Water & Wastewater Quality Management Specialist - Jobs in Niagara, ON

Job Description

DivisionWater & WastewaterTemporary DurationApproximate Duration: 24 monthsAbout UsServing a diverse urban and rural population of more than 430,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.Job DescriptionJob SummaryReporting to the AD, Water Operations & Maintenance or the Manager of Wastewater Quality and Compliance, the Water and Wastewater Quality Management Specialist is responsible for coordinating activities in the design, implementation and continual improvement of the Water and Wastewater Division’s Quality Management Systems (QMS), for Water or Wastewater.EducationPost-secondary degree in Engineering, Environmental Sciences or related discipline.An equivalent combination of education, experience and qualifications may be considered.Additional training in water and wastewater treatment, water distribution and wastewater collection is preferred.Knowledge3 years’ work experience with quality management systems, operation and/or maintenance of water/wastewater facilities.5 years’ work experience with quality management systems is preferred.Knowledge of Quality Management Standards and Systems such as ISO 9001, DWQMS, and others; and relevant Standards, Acts, By-Laws, Regulations and guidelines, as they pertain to water and wastewater operations and quality management.Ministry of Environment Operator Licensing for Water Treatment and Water Distribution and/or Wastewater Treatment and Wastewater Collection is preferred.Knowledge of Python, SQL and Java is preferred.Knowledge of document management software such as EtQ is preferred.ResponsibilitiesFacilitate activities and systems to ensure the Region’s Water & Wastewater QMS is maintained and continually improved, in accordance with Ontario’s Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS), as mandated under the Safe Drinking Water Act and with best practices amongst Ontario municipalities. (55% of time)Lead the development, implementation and maintenance of QMS for water or wastewater operations, adopting requirements of ISO 9001 and DWQMS, as appropriate.Provide support to the maintenance of the Environmental laboratory’s QMS (ISO 17025).Provide technical expertise and guidance to staff on quality management processes and initiatives.Facilitate the creation of SOP’s, procedures, work instructions, guidelines and templates needed for the QMS programs, ensuring adherence to the Region’s policies, guidelines and bylaws.Prepare annual reports and deliver presentations to Committee and Council outlining any changes to the QMS and/or associated regulatory changes, including the impact on service delivery and associated risk.Facilitate and maintain compliance related sampling schedules.Liaise with regulatory agencies and manage outstanding compliance issues as well as bringing them to the attention of management as required.Facilitate the submission of annual compliance reports required for Regulatory bodies.Administer all aspects of the electronic QMS document management software, related to Water or Wastewater. (20% of time)Create and administer all work processes in the Region’s Quality Management software package.Assess and recommend implementation of software modules for continuous improvement of the QMS and water and wastewater business processes.Develop process flow with stakeholders and programs software to reflect desired outcomes.Monitor contractual obligations of the software vendor and implement upgrades as necessary.Audit processes; develop strategies and plans to deal with non-conformance issues. (10% of time)Work with internal and external auditors to prepare audit schedule and communicate information to impacted staff.Assist in the investigation of issues, determining root causes and recommending action plans.Complete assigned corrective actions in accordance with the Water & Wastewater QMS.Assist with root cause analysis for the corrective actions.Work with operations, maintenance and process staff and regulatory agencies, to implement corrective action strategies and plans to address non-conformances and opportunities for improvement.Coordinate the external audit by scheduling, preparing documents, liaising between staff and auditor, and respond to audit questions.Ensure timely response to external audit body regarding any outstanding issues.Create annual reports summarizing audit findings.Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including government and non-governmental agencies, the public, and consultants on quality management and compliance matters. (10% of time)Develop relationships with stakeholders to facilitate the delivery of QMS services and respond to public and stakeholder inquires in a timely and sensitive manner.Co-Chair quarterly meetings (minimum) with Area Municipality representatives.Participate on committees and task forces as directed.Attend workshops, training, seminars and conferences regarding quality management and compliance-related issues, as directed.Develop, coordinate and deliver training material to staff, regarding the Region’s Water & Wastewater QMS and compliance. (5% of time)Develop and deliver training regarding QMS updates and changes.Develop training materials for new or revised standard operating procedures (SOPs).Deliver QMS training to Top Management and Regional Council as required.Provide software training to staff as new processes are developed and as required.Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.Special RequirementsIn accordance with the Corporate Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records Check and submit a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate.Must maintain ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons.Regional staff strive to enable the strategic priorities of council and the organization through the completion of their work. Staff carry out their work by demonstrating the corporate values.Closing StatementUncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.