Cape Breton Regional Municipality

Full-Time

Weekdays

Description

Position Title: Watershed Coordinator

Department: Water & Wastewater

Location: Civic Centre/ Various

Reporting to: Operations Manager, Water Utility or Designate

Bargaining Unit: CUPE Local 933 (Inside Workers)

Salary Range: $75,328 to $79,292

STATUS: Union – Inside Bargaining Unit CUPE Local 933

JOB SCOPE

Reporting to the Operations Manager, Water Utility or designate; is responsible for proper management of source water supplies and for promoting an ecologically sound multi-barrier approach to ensure a sustainable and pristine environment to enhance the production of potable water.

MAIN FUNCTIONS

• Ensure the proper monitoring and management of watershed lands according to the CBRM Water Utility objectives, by overseeing and coordinating necessary surveys, preliminary investigations, data compilation, spatial data analysis and field research to prepare proper management plans.
• Prepare and maintains Source Water Protection plans for all CBRM Source Water supplies.
• Prepare policy, technical and spatial reports, research papers, proposals, and grant applications related to watershed and ecosystem research and management.
• Ensure implementation and enforcement of Source Water Protection plans in conjunction with other CBRM departments and appropriate outside agencies.
• Ensure all responsibilities are met as they pertain to the applicable Federal, Provincial and Municipal standards and standard operating procedures.
• Maintain awareness of activities and developments on watershed lands.
• Monitor status of dam structures and other watershed infrastructure.
• Engage with the public and provide education on the importance of watershed and forest conservation.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and manage budgets and contracts related to watershed and research activities.
• Assist in project management for capital upgrades to CBRM dam structures.
• Establish and maintain a dynamic spatial database of all properties within the watershed lands.
• Monitor ground water monitoring well infrastructure and associated technologies.
• Establish and maintain liaison with representatives of Federal and Provincial Departments and other groups and agencies with respect to Source Water Protection.
• Keep informed regarding current trends in the field, scientific studies and technical journals, etc. related to the field.
• Coordinate and review the work of consultants engaged in watershed activities.
• Coordinate and conduct ecological and forest research to assess biodiversity, habitat connectivity, and ecosystem function in watershed areas
• Manage monitoring programs to track water quality, forest health, and the impacts of land use and climate change on ecosystems.
• Oversee long-term forest management initiatives, including the study of native species, climate-resilient reforestation, and the impact of invasive species
• Develop strategies and partnerships with businesses, organizations and others to help with the protection of all CBRM Source Water supplies.
• Coordinate and deliver education to the overall community about Source Water Protection.
• Prepare for and host community meetings related to Source Water Protection, including communications, mapping, reports and other required information.
• Collect and maintain spatial information in CBRM’s GIS environment.
• Use GIS and other database management tools to manage spatial data and conduct analysis on Source Water issues.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Operations Manager, Water Utility or designate. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:(Must include copies of the items listed below)

• Bachelor of Science in Forestry, Environmental, Hydrology, Land Use Planning, or a related undergraduate degree.   Any such degree should be supplemented by a Technology Diploma in one of the above noted disciplines, particularly GIS and Land Information Management.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years’ experience in watershed management, forest ecology, environmental research or other related technical and/or policy positions.
• Valid Driver’s License (Nova Scotia Class 5 or equivalent)
• Criminal Records Check verification is required as a condition of employment.
• Medical assessments including but not limited to physical, vision, and hearing tests may be required. The assessments must show the capacity of performing tasks of the classification. This will take place at a later date.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Forest Ecology, Water Resources, or a related field. Any such degree should be supplemented by a Technology Diploma in one of the above noted disciplines, particularly GIS and Land Information Management.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Emergency First Aid//CPR/AED
• WHMIS/GHS 2015 Course

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Proven ability to build partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, Indigenous communities, and academic institutions.
• Experience with ecosystem research methodologies and tools, including GIS for forest and watershed analysis.
• Strong understanding of watershed hydrology, forest ecosystems, and land use planning.
• Excellent communication and public outreach skills, particularly in environmental education and reporting.
• Excellent knowledge of the principles, practices and objectives of Source Water Protection for Public potable water supplies.
• Demonstrated project management skills with the ability to lead both research and conservation initiatives.
• Knowledge of local ecosystems, climate resilience strategies, and native species is a strong asset.
• Excellent skills in dealing with landowners and the community in related matters.
• Excellent leadership, motivation, and interpersonal skills.
• An interest in environmental planning, environmental and aquatic science, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work within a team environment to accomplish organizational goals.
• Direct hands-on experience in the use of Geographic Information Systems software.

Note: This job requires the individual to patrol and cruise watershed and associated lands regularly. This requires the capability to walk extensively in varying weather conditions and through/on rough, uneven and hilly terrain. 

Location Information

Community

Sydney

County

Cape Breton Regional Municipality

Province

Nova Scotia

Country

Canada

Opportunity Information

Employer

Cape Breton Regional Municipality

NOC Code

—

Experience Required

Yes

Available Openings

—

Pay Type

Salary

Pay Period

To be Determined

Remuneration Per Pay Period

Estimated Weekly Hours

—

Start Date

—

End Date

—

Language

—

Posted on

February 7th 2025

Expires

March 9th 2025