Senior Operations Manager

Fonction publique de l'Ontario; Grand Bend; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) invites applications for a leadership role overseeing water and wastewater treatment, distribution, and collection systems across Ontario. You will drive safe operations, capital expansion oversight, and strategic input for major plant projects.

Ideal candidates bring advanced knowledge of water systems, SCADA/CMMS familiarity, and strong management and negotiation skills to support OCWA's mission and client services.

Qualifications

• Must have post-secondary education in environment, management or skilled trades.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert operational input and oversee safe water/wastewater treatment and distribution systems.
• Supervise capital expansion programs for water facilities.
• Lead engineering input for major plant expansions and ensure compliance with legislation.

Job description

Apply By:Friday, September 25, 2026 11:59 pm EDT

Water is our business and our passion. It can be yours too. The water professionals at OCWA know the value of water better than anyone. Our work benefits communities across Ontario every day.
Our job (and possibly yours) is also to return treated and safe water back to our lakes and rivers. At OCWA, we have a deep respect for the environment and our responsibility for the health of the communities we serve drives us.
A job at OCWA is an opportunity to make a positive impact on millions—a big responsibility. Are you ready? We think you are. So come on in. The water is perfect.
Join the management team at the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) in an exciting opportunity to lead and inspire a dynamic team in the provision of safe, client oriented, and valuable water management services in the province of Ontario

About the job

In this role you will:

• Provide expert operational input and oversee the management and administration of efficient and safe water/wastewater treatment, distribution and collection systems.
• Supervise all aspects and impacts of capital expansion programs of water/wastewater treatment facilities.
• Provide expert operational input to the engineering, pre-design and design plans for major plant expansion.
• Ensure operating compliance with existing legislation and management systems.
• Negotiate with the client in regards to all aspects of contracts.
• Lead/provide strategic/technical expertise, advice and policy recommendations to regional/OCWA management and regional clients/partners on preventative maintenance strategies and technical solutions to support client operations and OCWA business development objectives.

Mandatory requirements

• Certification/license in WT, WWT, WD and WWC
• May consider lesser qualified candidates as under fill - minimum Level OIT as specified in (Reg. 128/04 and 129/04)
• Ability to be ORO for the facility
• Be available after regular hours to advise staff and client of operational emergencies
• Valid driver's license

Technical Skills and Knowledge:

• Technical knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices related to wastewater treatment and collection systems; operations and processes to lead/manage regional maintenance and electrical programs and technical services related to process control and legislation/standards compliance and ensure optimum operation of regional facilities.
• Technical knowledge of water treatment maintenance best practices and standards, and industrial, electrical and electronic instrumentation and control theory, principles and practices and assessment techniques for the selection, repair, troubleshooting and maintenance of a wide variety of complex control, monitoring and telemetry communication systems to plan and lead maintenance and electrical system construction, monitoring, and repair operations.
• Ability to obtain certification to the highest level of the facilities.
• Knowledge and understanding of SCADA system, alarms monitoring, Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and applicable financial programs for budgeting and presentations.
• Ability to comprehend and apply asset management practices.
• Knowledge of the Drinking Water Quality Management System
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, polices, standards and procedures to manage the development and delivery of regional maintenance and electrical systems, processes and services.
• Demonstrated operational management skills to lead the day-to-day coordination and control of maintenance and electrical process services to large complex facilities, plants and systems.
• Knowledge of maintenance inspection principles and methods to lead the conducting of equipment/system reviews, regulatory inspections, and compliance and health/safety audits.
• Conceptual, analytical, problem solving and risk management skills to lead the identification and analysis of preventative maintenance issues/gaps and the research/assessment of process optimization opportunities and system/service options/strategies to meet needs.
• Post-secondary education in environment, management or skilled trades.

Skills and Ability include:

• Communication, Political Acuity and Relationship Management Skills.
• Knowledge of client business goals and directions, economic/market environmental changes that impact on client's long-term business plans.
• Knowledge of business management practices to operate efficiently in order to realize gain while maintaining a high level of service.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated analytical, conceptual, consultation and problem solving skills.
• Excellent qualitative and quantitative research, planning and evaluating skills.
• Proficiency in strategically identifying research and development needs for the Agency.
• Exceptional organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize well and meet strict deadlines.

Leadership Skills:

• You have demonstrated leadership experience to develop, manage and mentor a team for optimal performance and delivery of results and alignment with organization objectives.
• You have experience developing and overseeing strategic plans, policy and program initiatives.
• You have demonstrated skills in developing, building and leading organizational capacity through inclusive, positive, and values-based leadership.

Other Essential Skills:

• Knowledge of financial resources management to develop and manage department budget and capital projects.
• Knowledge of procurement policies and procedures to oversee all stages