Associate Director, Sewer Operations

Requisition ID: 43426 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function 

The Associate Director reports to the Director of Urban Watersheds Sewers and Drainage, and leads a management team of four Superintendent II’s, twelve Superintendent I’s, an Administrative Manager, and a Project Manager, along with a unionized operations group of over 275 staff. The role involves collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including Associate Directors within the Division and Engineering Services, as well as Metro Vancouver, for the planning, construction, and maintenance of the sewer and drainage system, in additional to non-engineering partners including Development, Buildings and Licenses, Parks and Recreation, Real Estate and Facilities Management, Corporate Communications, Risk Management, Legal Services, and Supply Chain.

The Associate Director oversees the construction, maintenance, and operation activities of the City’s sewer and drainage system, ensuring the safe and efficient conveyance of sewage and rainwater. This system includes gravity and force sewer mains, service connections, catch basins, pump stations, combined sewer and stormwater outfalls, valves, and other assets. The Branch delivers various capital, maintenance, and operational programs and projects.

Based primarily at the Manitoba Street works yard, the Associate Director provides managerial and professional leadership in planning, organizing, and directing operations in accordance with City Policies and Sewer Operations Standards and Procedures. Managing people, human resources, and labour relations is a significant part of the job. The Associate Director promotes a healthy and inclusive workplace culture, prioritizing safety and ensuring continuous improvement of training and safety programs, adherence to emerging best practices, and compliance with codes and regulations.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Operational:

• Directs the Sewer Operations capital construction, operation, and maintenance of the City’s sewer and drainage system.
• Develops and implements short-term and long-term operational strategies, plans, and targets aligned with the Strategic Plan; participates in planning and coordinating capital projects.
• Enhances the economic viability of maintenance and construction activities by assessing service models, identifying cost-saving projects, developing business case proposals, and optimizing service.
• Fosters a culture of safety, driving continuous improvement of safety programs and ensuring compliance with Worksafe BC regulations and Corporate safety requirements.
• Collaborates with senior management and partners on implementing and monitoring objectives outlined in Departmental and Corporate Strategic and Operational Plans.
• Identifies risks and develops mitigation strategies.
• Monitors and reports on key operational performance indicators.
• Responds to inquiries from the public, Mayor, and Council; represents the City in media relations on sewer and drainage issues.
• Oversees research and preparation of reports, presentations, and communications.
• Facilitates partnership development opportunities with internal divisions, other municipalities, and external partners; supports external agencies like BCWWA and CWWA.
• Directs professional consultants for independent program analysis and operational support.
• Participates in Emergency Preparedness, Planning, and response with the EOC and Emergency Management Department.

Policy/Procedures:

• Develops, implements, and enforces construction and maintenance standards, policies, and practices.
• Creates an environment supporting operational efficiency, compliance, risk mitigation, and achievement of branch objectives.
• Develops policies and procedures supporting best practices and compliance with City Standards and Environmental Regulations.
• Inspects and reviews the work of construction and maintenance crews.
• Leads Occupational Health and Safety initiatives, ensuring compliance and promoting a strong culture of Health and Safety.
• Financial Management:
• Develops, recommends, and administers the annual budgets of the branch.
• Monitors key performance indicators to ensure financial objectives are met and compliance with City policies.
• Leads continuous improvement initiatives driving cost-effective capital and operating programs.
• Participates in the capital budget process and financial planning for multi-year activities as part of the senior leadership team.

Human Resources:

• Creates an environment of collaboration, teamwork, and innovation; provides coaching and mentorship to employees, promoting effective communication.
• Coordinates professional development and succession planning initiatives, including annual performance plans and reviews.
• Liaises with union representatives to build a positive culture and address employee issues and grievances; negotiates Letters of Understanding with the Union and participates in Collective Agreement Negotiations.
• Oversees staffing levels, promotional competitions, classification reviews, and organizational restructuring.

• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in business or Engineering, or an Engineering Technologist diploma supplemented by business and technical courses and considerable related experience (minimum 10 years preferred) managing in a unionized operations environment, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of sewer and drainage system operations, regulations, and trends.
• Advanced knowledge of occupational hazards, safety rules, and Worksafe BC regulations.
• Good knowledge of construction processes and maintenance methods for sewer and drainage infrastructure.
• Good knowledge of management principles, including recruitment, leadership, performance, attendance management, and collective agreements.
• Strong working knowledge of collective agreements.
• Sound knowledge of the City’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion programs.
• Excellent leadership skills to motivate, engage, develop, and mentor a large operational team.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Skilled in conflict resolution and identifying potential problem areas.
• Ability to initiate and implement innovative policy, procedure, or process changes with stakeholder buy-in.
• Ability to lead diverse, multi-disciplinary teams within a unionized environment.
• Ability to develop and implement plans that align with organizational goals, emerging technologies, industry trends, and economic viability.
• Ability to create and manage department budgets, cost controls, scheduling, and work planning.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships at all organizational levels and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, programs, and processes under pressure with competing schedules and resources.

Driver’s License and Record Checks:

• A current and valid class 5 BC Driver’s License with or higher and a satisfactory Commercial driving record

Business Unit/Department: Engineering Services (1300) 

Affiliation: Senior Exempt 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: June, 2025 

Salary Information: Pay Grade RNG-121: $136,537 to $179,642 per annum

Application Close: April 13, 2025

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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