Director, Watershed Management Services

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.

• 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…