Description

The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) is a public sector organization, established by the Province of Ontario, in 1973 to conserve, restore, develop and manage natural resources within the watersheds of Essex County and Pelee Island. This position plays a key role in delivering technical expertise, development application reviews and broader watershed planning services, through a multi-disciplinary team, that support safe, sustainable municipal growth in areas affected by natural hazards. 

The Director, Watershed Management Services reports to the CAO/Secretary-Treasurer and is a member of ERCA’s senior leadership team. The Director participates in the formulation and implementation of strategic plans, policies, programs and services that fulfill the mandate of the Authority, primarily, its role in the delivery of mandatory programs specific to mitigating risks of natural hazards, as identified in the Conservation Authorities Act 

The Director, Watershed Management Services manages a multi-disciplinary team of professional engineers, technologists, planners, technical and non-technical staff.  This team is collectively responsible for the administration of the natural hazard and regulations programs under  the Conservation Authorities Act, applicable Regulations, and other statutes as authorized and includes all Section 28 compliance and enforcement related actions. 

This position is associated with both the delivery of mandatory and non-mandatory functions under the Conservation Authorities Act. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides strategic leadership and direction for the Development Services, Engineering, Planning and Geomatics functions within the Watershed Management Services department.  Applies advanced knowledge of functional operations to carry out strategic decision-making, program reviews, and provide effective leadership.
• Identifies, develops, implements, manages and evaluates departmental programs and initiatives and ensures departmental compliance with all ERCA policies and applicable legislation and regulations. Recommends policies and long-range strategies in the delivery of departmental services to meet mandated goals and objectives and to ensure the advancement of departmental and corporate goals.
• Evaluates and manages risk on an ongoing basis, including risks to the staffing, departmental assets and impacts to service delivery, liability associated with development activities and approvals, and the image or brand of the Authority in the eye of the public.
• Provides technical supervision to professional engineers related to modeling, data analysis, and design services on multi-disciplinary projects, for projects of the Authority and other fee-for-service projects, as related to the Authority’s core mandates.
• Conveys Authority’s regulations, technical guidelines and interpretations, with high level of knowledge and credibility to a wide variety of stakeholders, including those with dissenting professional opinions, to achieve regulatory compliance. Responsible for maintenance and oversight of the Flood Contingency Plan, including issuing all flood advisories and notices as required.
• Coordinates and manages the review of complex environmental assessment and master plan applications; permit, project review and emergency infrastructure works applications; and site plan applications, ensuring issues are addressed based on professional judgement and technical advice, as well as recognizing and addressing politically sensitive and difficult issues.  
• Establishes and enforces program and service delivery standards
• Acts as the primary staff representative of the Authority’s interest, related to the application of Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act, in hearings, tribunals and other legal proceedings, and informs and serves as a liaison to legal counsel.
• Prepares technical, professional, and informative reports, and presentations to: Committees and Council; senior staff, elected officials and the public; professional audiences; and provides content for general public education and corporate communication purposes. Provides recommendations to CAO, Board of Directors and various stakeholders related to departmental mandates.
• Leads scope development and approval of service level agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreements for fee-for-service work with ERCA’s funders and stakeholders and additionally, develops agreements and MOUs with vendors and subcontractors as required and in accordance with policies relating to same.  
• In collaboration with the CAO/CFO, formulates, implements and monitors the annual departmental work plan and budget, including requirements for staffing and resources, as well as generating appropriate fee for service revenues, including related development of departmental fees.
• Participates as a member of ERCA’s senior leadership team in support of the integration and delivery of all Authority programs and services and participates in multi-disciplinary teams within the Authority, as assigned.  Contributes to and participates in corporate sustainability initiatives and upholds value-for-money, transparency and accountability principles, in departmental activities.
• Oversees the approval of purchase orders, invoices, and contract progress payments, and ensures formal tendering and purchasing policies and related administrative controls are followed within the department.
• Performs other job-related duties and responsibilities consistent with the position as required and as directed by the CAO/Secretary-Treasurer.

Requirements

MINIMUM SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• University degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering or other closely related field with professional designation as P.Eng with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) is preferred, or Registered Professional Planner (RPP) or Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) with significant experience and understanding of relevant development processes.
• Ten years of progressive experience, including five years of relevant experience managing a senior portfolio related to the duties of the position, including experience in developing, supervising, and motivating employees in a unionized environment and five years of demonstrated advancement in a similar municipal or consulting environment. 
• Knowledge of principles, procedures, design, analysis and best practices of integrated water management including surface water groundwater interactions, shoreline management, watershed planning, stormwater, water conservation, and floodplain management.
• Working knowledge of hydrologic and hydraulic models. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of and ability to interpret and administer a variety of Acts, Regulations, contractual agreements, policies and guidelines pertaining to the Engineering, Planning and regulatory compliance functions of the department. This includes ERCA Board approved Policy, applicable Provincial and Federal policies, and Federal and Provincial statutes and accompanying regulations, including, but not limited to: Conservation Authorities Act, Ontario Water Resources Act, Environmental Protection Act, Environmental Assessment Act, Federal Fisheries Act, Source Water Protection Act, MECP’s Stormwater BMP Manual, Municipal Act, Planning Act, Development Charges Act and the Occupational Health & Safety Act and Regulations.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills including the production, review and analysis of complex technical documents.
• Proven track record of establishing productive relationships with staff, partners, stakeholders, municipalities, non-governmental organizations, developers etc.
• Advanced ability to effectively delegate and oversee work of both direct and indirect staff reports and project teams.
• Demonstrated analytical, critical thinking, problem solving and issue resolution skills in situations where the problem maybe be technical, managerial or interpersonal
• Understanding of financial management, budgeting, business planning and purchasing/contract management processes.
• When the employer determines and as appropriate, may be designated as the license holder of the Certificate of Authorization, Professional Engineers Ontario.
• High degree of proficiency in SharePoint and all Microsoft Office programs along with familiarity with digital permitting systems. 
• Superior English language oral and written communication skills, and ability to formulate professional reports and draft resolutions of the Board, utilizing a formal business writing style.  
• Driving is a bona fide occupational requirement and must possess an MTO Class “G” driver’s licence in good standing.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Typically M-F 8:30am to 4:30 pm. Attendance at evening board and committee meetings is required and additional hours may be necessary to accomplish deliverables and meet deadlines.
• Hazards and Risks: Provides flood monitoring, which may include working in inclement weather and conditions and exposure to unstable shorelines and riverbanks.  There may also be risks associated with inspection of project related site visits and interactions with the public and contractors.
• Environmental Conditions: Work is primarily performed within a standard office environment, and regularly requires periods of visual and mental concentration of 2 to 4 hours duration, prolonged sitting (and associated physical strain), manual dexterity, accuracy and attention to detail. Occasional site visits, with potential exposure to extreme heat or cold, requiring prolonged standing/walking, negotiation of obstacles, and bending or stooping. Fast-paced work environment with regular deadlines and constantly changing priorities.

To Apply:

To express interest in this opportunity, please submit application and related materials (confidentially) online at nkupnicki@erca.org.

Closing date:        4:00 p.m., February 13, 2026

Compensation:    $125,144 to $135,356 per annum based on qualifications and experience (2025 rate).

In addition to providing an OMERS pension, ERCA provides Personal (paid) Time Off in addition to vacation time, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Health Care Spending Account and optional Critical Illness Insurance.

Should you have any further inquiries, please contact Nicole Kupnicki, Manager, Human Resources & Council Services at nkupnicki@erca.org or 519-981-4469.

 ERCA is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and promotes an inclusive workplace.

• We thank all applicants in advance, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 
• Personal information is collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for the purpose of this employment opportunity only. 
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not utilized in the recruitment process to sort, screen or assess potential applicants.
• We are pleased to accommodate any individual needs under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation throughout the hiring process, please contact HR 519-981-4469 to make your needs known in advance