Salary Range: $76,511.00 To 109,302.00 Annually
Schedule: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday*
Location: Walkerton, Ontario (located in the beautiful and thriving Municipality of Brockton, find out more at www.brockton.ca)
Purpose of Position
To support the development and delivery of research priorities, the pilot testing program, the Helpline, the provision of scientific and technical information, and the operation, maintenance and upgrade of the laboratory and the Technology Demonstration Facility.
Will develop and publish various research papers, reports and documents relating to pilot testing and the Centre’s research priorities.
To develop content for and deliver selected courses.
To provide guidance to technicians and post-secondary co-op students within the Research & Technology Department.
Key Responsibilities
- Supports the Centre’s research priorities by disseminating information through publications and presentations including writing research papers, speaking at Conferences and peer reviews.
- Contributes to the provision of scientific and technical information by developing and vetting information for Centre publications and website, including the Centre’s online resource library.
- Leads and executes pilot testing projects.
- Supports the operation and development of the Technology Demonstration Facility and the laboratory.
- Responds to Helpline inquiries.
- Develops and reviews content and delivers selected training courses as directed.
Additional duties may be assigned at the discretion of the position manager.
*Weekend work may be required on occasion.
Knowledge, Education and Training
The position requires a minimum of a Masters’ degree in applied science or related field with a strong background in research, as well as proven knowledge of water quality, treatment, distribution and public health. A Masters’ degree specializing in drinking water treatment with laboratory and pilot/bench scale testing research experience is preferred.
The incumbent requires excellent knowledge of Ontario water research priorities with a focus on small water system challenges. As well, knowledge of the Centre’s pilot testing, Helpline, and training programs to research, develop, refine, and deliver hands-on training and technology demonstrations, is necessary.
The incumbent requires sufficient knowledge of the Centre’s research priorities to contribute to its development, refinement, and delivery. The incumbent requires a good understanding of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002 and its regulations, to ensure the consistency of demonstrations, training and pilot testing being developed.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point and Teams is required. Strong professional English communication skills (both written and verbal) are required. Proficiency in French would be an asset. A valid class G driver’s licence (or equivalent) that is not expired, forfeited or suspended is required.
Experience
A minimum of five (5) years of relevant water-related industry and/or research experience is required, including writing papers, reports, peer reviews and presenting on research findings. Experience conducting pilot or bench scale testing of drinking water treatment processes and drinking water laboratory experience are required.
The incumbent requires strong organizational, planning, research, and analytical skills to research and develop educational demonstrations. Good organizational and financial skills are also required to develop efficient schedules for the pilot testing projects while keeping in mind budgetary considerations.
This position requires a high level of initiative. The incumbent is expected to generate ideas and initiatives that result in new technologies, research and other opportunities. Excellent and professional communication skills are required to develop client relationships and promote Centre training and pilot testing initiatives. Strong written communication skills required to produce scientific papers and reports as well as related information materials appropriate for training participants. Prior experience working with First Nation communities would be an asset.
An equivalent combination of education and experience would be considered.
Decision-making
Judgement is needed for the analysis and solution to problems that can be of a complex nature and are usually based on factual data (e.g. analyzing pilot testing results, reviewing and preparing scientific literature, evaluating various treatment options).
Ingenuity and Creativity
The position will contribute ideas and suggestions when working on pilot projects for clients (e.g. developing solutions to address water quality issues or concerns). Often collaborates with other staff specialists on situations (e.g. works with DWRC to determine drinking water resource needs or to acquire resources for Helpline callers).
Impact of Action
This position must ensure organization and accuracy within department processes to prevent misinformation, delays and additional expense (e.g. provide proper guidance to pilot testing and Helpline clients, ensure data is factual and current when vetting for the online resource library).
Financial Responsibility
This position will develop, negotiate and monitor budgets for pilot testing projects. This position may generate payments (purchasing card) on behalf of the Centre. Any purchases made will follow all accounting and procurement procedures and policies.
Responsibility for Leadership
This position does not have direct reports but may train and assist other incumbents to this role as well as technicians and student technicians. Will provide guidance to and coordinate work of the technician team (e.g. pilot testing, lab analysis) and will oversee pilot testing projects to ensure team objectives are met.
Responsibility for Customer Relationships
This position will determine client needs and develop an understanding of their true requirements (pilot testing). Will react and/or respond to client inquiries via the Helpline and from training participants where some discussion is necessary to exchange technical information or provide clarity around training content.
Communication
Regular inside and regular outside contact with staff (including at the management level), research collaborators, manufacturers, drinking water interest holders such as drinking water plant owners, operators, operating authorities, manufacturers and postsecondary researchers and students. Using a variety of methods (e.g. phone, email, virtual), this position will demonstrate tact and courtesy to give, obtain and/or exchange technical information and ensure full understanding. This may require considerable explanation, clarification or interpretation of data during training or pilot testing.
Mental Effort
Periods of concentration and active listening will be required in this position (e.g. conducting lab analysis, interpreting data, training delivery, preparing reports and literature and reviewing peer papers). Choice of action may be limited while training.
Physical Effort, Disruption and Working Conditions
The position requires occasional periods of physical strain and constant periods of sitting to perform desk-based computer tasks. Reading/analyzing and report writing are regularly required, as well as regular use of light tools requiring some degree of skill. The position occasionally requires standing for prolonged periods of time while pilot testing, teaching and lifting of equipment and materials (up to 50 lbs.).
The position works routine hours with general control over the pace of work. The position experiences exposure to disagreeable elements such as background noise, extreme temperatures and hazardous chemicals. Some disruption to lifestyle due to regular travel (up to 50% of the time) and work outside of normal working hours (e.g. training, pilot testing). May work in an open office environment.
Responsibility for Confidential Information
This position will have knowledge of confidential information (e.g. pilot testing results for municipalities or other clients). All employees are required, under the Oath or Affirmation of Office, to not disclose or give to any person any information or document that comes to their knowledge or possession in the course of employment.
The deadline to apply is Sunday June 18th, 2023. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Under the Human Rights Code, WCWC will provide accommodation in the recruitment and selection process if requested.
