The Subwatershed Planning Coordinator reports to the Senior Water Resources Engineer and is responsible for developing and coordinating the Authority’s subwatershed planning program and project management of assigned hazard management projects. Duties will include acting as the project manager for new subwatershed plans coordinating the implementation and update of existing plans, coordinating monitoring associated with the subwatershed program. This position also manages / coordinates assigned projects related to the Authority’s flood or other natural hazard management program.
Specific Accountabilities
The primary responsibilities of this job are to;
1. Coordinate and develop the overall subwatershed planning program, including re-establishing a committee to update subwatershed planning priorities in the Grand River Watershed.
2. Administer/supervise the subwatershed planning program, including staff and budgets required to support it and manage all associated information. Ensure employees comply with all applicable policies, procedures and legislation with special emphasis on health and safety and hazard mitigation measures.
3. Act as project manager to carry out subwatershed plans. This will include coordinating activities of the projects’ steering committees and working with senior GRCA staff to allocate internal resources to the program, administering a monitoring program to support the subwatershed plans, procurement of external resources, management of contracted services, data management and report writing and reporting to management, GRCA board, and municipal Council meetings.
4. Act as a project team member representing the GRCA on subwatershed plans undertaken by others (i.e., municipalities, developers, provincial agencies).
5. Work with external stakeholders and GRCA program technical staff to ensure the effective implementation of completed subwatershed plans. This activity will include the development of budgets and plans for resource allocation.
6. Work in co-operation with Supervisors of Resource Planning and act as a technical resource and assist GRCA engineering, resource planning and natural heritage programs to ensure effective subwatershed plan implementation and work to ensure subwatershed planning activities are integrated with other GRCA policies, programs and activities.
7. Act as a GRCA expert witness on matters associated with the subwatershed planning program before the Ontario Land Tribunal.
8. Participate in various programs to promote public awareness of sub-watershed planning. Work with communications staff to develop public education and information material; distribute approved materials in accordance with the Department’s strategy.
9. Act as project manager within engineering group, leading technical projects across a range of technical specialties such as flood or other hazard programs, coordinating internal staff and external contractors as necessary, serve as the GRCA’s representative with other government agencies and in associated public relations.
10. Develop and maintain good working relations with external agencies, municipal staff and key stakeholders.
11. Perform other related duties within the Engineering Division as required.
12. Act as a water management Duty Officer.
Technical Accountabilities
The principle skill set elements necessary to meet these responsibilities are:
1. Broad knowledge relating to overall framework of water management and sub-watershed planning including scientific and legislative aspects. This includes current technical practices in surface and groundwater hydrology, and aquatic and terrestrial systems; and government legislation, policies, and programs. Knowledge and experience with urban stormwater management, water chemistry data, fluvial geomorphology and river hydraulics.
2. Degree in Geography, Ecology, Resource Management, Environmental Science, Engineering, Planning or a related discipline. Knowledge of hydrology and watershed planning.
3. Minimum six to ten years related work experience including 3 years of supervisory experience.
4. Training in project management, and ability to demonstrate experience in developing project plans and completing projects.
5. Analytical, research, problem solving and organizational skills in order to develop plans, coordinate resources and activities, and effectively facilitate meetings of stakeholders.
6. Strong and effective communications skills and ability to interpret and communicate watershed plans policies and procedures,
7. Experience with writing comprehensive plans and technical (formal) reports, work plans, policies, contracts and correspondence.
8. Strong interpersonal skills in order to motivate key stakeholders in achieving program objectives, to ensure effective cooperation, formulation, and implementation of subwatershed plans, and to participate as an effective team member.
9. Excellent interpersonal, human resource, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
10. Good supervisory and organization skills. Strong leadership and people management skills, including the ability to attract, retain, develop and mentor staff.
11. Ability to exercise professional judgement and discretion in dealing with confidential information.
12. Related job experience with Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS software, Access Database Management software and Adobe Acrobat software.
13. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to various locations within the Grand River watershed.
14. Ability to support and project values compatible with the organization
15. Working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Conservation Authorities Act, Planning Act and related provincial growth and environment plans.
Technical Competencies and Abilities:
Professional Judgement
Demonstrated ability in the area of critical thinking, analysis and assessment of implications and various perspectives, making connections of underlying issues and the ownership of the outcome. Sound judgment based on experience and expertise resulting in fair, efficient and effective decision making, bringing clarity and resolution to complex and ambiguous situations. Ability to carry out skillful negotiations and interest based conflict resolution. Appropriately balances the interests of both internal and external stakeholders.
Integrity/Ethics
The willingness to hold oneself and others accountable for acting in ways that are consistent with stated values, principles and professional standards. Maintaining impartiality, objectivity, confidentiality and fairness when dealing with co-workers, professional colleagues and stakeholders, and the general public.
Goal/Action Oriented
Does not shy away from challenges and seldom gives up, especially in the face of resistance, setbacks or change. Seizes opportunities; takes initiative and is self-motivated. Organizes work, plans activities and sets priorities in a manner that meets competing needs and timely resolution of matters. Maintains high level of productivity and self-direction working independently or in collaboration. Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously with changing priorities.
Team Work
Interacts with people respectfully and effectively. Able and willing to share and receive information. The ability to gather facts and pertinent information to gain an understanding of the problem at hand and the perspective of others before drawing conclusions, taking action or resolving conflict. It involves active listening and comprehension of verbal and non-verbal signals to enhance understanding. Demonstrated ability build collaborative partnerships.
Customer Focus
Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers. Exceptional communication and negotiation skills to create, maintain and enhance relations with municipal partners, stakeholders, etc.
To Apply: Please send a resume and covering letter to careers@grandriver.ca in MS Word or PDF format and quote “Subwatershed Planning Coordinator” in the subject line.
Deadline for Applications: 4:00 p.m. Friday July 16, 2021
Approximate Start Date: August 2021
The annual salary range for this position is Job Level I $81,253 to $98,857/35 hours per week
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