Manager Water Distribution & Wastewater Collection

Strathcona County is seeking a strategic and experienced Manager, Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection to provide leadership and oversight of critical utility services that protect public health and support a thriving community.

Reporting to and supporting the Director of Utilities, this role leads professional, technical and operational teams within the Utilities Distribution and Collection branch and is accountable for the safe delivery of potable water and the reliable collection of wastewater and stormwater services. The Manager plays a key role in planning, implementing, and continuously improving operational programs using sound engineering principles, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements.

This position influences service delivery, operational and capital programs, budgets, policies, bylaws, and departmental direction, while ensuring alignment with corporate strategy, values, culture, and the People Plan.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead the delivery of 24/7 water distribution and wastewater collection services, ensuring public and employee health and safety are always paramount
• Execute preventative maintenance programs that maintain approved service levels and system reliability
• Ensure compliance with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) approvals, reporting requirements, and environmental regulations
• Provide leadership and direction to staff to support effective, efficient, and safe service delivery
• Oversee the delivery of infrastructure related customer programs, including metering and locates, sanitary sewer backup response, lateral maintenance, backflow prevention, and overstrength compliance
• Support the delivery of contracted utility services to other municipalities, as applicable
• Respond to escalated customer and resident inquiries with a strong customer service focus
• Oversee operational construction delivered by inhouse crews and external contractors
• Ensure effective procurement, full- cycle project management practices, and jobsite safety processes
• Manage emergent and planned repairs to water, wastewater, and stormwater linear infrastructure
• Develop and implement lifecycle programs for water distribution, wastewater collection, and stormwater assets
• Co-lead asset management planning and implementation of the Utilities asset management framework
• Apply assessment tools and asset management methodologies to prioritize work based on risk, serviceability, capacity, and failure modes
• Develop resource requests, manage operating and capital budgets, and ensure effective execution of approved projects
• Ensure assets meet design standards prior to transfer from developers to Strathcona County
• Actively participate on the Utilities Leadership Team, contributing to department business planning, performance measures, and continuous improvement
• Provide subject matter expertise and sound recommendations to support informed business decisions
• Collaborate with Utilities leaders on operational programs, budget development, and service delivery
• Prepare detailed operating and capital budget submissions, including business cases

Qualifications and Skills: 

• Post secondary degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline with a minimum of 10 years of progressive water and wastewater operational experience
• Post-secondary diploma in Civil Engineering or related discipline supplemented with leadership certificate(s) or professional designation(s) may be considered in lieu of degree (C.E.T. designation would be considered an asset)
• Level IV Water Distribution, Level IV Wastewater Collection, and Level I Wastewater Treatment certifications (AEPA) required; Level III Water Distribution and Level III Wastewater Collection may be considered
• Strong leadership and people management experience in unionized and non-union environments
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, resolve complex issues, and foster collaboration
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences, including Council, senior leadership, staff, and the public
• Proven experience in water, wastewater, and stormwater construction, operations and maintenance
• Proven experience in planning and implementing asset management and full lifecycle strategies in the water, wastewater and stormwater sectors
• Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, structural, HVAC systems, and water metering technologies
• Experience with budgets, contractor management, and Utility Safety Partners and locate processes

Who We Are: 

Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta. Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, fairness, and cooperation.

Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
  • Extended health and dental coverage  
  • Health and wellness spending account  
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Retirement and pension programs
  • Management Flex time program
  • Employee and family assistance program
• Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities
• Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace

Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered.  

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.   

Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.
 
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.