Local recruitment: Water Program Coordinator

Job Number: J0323-0095

Job Type: Temporary Full Time

Temp Contract Length: 18 Months

City: Waterloo

Job Category: Environmental/Waste & Water Operations

Number of Positions: 1

Department: Engineering and Environmental Services (EES)

Division: Water Services

Hours of Work: 35

Union: CUPE 1883

Grade: 12

Salary Range: $36.31 – $41.27/Hour

Our Story:

Committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations, the Region of Waterloo is an inclusive, thriving, and sustainable region of connected rural and urban communities with global reach. Our mission is to serve, engage and inspire, by delivering quality services to a diverse population of 630,000+, while creating a healthy, collaborative environment of learning, respect, and innovation.

This is a place where employees are valued and recognized for their talents and contributions to our success. Our employees take pride in making a difference in people’s lives through the work that we do. We are looking for people like you to help make it happen.

The Role:

Coordinates and administers water efficiency and water protection programs and services, including participating to develop new campaigns and programs, analysing and maintaining data, and public outreach to promote sustainable water from source to tap and other divisional projects and programs.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Coordinates/administers water conservation and protection programs, including those required to meet the Region’s obligations under the Clean Water Act. Maintains program databases; enters and tracks data. Receives and processes program applications, per criteria. Submits payment requisitions to Finance.
• Promotes water conservation and protection programs to the public, special interest groups, businesses, and institutions. Coordinates logistics for the Region’s participation at special events and provides information at public events and meetings. Obtains feedback regarding programs and initiatives. Responds to program inquiries.
• Assists in the development and implementation of marketing campaigns, events, and programs to promote water efficiency, source protection, and other divisional projects/programs. Recommends communication initiatives/plans to management. Creates concepts for advertisements and promotional materials; designs newsletters, brochures, and displays, with graphic designers, agencies, staff, and management as needed. Recommends budget for multimedia campaigns.
• Participates in program development, implementation, and evaluation, including performance standards for fixtures and appliances. Participates on internal project teams, works with area municipalities, businesses, associations, and other stakeholders to research best practices and coordinate project logistics.
• Prepares reports for management (e.g., participation levels). Evaluates program effectiveness, researches trends, and recommends continuous improvements to management.
• Develops water education curricula/resources used in schools and local water festivals. Conducts workshops, courses, and training for educators and students to promote the program and resources. Maintains an inventory of resources and distributes as requested.
• Maintains technical standards and program information, including forms and resources on websites.
• Participates with management and Finance staff in the procurement process for supplies/services. Administers contracts; ensures specifications are met; reconciles invoices; maintains records; and recommends payment or approves within limit.
• Monitors budget for water efficiency, protection, and incentive programs.
• Maintains an inventory of program equipment/supplies in good working condition (e.g., data loggers, fixtures).
• Supports the implementation and administration of the Water Conservation By-law, including promotion and the enforcement/patrolling program.
• Follows up on public complaints related to water distribution/billing by problem solving potential reasons for increased usage, and promoting solutions through devices and practices. Takes samples, and installs small plumbing fixtures and equipment per procedures, as needed.
• Assists with the promotion and coordination of special events and open houses to support divisional programs and technical projects. Sets up and staffs displays.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: 

• Knowledge and skill acquired through a 3-year degree in a related field (e.g., science, engineering, environmental studies, geography, business administration, marketing/education), plus 3 years of related experience.
• Knowledge of practices and principles in water resource management, water efficiency technology, and social marketing and communications.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, legislation, and standards (e.g., plumbing codes and standards, Canadian Standards Association, municipal by-laws related to plumbing and water use, health and safety, Clean Water Act).
• Organizational, planning, and research skills to coordinate program activities; adapt to changing priorities; review and evaluate new technology; and provide input into programs.    
• Communication, human relations, and presentation skills to promote programs to the public, community, businesses, and special interest groups; respond to inquiries and complaints from the public; explain incentive programs and water efficiency audit results; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, contractor proposals/quotes, program information, and research journals. Ability to write and design promotional information and resources, reports, correspondence, and standard operating procedures.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office, relational databases, and GIS.
• May be required to alter working hours for events and water by-law peaks/emergencies and requested to work weekend hours for same.
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

We thank all applicants in advance; however, we will be corresponding only with those selected for an interview. 

The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process.  At the Region, we respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity.  The Region of Waterloo is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process.  If you require an accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number (519) 575-4400, TTY number (519-575-4608) to request an alternate format.