures including WHMIS.
• Participate in recruitment, training, setting objectives, performance management, vacation scheduling, lieu and flex time approval, etc.
• Identify and assist in addressing the professional needs of staff.
• Prepare and administer grant applications, tenders and contracts.
• Prepare divisional budget including all operating, maintenance and capital infrastructure and lifecycle planning and execution costs.
• Oversee and manage the budget related to OCWA Operating Authority Agreement for wastewater services.
• Administer and manage contracts and tenders.
• Approve expenditures in accordance with approved budgetary guidelines and delegation of authority. Expenditures beyond established budget limit must be approved by the CAO and Council.
• Monitor financial variances as part of the monthly or quarterly review; monitor and control budgets in conjunction with finance staff.

Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with members of Council, staff and the public. Must have proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders and must be able to effectively manage multiple projects concurrently.

Internal

• With the Executive Director - Infrastructure Services to receive administrative policy direction and guidance.
• With other Leadership to ensure the efficient and effective completion of divisional objectives.
• With Council to provide information and recommendations as required.
• With subordinate staff to discuss operational, management, contract and policy issues and to provide direction and guidance.

External

• Works closely with service providers for contracted services including contract administration for water and wastewater operations.
• Regular contact with Ministry representatives to ensure compliance with all Ministry of Environment guidelines, regulations and legislation.
• With other municipal colleagues and provincial ministries regarding legislative requirements and to exchange information, obtain assistance, etc.
• With the public, vendors and service providers to respond to incoming inquiries and assist in resolving problems and concerns.

Working Conditions

• Works within an office environment.
• Manual dexterity to operate office equipment otherwise no special physical skills required.
• May be required to work outside of the normal hours of work to respond to emergency situations.
• May be subject to adverse behavior when communicating with the general public and others.
• May be subject to adverse weather conditions and other disagreeable conditions on occasion.
• Some travel may be required.

Control over Work Schedule

• Office hours being 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (35 hours per week).
• Will be required to attend Council and Committee meetings.
• Work is subject to deadlines and may be required to work overtime to handle workload.
• Lieu time is capped at 35 hours per year.

Updated: April 2023

Core Competencies

Problem Solving

Confidentiality

Team Building

Communication

Negotiating

Leadership

Organizational

As an inclusive employer, the Municipality of Lakeshore is committed to providing a fully accessible recruitment process. Please contact us at any time during the recruitment process and let us know what accessible supports you may need. The Municipality is also committed to ensuring that personal information will remain confidential under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.