Operations Manager

Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce; Lethbridge; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Community impact

Benefits package

LAPP pension

Collaborative environment

Job summary

St. Mary River Irrigation District is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead operational excellence across Canada's largest irrigation district.

You will direct the reliable water delivery to irrigators, safeguard infrastructure, and mentor a diverse team of eight direct reports, fostering safety and continuous improvement. You will apply knowledge of Water Act and Irrigation Districts Act, along with predictive hydrological data, to manage reservoirs and respond to changing demands.

Qualifications

• Proven management/leadership experience in water or utilities.
• Experience with water delivery systems and infrastructure.
• Familiar with water acts and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong mentorship and communication abilities.
• Proficiency with digital platforms for water ordering and asset management.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational excellence for the irrigation district.
• Direct water delivery, infrastructure safety, and project coordination.
• Mentor a team of eight direct reports and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate across departments on budgets and water management decisions.
• Apply hydrology data and predictive modeling to reservoir management.

Skills

Project coordination

Leadership

Communication skills

Water management

Hydrology

Construction supervision

Team mentoring

Problem solving

Education

Civil Engineering Technology

Tools

Water ordering software

Asset management software

ICS 100/200

Job description

At St. Mary River Irrigation District, we are proud of the ability to efficiently deliver water to approximately 2,000 irrigators who irrigate over 520,000 acres of land. We are collaborative, supportive, and innovative and it is our mission to build on the Legacy of Irrigation for Future Generations.

Due to retirement, we are looking for a new team member in the role of:

Operations Manager

We're seeking an experienced manager to lead operational excellence at Canada's largest irrigation district. In this high-impact role, you will command the reliable delivery of water across expansive agricultural networks while safeguarding critical infrastructure and surrounding lands. You will inspire and mentor a diverse team of eight direct reports, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. By developing a strong understanding of the Water Act and Irrigation Districts Act, along with use of advanced predictive modeling and hydrological data, you will strategically manage internal reservoirs to meet demands. As a collaborative partner across departments, you will become a key contributor to decision making on everything from budgets to irrigator concerns that will shape the future of regional water management and drive sustainable growth.

Your experience in civil construction, engineering technology, or hydrology gives you the technical foundation to succeed in operations leadership. We're looking for someone who wants to take the next step—from managing projects and technical challenges to leading people, processes, and overall operations.

Your background

Operations Manager relevance

• Project coordination, scheduling, crews, contractors, budgets, safety
• CET / Civil Engineering Technology
• Technical problem-solving, drawings/specifications, estimating, field operations
• Hydrology
• Field analysis, infrastructure, environmental considerations, risk assessment
• Construction supervision
• People leadership, productivity, equipment, logistics
• Project coordination

Requirements:

• Proven Success in a Management/Leadership Role
• Exceptional Mentorship and Communication Skills
• Ability to be Adaptable and Pivot Decision Making Based on Ever-Changing Conditions
• Experience in Water Management and Operations
• Skilled in Navigating Digital Platforms, Tools, and Systems in a Dynamic Work Environment including software systems for Water Ordering and Asset Management
• Be familiar with:
• the Operation and Maintenance of Hydroelectric Plants
• the Alberta Energy and Systems Operator (AESO) policies and procedures
• the Ancillary Systems for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Facility
• Valid Class 5 drivers' license with a Clear Drivers Abstract
• Post-secondary education in Civil or Agricultural Engineering Technology or Equivalent considered an asset
• ICS level 100 and Level 200 Certification to Participate in Emergency Operations and Response considered an asset
• Understanding of/Background with the Agriculture Industry considered an asset

We Offer:

• Meaningful Employment that has a Tremendous Impact on the Community
• Competitive Compensation, based on experience
• Comprehensive Benefits Package and Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP)
• A Fast-Paced Friendly Work Environment

Hire Standard is recruiting on behalf of SMRID: