Supervisor of Water Operations

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Department: Public Works
Reports to: Senior Manager of Water & Wastewater Services
Effective Date: November 3, 2001
Positions Supervised: 16
Revised Date: May 2025

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Manager of Water and Wastewater Services, plans, organizes, directs, and controls the maintenance and operation of the water supply, treatment, storage, distribution and the wastewater collection systems in accordance with the MECP regulation and Oxford County requirements.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSABILITIES:

Achieves and maintains compliance to MECP licenses and permits by supervising the day to day operation of the 17 drinking water and 11 wastewater systems, including initiating purchase of supplies, equipment and materials, and maintaining records of maintenance and operational expenses. Responsible for the Health and Safety of all operations staff including training, development and providing proper PPE
Plans and manages the operation and maintenance of water supply, treatment, storage, distribution and sewage collection systems.. Evaluates the performance of existing equipment of water and sewage stations as required.
Oversee an annual operation budget of $7 M and work within a project team on a $22 M Annual Capital Budget.
Oversees and authorizations payments over divisional accounts as required by the Purchasing Policy up to $25,000 and provides recommendations of approval of payments over $25,000 to Manager.
Assists in the creation and application of approved operating policies and procedures and maintenance standards using judgement and initiative.
Direct and second-removed supervisory responsibilities including hiring, performance management, coaching, employee relations, mentoring and professional development of non-union staff
Assists with the budgeting and preparation of reports. Prepares reports, as requested, or as part of routine operating requirements.
Maintains infrastructure through scheduling routine maintenance and establishing and executing preventative maintenance schedules for operating equipment and plant. Responsible for the implementation and execution of electronic work order systems and asset management for the relevant water and wastewater systems
Participates in technical steering committees for County projects and attends public meetings, design meetings and stakeholder meetings.
Prepares tender documents and advertisements for specified contracting. Assembles and evaluates proposals, recommends contractor for hiring, plans and monitors the work, and approves completed contracts prior to payment.
Reviews and provides technical comments on tenders, Letters of Interest, Requests for Proposals, design drawings and draft Environmental Compliance Approvals, Licenses and Permits.
Purchases materials, goods, and services used by self and subordinate staff in maintaining the operation and repair of the facilities and plant.
Coordinates system maintenance or repairs, collection of data, bacteriological and chemical sampling, on-call duty and emergency procedures, and SCADA operation at all related facilities.
Participates in maintenance and facility repair and construction, assists with the physical works, if required, during critical repairs or emergencies. Oversees day to day operations of water treatment, water distribution, and sewage collection.
Participates in the County public relations team effort, liaises with County sewer and water system users, suppliers, members of Council, and staff of area municipalities, as well as Ministry of the Environment staff, consultants and IT contractors. Assists the Water and Wastewater Technical Services Team with the resolution of issues that arise from the general public, customer complaints, and service delivery.
Assists the DWQMS Coordinator in maintaining the County’s Drinking Water Quality Management Systems through ensuring documents and records are up to date and accurate, investigating non-conformances and implementing corrective action as required.
Participates in mandatory training in accordance with legislated and departmental requirements.
Acts as overall responsible operator (ORO) for all water/wastewater systems including Service Contracted Systems during normal working days. Must also be ORO on call 24/7 on a rotational basis for all County Water and Wastewater Systems.
Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

College diploma in related program at Community college or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Five years of related supervisory experience.
Holds three MECP Water Operator Licenses as follows: Class III water operator for water distribution & supply, and Class II wastewater collection operator.
Working knowledge of applicable legislation and regulations and their applications.
Electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills and SCADA knowledge would be desirable.
Knowledge of roads, site construction techniques, WHMIS, confined spaces, traffic control, electronic work order systems, and asset management is considered an asset.
Ability to communicate effectively; must be decisive, impartial, tactful, and diplomatic.
Valid Ontario driver’s license required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Involves physical work during critical repairs or emergencies which may include lifting pumps and turning valves and working in the elements.
Occasional exposure to working in trenches, excavations, confined spaces, traffic, chemicals, electrical hazards, tower climbing, inclement weather, human/animal waste or body fluids, dirt, grease, loud equipment, odours (chemical and sewage), gases, working at night, and poor ventilation.