Coordinator of Source Protection Program

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Department: Public Works
Reports to: Manager of Water and Wastewater Technical Services
Effective Date: July 2013
Positions Supervised: 0
Revised Date: November 2025

POSITION SUMMARY:

Coordinate and facilitate the effective and efficient delivery of the County’s Source Water Protection (SWP) Program and Hydrogeological investigations and fulfills the duties of  Risk Management Official for Oxford County. Project manages various technical projects related to subsurface modelling and hydrogeological investigations.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinates the following programs and services:
  • Implementation and enforcement of Source Protection Plan (SPP) policies and updates in accordance with relevant legislation and regulations. 
  • Management of the Septic Inspection Program through oversight of the Area Municipalities to meet targets and monitoring objectives.
  • Performs the duties of Risk Management Official including preparation of Risk Management Plans, screening development and building permit applications for compliance, and relevant reporting to the Source Protection Committee.
  • Development and maintenance of protocols, procedures and data management frameworks necessary to comply with SPP policies.
  • Development and execution of hydrogeological investigations, monitoring and characterization projects.
  • Review and respond to Risk Assessments submitted under the Act.
  • Reviews and responds to the submission of Environmental Site Assessments to the County. 
  • Conducts presentations, workshops and public outreach initiatives to stakeholders and the general public.
• Coordinates with the Risk Management Inspector to prioritize duties and tasks related to specific Source Water Protection goals. Will act as backup to the Risk Management Inspector. 
• Project Manager on specialized technical project, studies, or research initiatives.  
• Testifies as an expert witness at ERT or OMB hearings as required.
• Participates in technical steering committees for Servicing Master Plans, Class EA Study projects, public meetings, design meetings, and meetings with local industry.
• Technical representative for Oxford County on both the Thames-Sydenham and Region, and Lake Erie Source Protection Committees. Communicates County updates and provides technical responses on behalf of the County on Source Water Protection issues. 
• Plans, manages and co-ordinates various complex research initiatives to address identified issues/problems emanating from the ongoing operation of the SWP program and introduces enhanced/new best practices and innovative approaches in development of source protection assessment reports and source protection plan
• Receives and attempts to resolve program related complaints, concerns and questions in a timely and responsive manner.  Refers and escalates to the appropriate individual as necessary.
• Prepares Council reports, internal and external reports, policies, contracts and related correspondence.  Attends and participates at County or Area Municipal Council meetings as necessary.
• Drafts tender documents, requests for proposal, agreements and other documents in support of hydrological and source water protection technical work requirements 
•  Creates, maintains, and monitors the progress of key performance indicators and other statistical information pertaining to the various initiatives.
• Participates in the divisional budget and business plan process including forecasting and monitoring operations within the approved budget.
• Liaise with consultants, contractors, Area Municipalities, Provincial Ministries, and internal and external stakeholders as necessary and appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-secondary education in Engineering, Hydrogeology, Environmental Geoscience or related discipline. Registration or eligibility for registration as a Professional Engineer or a Professional Geoscientist in the Province of Ontario preferred.  
• Demonstrated progressive experience working in Source Water Protection or hydrogeological inspections.  Experience in a municipal environment is an asset.  
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Certification or ability to obtain certification as a Risk Management Official and Risk Management Inspector under the Clean Water Act.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with key stakeholders to deliver programs and services.
• Understanding and experience in soil and bedrock classification, overburden and bedrock drilling methods, in-site hydraulic testing, and soil, sediment, surface water and groundwater sampling protocol.
• Knowledge of relevant trends and best practices, legislation and regulations, such as the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act and Ontario Water Resources Act.
• Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork, lead and empower teams and guide effective project management outcomes.
• Ability to demonstrate the required competencies for this position in alignment with Oxford County’s competency framework.
• Valid Ontario's driver's license.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS:

• Ability to demonstrate the required core and leadership competencies for this position in alignment with Oxford County’s competency framework.
• Core competencies include teamwork, communication, innovation, service excellence, accountability and integrity, and inclusivity.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Primarily works in an office setting.
• Occasional meetings outside of regular business hours.  
• Exposure to hazards related to private industrial/commercial facilities, agricultural properties, construction sites, water facilities, and inclement weather.