Hydrogeologist

ABOUT US

Almost million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.
Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Program Manager, Source Water Protection is responsible for providing source water protection; performing the statutory duties of the Risk Management Inspector prescribed under Part IV of the Clean Water Act; leading and implementing programs such as non-potable request reviews; appearing for the Region as expert witness at the Environmental Review Tribunal, Ontario Municipal Board or other related hearings; coordinating initiatives with agencies to identify collaborative activities with Regional projects; conducting presentations, workshops and other activities and facilitating communications to stakeholders.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Develops objectives and operational goals for source water protection to ensure protection of drinking water sources.
• Develops and implements technical studies and strategies to identify vulnerable areas, drinking water threats and best management mitigation practices to protect the quality and quantity of drinking water in support of the Clean Water Act, Planning Act, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, Greenbelt Act, Building Code and other applicable law.
• Develops policies, in consultation with other Regional staff and external Source Protection Committees, related to the protection of drinking water sources. 
• Supports the Risk Management Official under Part IV of the Clean Water Act by providing technical support on risk assessments, inspections, negotiation of risk management plans for existing and new land use activities, as assigned.
• Provides hydrogeological expertise and support to all aspects of Planning, including Official Plan amendments, dewatering plan review, Source Water Impact Assessment and Mitigation Plan review, re-development of contaminated lands (non-potable requests), municipal plan review and strategic planning initiatives of the Region with respect to ground water, and ground water/surface water interaction and review of submissions as part of the planning applications.
• Develops and/or enhances existing groundwater quantity and quality monitoring programs to undertake environmental impact assessment of groundwater abstraction. 
• Appears for the Region as expert witness at Ontario Municipal Board, Environmental Review Tribunal or other related hearings.
• Recommends the hiring of and monitors the work of outside consultants to undertake studies serving the Region.
• Responds to inquiries and resolves concerns, as appropriate, from the general public etc.
• Ensures that services provided meet Regional customer service standards.
• Participates and/or leads on committees, work groups, task forces and special projects, as assigned.
• Prepares reports, data, briefing notes, presentations, statistics and analysis, for the Manager, as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with Branch and Department objectives.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a University Degree in Environmental Science, Engineering or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Registration as a Professional Geoscientist ( with the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario or Professional Engineer (PEng) with the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario.
• Successful completion of the provincial certifications for Risk Management Inspector (Part IV) and Section 88 Property Entry or ability to obtain within six months of appointment.

• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Standards, Acts, By-Laws, Regulations and guidelines, as they pertain to water, including environmental assessment and protection, hydrogeology, municipal planning and well asset management.
• Working knowledge of all aspects of the Clean Water Act including supporting technical rules, Part IV powers and related regulations.
• Working knowledge of best management practices, industrial environmental management systems, responsible care and pollution prevention programs.
• Familiarity with hydrogeological databases, modelling and analysis techniques.
• Knowledge and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including communication, innovation, teamwork and collaboration, and personal ownership.
• Demonstrated negotiation, communication and presentation skills to deal with the public and make presentations to Council and tribunals and act as a spokesperson for the Region in matters related to hydrogeology or source water protection.
• Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications.
• Ability to travel to offsite locations in a timely and efficient manner, as required. 
• Ability to work outside regular business hours, as required