Surface Water Specialist

Protect Ontario's waters—where science meets stewardship.

Are you passionate about protecting Ontario's water resources while supporting responsible economic development? If so, we invite you to bring your expertise to our region's technical support team!

Join a dynamic group of scientific and technical professionals working on some of the province's highest priorities. This is your opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental protection efforts while supporting sustainable growth.

As a Surface Water Specialist, you will play a vital role in managing and protecting Ontario's surface water resources—its lakes, rivers, and streams. Your work will contribute to maintaining water quality and quantity, supporting healthy ecosystems, resilient communities, and a sustainable future.

In this role you will:

• provide expertise in surface water quality and/or quantity in support of regional water programs
• make recommendations to protect, conserve, and manage surface water resources
• act as a regional expert on compliance issues
• evaluate hydrological and ecological impacts of proposed and existing activities
• investigate and resolve surface water spills and assess contaminated site and landfill impacts
• develop and implement field investigations to support ministry water resource management programs and provide advice to clients

• You have a degree with specialization in disciplines such as Biology, Hydrology, Chemistry or Water Resources.
• You must have a valid class G driver's license or equivalent, as recognized by the Province of Ontario. The offer of employment is conditional on the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's license before being hired.

• You have experience applying the principles of surface water management, limnology and water quality assessment techniques and environmental management theories, principles, and practices
• You know how to conduct field investigations and operate surface water equipment
• You know hydrological, chemical, and/or biological methods and techniques with specialization in water resource management and ecology
• You have a demonstrated ability to understand and apply applicable policies, procedures and legislation related to environment protection (e.g. Environmental Protection Act, Ontario Water Resources Act, Environmental Bill of Rights)

• You have excellent research and investigative skills to collect data during field studies and determine compliance.
• You are highly analytical and have the ability to break down, assess, and interpret complex scientific data.
• You know how to identify and evaluate problems to develop effective solutions.

• You can communicate technical information in a clear manner
• You know how to draft a variety of written materials such as scientific reports, briefing notes, correspondence, etc.
• You work well with others and are able to persuade and influence diverse interests

• You have proven skills in project management.
• You can lead discussions involving conflicting approaches or opinions to develop consensus.

If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!

If you require accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at to provide your contact information. The Ontario Public Service is an inclusive employer. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with Ontario’s Human Rights Code.