Program Manager, Water Services

Job Status: Permanent Full-Time

Union: Non-Union

Number of Positions: 1

Hours of Work: 35

Location: Chatham McGeorge Building

Reason for Vacancy: New

Closing Date: November 13, 11:59pm EST. Applications received after this deadline will not be accepted.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has an opening for a permanent full-time Program Manager, Water Services with the Public Utilities Commission.

Job description

Reporting to the Manager of Public Engagement & Connection Services, the Program Manager – Water Systems is responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of programs that enhance the efficiency, accountability, reliability, and sustainability of CK PUC drinking water distribution systems.

The position leads programs to quantify and manage accounted-for and unaccounted-for water through water audits, water loss analysis, optimized flushing practices, leak detection, and identification of unauthorized water use. Using operational data, technology, performance measures, regulatory guidance, and industry best practices, the Program Manager identifies opportunities to reduce water loss, improve distribution system performance, support infrastructure planning, and promote the efficient use of treated drinking water.

Working collaboratively with internal departments, Entegrus, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, Source Protection Authorities, and other stakeholders, the position provides technical expertise, program oversight, policy development, budget monitoring, and recommendations to management and Commission. The position also supports CK PUC's source-to-tap approach to drinking water management through source water protection, regulatory best practices, water conservation, system performance, and public education. Ontario identifies source protection as the first step in its multi-barrier, source-to-tap drinking water protection framework.

Essential responsibilities

• Demonstrate Chatham-Kent’s core values and competencies
• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive water accountability program, including water audits to quantify accounted-for and unaccounted-for water, identify system losses, establish performance targets, and support water loss reduction initiatives.
• Develop and oversee leak detection, unauthorized water use investigations, flushing optimization, and related programs that improve distribution system efficiency, reliability, and accountability.
• Evaluate flushing practices and seasonal programs to minimize unnecessary discharge of treated water while maintaining water quality requirements, including appropriate flushing of dead-end watermains.
• Develop and maintain benchmarks, key performance indicators, dashboards, and reporting tools to measure water loss, flushing volumes, leak detection, water use, system efficiency, and overall program performance.
• Analyze operational, infrastructure, consumption, and financial data to identify trends and improvement opportunities and prepare reports, business cases, recommendations, and presentations for management, Commissioners, and senior leadership.
• Lead the implementation, administration, and optimization of technologies and software supporting water system performance, including leak detection, pressure and flow monitoring, smart metering (AMI/AMR), GIS, SCADA, data analytics, and related systems.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies, industry practices, and process improvements that enhance water accountability, operational efficiency, asset performance, and customer service.
• Support asset management, watermain condition assessment, lifecycle planning, master planning, and infrastructure prioritization by incorporating system performance, condition, water loss, and operational data into decision-making.
• Assist with operating and capital budget development, procurement, business cases, grant opportunities, and long-term program planning; monitor program, equipment, and related expenditures against approved budgets.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, standards, service levels, and quality assurance practices supporting water accountability, conservation, flushing, leak detection, distribution system performance, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead the review and integration of applicable MECP Drinking Water System Best Management Practices and industry standards into water system programs, risk management, performance measures, policies, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support CK PUC's drinking water source protection responsibilities by collaborating with internal departments, Source Protection Authorities, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to identify and address risks to municipal drinking water sources and incorporate applicable source protection policies and best practices into water system planning and programs. Ontario's source protection framework uses locally developed, science-based plans to identify vulnerable drinking water areas, threats, and actions to protect municipal drinking water sources.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal departments, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, industry partners, and other stakeholders and lead cross-functional initiatives related to water system performance and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary liaison with Entegrus field personnel for water program activities, including equipment purchases and deployment, program delivery, contractor performance, and monitoring associated operating and capital expenditures.
• Support public education and communications related to CK PUC drinking water systems, source water protection, water conservation, water loss, and system initiatives through the CK PUC website, social media, and other communication channels. Education and outreach are among the tools used in Ontario's source water protection framework.

Essential qualifications

• Three-year post-secondary diploma or university degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, Engineering Technology, Applied Science, Environmental Studies, Water Resources, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of related education and experience.
• Four (4) to six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal water distribution, water/wastewater utilities, infrastructure management, engineering, asset management, water resources, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of municipal drinking water and distribution systems, with experience in one or more of the following: water loss management, water auditing, leak detection, flushing programs, utility data analysis, infrastructure condition assessment, asset management, water conservation, or municipal program management.
• Experience with program development, project coordination, performance measurement, data analysis, budget monitoring, and preparation of technical reports, policies, procedures, and recommendations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, communication, project management, and stakeholder relationship skills.
• Strong computer skills with experience using data management, mapping, analytics, reporting, or water utility software applications.

Other qualifications

The following would be considered assets:

• Ontario Water Distribution Operator Certification.
• Certified Engineering Technologist (CET), Certified Technician (C.Tech.), Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), Project Management Professional (PMP), or related professional designation.
• Experience with GIS, SCADA, hydraulic modelling, AMI/smart metering, pressure and flow monitoring, leak detection technologies, Power BI, and AWWA Water Audit Software.
• Experience applying water loss control, drinking water best management practices, source water protection principles, or asset management practices.
• Experience in a municipal government or public utility environment.
• Experience developing policies, procedures, service levels, performance frameworks, procurement documentation, business cases, or grant and funding applications.

Certifications, memberships, licenses

• Membership and registration with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists as a CET or with Professional Engineers Ontario as a P.Eng., or another relevant professional organization is preferred.

Work environment/hours of work

• This position works both indoors and outdoors
• This position is required to work weekday hours, with occasional evening hours

Driver’s licence/vehicle requirements

This position requires the successful candidate to have a valid class G Ontario driver’s licence; a driver’s abstract will be conducted by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. An acceptable driver’s abstract will: be an original document and current (within the previous thirty (30) days); have no more than four (4) demerit points; have no more than two (2) convictions for the same offence; have no criminal code convictions; have no ‘non-medical or administrative’ license suspension in the preceding three (3) years. Because this position may be required to drive their own vehicle, a reliable vehicle is also required.

Essential physical and/or safety requirements

• Walking: frequent walking to/from printers,meetings etc. Sometimes visiting treatment plants
• Sitting: frequent sitting in primary office, meeting locations etc.
• Hands: frequent fine finger dexterity (movement), mousing (keyboarding, mousing, data management, preparing reports, reviewing operational data)

Benefits

This permanent full-time position has an annual salary of $100,043 to $113,119 and will receive benefits including: participation in the OMERS pension plan (mandatory) as well as sick and vacation entitlements. Following successful completion of a 3-month waiting period, candidates will also be entitled to a comprehensive group benefits package.

________

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain talented employees in a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and reflective of the diverse community we serve.

The Municipality does not use artificial intelligence or automated decision‑making tools in its recruitment or selection processes; all hiring decisions are made by people.

Should you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources & Organizational Development (HROD) at 519-360-1998. Applicant information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation and will be used strictly for the purpose of candidate selection.