This non-union position, under the general direction of the Manager of Water and Sewer, supervises and provides direction of water and wastewater operations crews, within approved policies and guidelines in compliance with the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS) and Operational Plans for the provision of water and sewer services. Provides day-to-day support to water and sewer operations and provides exceptional customer service responding to water and sewer inquiries. This position provides technical support and recommendations in the planning, design review, and inspection process of new and ongoing projects. Assists in project management of capital projects and the planning and implementation of water/sewer and Inflow and Infiltration studies and programs.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Operational (60%)
- Co-ordinates, schedules and monitors staff responsible for maintaining the City's water distribution, sewage collection, storm drainage and storm water management infrastructure.
- Conducts regular site visits to oversee daily work activities, ensuring quality standards, adequate inventory, and equipment availability.
- Co-ordinates water related capital project implementations including testing, commissioning, and infrastructure connections to live water system.
- Administers in house projects, monitors budgets, and ensures contractor compliance with legislative DWQMS requirements and contractual requirements.
- Ensures that the quality, timely progression and completion of work projects are carried out in accordance with Municipal/Provincial standards.
- Audit and inspect underground services and ensures accurate records to reduce liability claims and uphold quality standards.
- Assists with the engineering design review and tender documents for capital and other projects i.e. advanced trenchless rehabilitation technologies for water main, storm sewer and sanitary sewers.
- Assists in the preparation of short and long term studies regarding water distribution and water rates, sewer studies and overflow reductions.
- Reviews and updates for approval water/wastewater operational polices and strategies including associated municipal by-laws.
- Assists in updating and implementation of the DWQMS program.
- Researches and provides technical guidance on the water/sewer design of new and ongoing projects recommends new water and sewer technologies, policies, and procedures; Introduces new products and vendors.
- Assists with the administration of the St. Thomas Secondary Area Water Supply System and the St. Thomas wastewater collection system.
- Provides infrastructure data to the Asset Management Coordinator for GIS updates.
- Summarizes and analyzes water operations data for use in the development of annual reports.
- Assists in preparing council reports and attends meetings as required.
- Supports the development and implementation of Quality Management Systems for water, wastewater and stormwater in accordance with requirements of DWQMS standards and operational procedures.
- Coordinates and collaborates to develop, implement, and maintain standard operational procedures for water distribution and wastewater collection.
- Coordinates with other City departments on new and ongoing projects and provide expertise related to the water distribution and sewer collection system operations.
- Performs other duties, responsibilities and functions as assigned.
- Provides backup coverage in the absence of the Manager of Water and Sewer and acts as Overall Responsible Operator (ORO) as required.
Leadership/Supervisory (40%)
- Supports, motivates, and directs Water & Sewer staff.
- Participates in interviewing, selecting and hiring new Water & Sewer staff.
- Provides orientation of Water & Sewer staff and directs their training.
- Monitors and approves employee timesheets, sick time, banked time, vacation requests and overtime.
- Promotes an accountable work environment focused on compliance and continuous improvement through asset and process optimization.
- Recommends strategic objectives for system growth, upgrades, and infrastructure planning.
- Conducts performance appraisals and reviews.
- Provides mentoring, coaching, and identifies training needs to encourage continuous learning.
- Arranges for external training when required and maintains training records in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act.
- Assists in the preparation of emergency management protocols and trains staff accordingly.
- Identifies potential water and wastewater system risks and works collaboratively to develop mitigation strategies and response plans.
- Coordinates water and wastewater disaster training and prevention strategies focused on water quality management.
- Investigates and addresses performance issues in conjunction with the Manager of Water & Sewer.
- Ensures operations align with the Collective Agreement.
- Provides daily front line supervision including scheduling, resource allocation and workflow monitoring.
- Maintains effective working relationships with the public, government bodies, civic departments and service area staff.
- Oversees and schedules contractor activities for effective project implementation and cost control.
Financial Accountability (constant and ongoing)
- Prepares business cases for alternative service delivery programs and recommends annual budget allocations.
- Contributes to capital budget development and planning of large-scale water and wastewater projects.
- Monitors and adjusts operational budget spending within establish policies.
- Coordinates local purchasing of materials, contractor hiring, and rental equipment to ensure timely project completion.
- Ensures duties are completed within established operating budgets.
Customer Service (constant and ongoing)
- Provides customer service and assistance to the general Public, City staff and external agencies.
- Respond effectively to inquiries, concerns, and complaints from residents, user groups, and departments.
- Ensure complaints are investigated and addressed per corporate customer service guidelines.
- Maintain effective communication networks with senior management, staff, agencies, and government departments.
Health and Safety (constant and ongoing)
- Ensures compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations; responsible for employee safety.
- Participates in and administers the Corporate Health and Safety Policies and Procedures as well as Statutory Regulations which affect the employees, residents, and operations of the Corporation.
- Ensures safe working conditions are maintained.
- Evaluates operational risks and ensure staff receive appropriate safety and technical training.
- Ensures staff use required protective equipment and clothing.
- Advises staff of potential or actual dangers to health and safety
- Participates as Management member of the Joint Health & Safety Committee.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education
- Two (2) year Post Secondary School Diploma in related field OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
- Must have Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) Class 2 Wastewater Collection and Class 2 Water Distribution Operator Certificates
- Must be willing to obtain Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) Class 3 Wastewater Collection and Class 3 Water Distribution Operator Certificate within a reasonable amount of time
Experience
- Five (5) years’ operating experience with a minimum of two (2) years demonstrated supervisory experience in the function and operating methods of sewage collection systems and water distribution systems
Knowledge/Skill/Ability
- Knowledge and understanding of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Ontario Water Resources Act, Environmental Protection Act, Clean Water Act and all applicable regulations, Environmental Compliance Approvals, as well as Drinking Water License.
- Self-motivated and highly organized with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
- Excellent leadership, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills that promote communication and teamwork with staff, consultants, contractors and the public.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent problem-solving, trouble-shooting and analytical skills,
- Excellent customer service skills and ability to deal with the public with diplomacy and tact.
- Must be computer literate including knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
- Must be competent within the meaning of the Occupational Health & Safety Act and associated regulations and be capable of issuing clearly understandable written and verbal instructions.
Other
- Ontario Driver Record required.
- Must possess a valid Class "G" Ontario Driver's Licence and access to reliable transportation.
- Must possess a valid Class “DZ” Ontario Driver’s Licence (must obtain within a reasonable timeframe)
- Satisfactory Police Record Check.
- Familiar with Trenching and Shoring Regulations and Book 7.
HOURS OF WORK:
- The normal workweek consists of 40 hours; 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a ½ hour unpaid lunch; Monday to Friday.
- Will be required to work outside and beyond the normal hours of work.
- Requirement to carry cell phone to respond to afterhours issues and act as the backup Overall Responsible Operator.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Remuneration: $100,003 - $121,554 per annum (Band 10)
- Comprehensive Benefits
- OMERS Pension Plan
- Paid Vacation and Holidays
- Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
- Tuition Reimbursement Program (continuous learning)
Applications must be received before Sunday December 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
HOW TO APPLY:
Go to www.stthomas.ca – Employment, Employment Opportunities or go to: https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-CA/stthomas/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/7172
Go to Posting Title and click the ‘Apply Now’ button. You may need to register/create a Login.
Please import/upload your COVER LETTER AND RESUME individually (i.e. pdf, word) and ensure you have attached all documents prior to submitting your application.
Note: You may be required to answer Qualification questions during the application process.
The City of St. Thomas is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, you must provide your accommodation needs in advance. Questions may be directed to the Human Resources Department at 519-631-1680 ext. 4146.
Although we appreciate all applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Personal Information on this application is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act., R.S.O. 2001, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility and suitability for employment with the City of St. Thomas.
