St. Clair Region Conservation Authority - Job Posting

Position Title: Drainage Technologist
Job Type: Full-time, permanent
Department: Planning and Regulations
Immediate Supervisor: Director of Planning and Regulations
Competition Number: PL150

Position Summary:
The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) is looking to add a self-motivated Drainage Technologist to their team. The SCRCA watershed is comprised of over 4,000 kms of drains. The Drainage Technologist will work with the Planning & Regulations department to manage and implement the review program for circulated Drainage Act applications to ensure compliance with Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act, and Ontario Regulation 171/06, as well as the Authority’s goals and objectives.

Key responsibilities for the position include managing the delivery of the SCRCA Drainage Act program including reviewing applications made under Section 4, 74 or 78 of the Drainage Act, as circulated to the SCRCA, as well as following the Drainage Act and Conservation Authorities Protocol and issuing Standard Compliance Requirements (SCRs) for maintenance activities. Liaising with municipally appointed drainage engineers, and drainage superintendents and applying sound science and engineering to assess proposals, suggest alternatives, and problem solve to ensure the Authority’s goals and objectives are met, are key components of this role. The Drainage Technologist will research best practices, guidelines, and policies to ensure SCRCA is providing up to date and consistent guidance to applicants and assist in the development of policies and guidelines for reviewing drainage projects. The Drainage Technologist will also support the Planning & Regulations team by reviewing hydrology reports for various culvert, bridge, or other infrastructure repairs and/or replacement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the delivery of SCRCA Drainage Act review program, including reviewing applications made under Section 4, 74, and 78 of the Drainage Act, as it impacts Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 171/06;
• Negotiate mitigation advice regarding the Drainage Act and Conservation Authorities Act Protocol (DART);
• Screen incoming drain applications for over 4,000 km of drains in the watershed and gather background information and research to ensure complete application;
• Attend on-site meetings with the Municipal Drainage Superintendent, Engineer, and landowners to discuss the application;
• Complete Provincial Offenses Officer training and be designated a Provincial Offences Officer to administer and enforce Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act, with focus on drainage applications;
• Investigate drainage violations under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act, and when necessary bring works into compliance through resolution or prosecution, including providing evidence in court testimony;
• Evaluate technical studies, reports and designs, including drainage engineer reports, surveys, stormwater management plans, and hydrology reports, to ensure compliance with current policies, goals, and objectives;
• Apply sound science and engineering to effectively and efficiently assess situations, suggest alternatives, and problem-solve to ensure the Authority’s goals and objectives are achieved;
• Identify and track best practices, and assist in developing policies, guidelines, and strategies relating to the Drainage Act review process (including enclosures, and drain re-alignments) to position the Department on the leading edge of knowledge;
• Liaise with other Federal and Provincial environmental agencies on project-specific drain applications to ensure compliance with their legislation and regulations where necessary;
• Contribute to the preparation and delivery of expert opinion on behalf of SCRCA at hearings (i.e., OLT, Board Hearings, Court). This could include acting as an expert witness;
• Provide communication to SCRCA staff and clients regarding technical review of project proposals, with an emphasis on effective solution-oriented communications;
• Track file information in SCRCA’s Planning & Regulations Database and Document Management System;
• Prepare invoices for collection of review fees;
• Provide technical support to the Planning & Regulations team for review of development applications, with good judgement, and apply consistent and effective decision making;
• Perform duties in accordance with SCRCA policies and the Occupational Health & Safety Act;
• Work as a team member with all staff of the SCRCA;
• Work cooperatively and professionally with other agencies and organizations;
• Assist with other duties and special projects as assigned.

Credentials and Experience:

• Post-secondary education in a related field (Civil Engineering Technician or Technology or Environmental Engineering Technician or Technology, or an equivalent combination of experience and education as determined by SCRCA);
• Membership of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technologists and Technicians (OACETT) is considered an asset;
• Minimum 2 years of related experience (bridge, culvert, or transportation disciplines) is required, with Municipal or Conservation Authority experience being an asset;
• Drainage Superintendents Course or equivalent is considered an asset, or willing to take;
• Proficiency in interpreting and evaluating construction plans and technical reports (hydrology/hydraulics/hydrogeology studies, drainage engineering reports, bridge/culvert analysis, surveys, stormwater management);
• Experience and knowledge of construction practices, sediment and erosion control practices, and drain maintenance is required;
• Working knowledge of federal and provincial natural resource management, legislation, regulations, and policies including the Conservation Authorities Act, Planning Act, Drainage Act, Fisheries Act, and Environmental Assessment Act, along with practical experience applying this knowledge in the review of related applications is required;
• Knowledge of some technical guidelines (stormwater management, water related engineering, etc.) required;
• Experience with geographic information systems and software (ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar) is considered an asset;
• Ability to work with and communicate information to a wide range of stakeholders, including partner Municipalities, Consultants, Engineers, and Property owners;
• Ability to maintain good public relations;
• Demonstrated communication (written and oral), interpersonal, organizational, and problem solving skills;
• Capability to work independently with a high level of self-motivation;
• Proficiency in all applications of the Microsoft Office suite of programs including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, and Access;
• Valid Ontario Class G Drivers License.

Work Environment/Conditions

• Extensive involvement and interaction with landowners, engineers, and Municipal Drainage Superintendents.
• Usual office, regular field/site inspections in occasional adverse conditions (i.e., rain, cold, near water, ticks).
• Some irregular hours.

Work Pressure:

• Work often involves deadlines with delegated decision making with high liability to the Authority; review and approval of works within a reasonable review time period;
• Preparation of complete, concise reports on Drainage Act permits by meeting dates;
• Multi-tasking in order to respond to inquiries both by phone and office visits.

Location:

• Position is based at the SCRCA Administration Building, 205 Millpond Crescent, Strathroy, Ontario

Additional Requirements:
SCRCA has established a Vaccination Policy for staff in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, should you be the successful candidate for the position, you will receive a conditional offer of employment contingent on your providing us with proof of full vaccination. If you are seeking an exemption from vaccination due to the application of the Ontario Human Rights Code, you will be required to provide satisfactory evidence of the reason for such an exemption upon receipt of the conditional offer.

Wage and Benefits:

• Salary: $35.97 to $42.35 per hour
• Hours: 35 hours per week
• Benefits:
  • OMERS pension plan
  • Comprehensive benefit package

Application Due Date: June 25, 2023

Additional information about the SCRCA is available on the website at www.scrca.on.ca.

Please submit your cover letter and resume by June 25, 2023, outlining how your experience meets the necessary qualifications to:

1. jobs@scrca.on.ca indicating the Competition Number PL105 and position title in the subject line of your email, or
2. mail to: St. Clair Region Conservation Authority, 205 Mill Pond Crescent, Strathroy, ON, N7G 3P9
3. or fax to 519-245-3348

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer