Director, Water & Wastewater System Services

Director, Water & Wastewater System Services

Reporting to the Commissioner, Public Works, the Director of Water and Wastewater System Services leads a multidisciplinary team responsible for safe, reliable, sustainable service delivery 24/7/365 of the Region’s network of over 2,000 kilometers of gravity sewers and force mains, 2,000 kilometers of distribution water mains and transmission mains, and 32 water pumping stations, reservoirs, and towers.

The Director provides leadership to a multidisciplinary team delivering advanced asset management and capital planning, operation and regulatory compliance of water and wastewater linear infrastructure, pumping stations, and related facilities. The role ensures the Region meets or exceeds all provincial and federal regulations while advancing long‑term system resilience, environmental stewardship, and service excellence for residents and businesses.

• Ensure 24/7 reliable delivery of safe drinking water and effective wastewater collection and treatment, in compliance with all provincial and federal legislation.
• Lead and provide strategic direction for Water & Wastewater Services, incorporating best practices, sustainability, climate resilience, and continuous improvement into all programs and operations.
• Oversee long‑term planning for water and wastewater linear infrastructure, pump stations, and distribution systems to support growth, redevelopment, and asset renewal.
• Lead strategic initiatives including the Region’s Basement Flooding Mitigation Program and Advanced Metering Installation program.
• Build, develop, coach and support a large and diverse workforce of approximately 160 staff that includes technical, operational, engineering, and administrative staff.
• Oversee development and implementation of multi‑year capital programs aligned with Regional Council priorities, environmental requirements, and fiscal responsibility.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, safety, innovation, and customer service.
• Oversee emergency preparedness, response, and system reliability, including extreme weather events and system disruptions.
• Oversee water quality management systems, environmental monitoring, regulatory reporting, and audit requirements.
• Ensure infrastructure meets current and emerging regulatory standards, growth demands, and lifecycle replacement needs.
• Provide leadership for comprehensive asset management programs, including condition assessment, lifecycle planning, capital prioritization, and long‑range financial forecasting.
• Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring cost‑effective service delivery and transparent reporting.
• Provide professional expertise, advice and recommendations on issues related to Water & Wastewater System Services to support the Commissioner of Public Works, senior leadership and Regional Council.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships through regular consultations with Regional Council, the CAO, the Commissioner of Public Works, other Regional departments, Local Municipalities, developers and consultants.
• Ensure the Region complies with and operates within relevant legislation including, existing Environmental Employment Law, Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks Regulations, operator certifications, permit approvals, labour relations and the Safe Drinking Water Act, Ontario Water Resources Act and Environmental Protection.

What you Bring

• Minimum of ten (10) years of professional senior leadership experience in municipal water and/or wastewater services. A post‑secondary degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering (or related field) preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of municipal water and wastewater operations, provincial/federal regulatory frameworks, and industry best practices.
• Proven ability to successfully lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex, high‑impact projects from concept to completion. Demonstrated leadership in fostering a high‑performing, inclusive, and accountable team culture in a unionized environment.
• Strong background in project management, procurement, consultant and contractor management, and public/stakeholder…