Surface Water Program and Policy Officer

Fonction publique de l'Ontario; Peterborough; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefit pension

Health plan

Life and disability insurance

Flexible work arrangements

Collegial work culture

Career growth opportunities

On-the-job training

Job summary

Ontario Public Service is seeking a Surface Water Program and Policy Officer for a temporary assignment up to 6 months, with a possibility of extension. The role focuses on developing and implementing surface water monitoring programs and policies.

The position offers a defined benefit pension, comprehensive health plan, life and disability insurance, flexible work arrangements and career development opportunities across multiple areas. Training and a collegial culture are provided.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of policy and program development processes to participate in policy initiatives and prepare briefing material.
• Knowledge of contract administration to initiate, draft and audit partnership agreements and tenders.
• Knowledge of budgeting and financial projections, monitoring accounts and reporting on expenditures and revenues.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional, technical and administrative assistance in developing and implementing surface water monitoring programs, plans, policies and guidelines.
• Provide technical assistance in maintenance of Centre hardware, software and information management, including data management and communications; contribute to water management projects.

Skills

GIS knowledge

Hydrometeorology

Hydraulics

River simulation models

Streamflow analysis

Policy and program development

Contract administration

Budgeting and financial projections

Data analysis

Interpersonal communication

Tools

GIS software

Office productivity software

Data management

Job description

Amended - Surface Water Program and Policy Officer

1 Temporary assignment/contract for up to 6 months, with the possibility of extension

$1,150.62 - $1,452.46 Per week*
*Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.

Join our team at the Surface Water Monitoring Centre (SMWC)!
Do you have surface water expertise, and experience in policy and program development? As a member of our SWMC team, you will play a crucial role in enhancing surface water monitoring policies and programs, and ensuring effective communication during emergencies. Join us in safeguarding our natural resources and making a positive impact on water management across the province.
The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:

• a defined benefit pension plan
• comprehensive health plan
• life and disability insurance
• flexible work arrangements
• collegial and professional work culture
• career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• on-the-job training to support your success in the role

AMENDMENT: Job posting end date is extended until September 22nd, 2026.
NOTE: alternate work locations may be considered, based on operational feasibility and managerial discretion.

About the job

In this role, you will:

• provide professional, technical and administrative assistance in the development and implementation of surface water monitoring programs, plans, policies and guidelines
• provide technical assistance in the maintenance of Centre hardware, software and information management, including managing data, information and communications and contributing to water management projects within the broader MNR resources management agenda

Technical expertise

• knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS), hydrometeorology, hydraulics, river simulation models and streamflow analysis techniques in order to maintain and implement prediction models, analyze streamflow, weather and climatic information
• familiarity with water related resource management legislation and regulations (e.g. Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act, Water Resources Act, Conservation Authorities Act) to interpret, communicate and advise on such matters
• ability to use ministry policies and guidelines to conduct various resource operations/project tasks and advise on system improvements within compliance of provincial standards

Policy and administrative knowledge

• knowledge of policy and program development processes in order to effectively participate in policy and program initiatives, write and present briefing material, and to contribute as a member of working groups, committees and teams
• knowledge of contract administration to initiate, draft and audit partnership agreements and tenders
• knowledge of administrative practices and procedures to partake in budgeting and financial projections, monitoring accounts and reporting on expenditures and revenues

Interpersonal and communication skills

• ability to provide advice, technology transfer and work in and effectively contribute to multi-disciplinary teams and specialists working on water-related programs
• ability to prepare a range of materials, including condition reports, briefing materials, presentations, cabinet submissions, training documents, etc.

Analytical skills

• analytical and mathematical skills to research, evaluate and problem-solve using data/information analysis, interpretation techniques and statistical analysis
• organizational skills to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and support planning, administrative, and project coordination activities

Computer proficiency

• ability to manage computer-based models and analytical techniques, database data entry and operation of GIS and statistical routines to support daily operations and Duty Officers
• proficiency with computers and common office productivity software, such as word processing, email, internet, spreadsheet and presentation applications to conduct analyses and present findings in a variety of materials/formats

Don't meet every qualification?

If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you might just be the right candidate!

How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility

We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.

Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:

• diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• accessibility
• Anti-Racism Policy

All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.