Salary Range: $58,355.00 To $83,364.00 Annually
Job Description
- Position: Scientist I
- Job Classification: WCWC 5
- Salary Range: $58,355.00 – $83,364.00
- Reports to: Manager of Research & TechnologyÂ
- Schedule: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday**
- Location: Walkerton, Ontario
About Us
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario established to help safeguard drinking water across the province of Ontario. WCWC provides education and support to water system owners, operators, operating authorities, First Nations communities, and the public. WCWC also provides information and advice through the Drinking Water Resource Library and pilot testing services, which help clients address water treatment challenges. Visit our website to learn more, wcwc.ca.
Position Summary
The purpose of this position is to support the pilot testing program, training delivery, the provision of scientific and technical information, and the Centre’s online resource library.
Key Responsibilities
- Assists with conducting experiments and the preparation and publishing of documents in support of the Pilot Testing Program under the guidance of the projects leads and the Science Team Lead. May be assigned as a lead on short-term pilot testing projects as a development opportunity.
- Works closely with other scientists to assist in the development of information documents such as literature reviews and technical papers on selected topics. Vet documents and content from other websites for the Centre’s online resource library.
- Supports the operation and development of the Technology Demonstration Facility and the laboratory.
- Assists with the delivery of selected training courses.
Additional duties may be assigned at the discretion of the position manager.
Knowledge, Education and Training
A minimum of a Master’s degree in science, applied science, engineering or related field. The incumbent must have proven knowledge of water quality, treatment, distribution and public health.
The incumbent requires a good understanding of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002 and its regulations and knowledge of the Centre’s water research priorities with a focus on small water system challenges. As well, knowledge of the Centre’s pilot testing and training programs to research, develop, refine, and deliver hands-on training and materials is necessary.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and Power Point is required. Proficiency in French (written and oral) 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 one year of related work experience is required. The incumbent requires organizational, research and analytical skills to review literature, vet documents and assist with pilot testing. Prior experience in the generation of 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 for assisting in the production of pilot testing reports as well as related information materials appropriate for training participants. Requires strong project management and teamwork skills.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Decision-making
Judgement is needed for the analysis and solution to problems such as analyzing pilot testing results and evaluating various treatment options with guidance from other R&T Scientists and reviewing content for the Centre’s online resource library.
Ingenuity and Creativity
This position may provide suggestions and input within the R&T Department with regards to refining or optimizing policies and procedures.
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 ensure data is factual and current when vetting for the online resource library).
Financial Responsibility
This position may monitor budgets for pilot testing projects. 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. May provide incidental guidance to the technician team (e.g. pilot testing, lab analysis) and may oversee select pilot testing projects to ensure team objectives are met.
Responsibility for Customer Relationships
In collaboration with the science team, this position will help determine client needs to develop an understanding of their true requirements (pilot testing). More challenging or complex customer service issues will be elevated. Will react and/or respond to client inquiries and from training participants where some discussion is necessary to exchange technical information or provide clarity around training content.
Communication
Regular inside and occasional outside contact with staff and drinking water interest holders such as drinking water plant owners, operators, operating authorities and manufacturers. 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 constant periods of sitting to perform desk-based computer tasks. Reading/analyzing and report writing are regularly required, as well as regular use of tools requiring some degree of skill. The position requires standing for prolonged periods of time while teaching and lifting of equipment and materials (up to 50 lbs.).
The position works routine hours with general control over the pace of work with occasional work outside of normal working hours. This position works in an open office environment and experiences normal interruptions by others or equipment distraction. The position involves some exposure to background noise and occasionally extreme temperatures and hazardous chemicals. Some travel is required (e.g. training, pilot testing).
Responsibility for Confidential Information
This position will have knowledge of confidential information when dealing with Centre clients (pilot testing, training). 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.
What We Offer
- A collaborative, innovative, and rewarding culture to work within
- Engaging and supportive team dynamic
- On-the-job training and learning
- Training and development opportunities
- Succession planning and professional development opportunities
- Competitive compensation
- Extended health and dental benefits
- Pension plan
- Employee and family assistance program
- Flex hours
- Internal recognition programs Buddy system upon hire
- Employee events
- A state-of-the-art facility
- Free on-site parking
Why Walkerton?
Walkerton is a beautiful, peaceful town in Bruce County, Ontario offering a variety of fun activities! Nestled in the rolling countryside, Walkerton offers an array of outdoor recreation, including golf, parks, and trails for hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Paddling and fishing are at your doorstep on the Saugeen River, a 160-kilometre waterway that flows through the community, or travel to the beautiful beaches of Lake Huron, only a 30-minute drive away. Walkerton is a thriving community that serves much of the surrounding area, providing a variety of businesses, schools, a municipal childcare centre, community centre and arena, and hospital. In Walkerton, you’ll also find dining, shopping, and live entertainment at Victoria Jubilee Hall. There is something for everyone to enjoy!
How to Apply
Interested? Great! Please apply within our website at: wcwc.ca – careers – Recruitment (adp.com)
Please submit applications by January 24, 2025.
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre values diversity. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application or selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the accommodation needs.
