Program Manager, Drinking Water Demand Management

Requisition ID: 46319 

Organization

Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Recognized among BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver is seeking colleagues who can help advance our core commitments to exceptional public service, sustainability, equity, and an outstanding quality of life for all residents.

With a strong commitment to being a City of Reconciliation, we invite you to join our dedicated team and become part of an innovative, inclusive, and engaging workplace. A career with the City of Vancouver and within the broader public service, offers meaningful work where you play a key role in ensuring equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and supporting the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose and Function

The Program Manager, Drinking Water Demand Management is responsible for the technical leadership, strategic development, and operational delivery of the City’s comprehensive Drinking Water Demand Management Program. This role directs the design and implementation of policies, programs, and regulatory tools aimed at reducing potable water consumption, improving system efficiency, and ensuring long-term sustainability of municipal water resources under conditions of climate variability and population growth. The Program Manager participates in cross departmental sustainability initiatives, including program piloting and implementing changes to the building/plumbing code and also manages the capital and operating budgets and all associated procurement, grant, and partnership opportunities associated with the program. We are looking for a strategic and collaborative Program Manager for Drinking Water Demand Management to lead one of the City’s most impactful environmental programs—helping ensure a sustainable water future for generations.

The position reports to the Associate Director, Waterworks Design and manages a team comprised of Policy Analysts, Project Managers, Planning Analysts and Assistants, By-law Officers, Engineering Assistants and clerical staff. The position works closely with Engineering teams, other City Departments, and various external senior level partners, stakeholders, agencies and the public. Key contacts are Senior Waterworks Utility Engineers, Waterworks Operations, City Communications, Legal Services, Parks, Civic Facilities, and Development, Buildings and Licensing, Metro Vancouver and regional peers.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads strategic planning, policy development, and implementation of the City’s Drinking Water Demand Management Strategy to address climate change and population growth impacts on drinking water resources, including:
  • Develop and implement comprehensive water demand management strategies.
  • Conduct sector analysis, engagement and outreach for residential, industrial, commercial, institutional and civic water users and design and deliver programs to increase water use efficiency.
  • Research and recommend water conservation driven policies and rate structures
  • Utilize advanced meter reading technology and data to inform programs targeting high consumption and leakage on the private side
  • Foster civic water use reduction and leak management programs.
  • Oversee customer service programs in support of water demand management.
• Manages accountability and reporting for the City’s water demand management goals and targets set out in the Drinking Water Demand Management Strategy.
• Develops the annual work plan, budgeting and all associated procurement, grant, and partnership opportunities associated with the program.
• Manages updates, administration and enforcement of the City’s Drinking Water Conservation By-law, including public communication campaigns and annual staged water restriction enforcement.
• Researches and reports on best practices, prepares feasibility studies, performs business case analysis for a variety of proposed policies, programs and incentives, and implements programs to inspire, encourage and enable water conservation, and achieve efficiency, cost savings, safety, quality, customer service and sustainability. 
• Prepares and presents reports to steering committees and Council.
• Represents the Drinking Water Utility and the City at various interdepartmental working groups, plans, strategies and initiatives, including Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, planning initiatives, One Water forums.
• Leads all water demand management and efficiency outreach to various non-City agencies (i.e., industrial, commercial and institutional agencies) and acts as the City’s representative on various regional, provincial and national industry associations (e.g., BC Water & Waste Association, Metro Vancouver Regional Water Conservation Coordinators Committee, Canadian Water Works Association Committees).
• Develops, implements and coordinates outreach, education programs and engagement activities to increase public awareness of our drinking water resource, the quality and value of drinking water, and to promote and market various conservation measures and programs
• Leads and directs human resources activities for the Water Demand Management Team, including recruitment and selection, assigning responsibilities, labour relations, performance management, attendance management, discipline, grievance handling, and other personnel issues including staff coaching and mentoring.
• Develops, implements and monitors project and program management procedures and practices, quality measures, and best practices through formal coaching, mentoring, and skills and knowledge transfer to section staff.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned. 

Qualification
Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering or Sustainability and eight years of related experience developing programs for water conservation, demand management and efficiency across all sectors of water use, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent knowledge of policies and programs related to water demand management, water conservation, water resources management and municipal drinking water systems.
• Excellent analytical and computer skills to facilitate the creation of spreadsheets and databases and producing reports from large quantities of data.
• Excellent skills in research, analysis, and problem-solving within a complex and dynamic environment; ability to think innovatively, solve complex problems and present solutions in clear and compelling terms.
• Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to prepare and manage project and program budgets.
• Ability to develop outreach and education plans and lead engagement activities to increase public awareness.
• Ability to develop business cases and implement strategic and operational plans.
• Excellent knowledge of management principles, policies and practices including recruitment and selection, leadership, performance and attendance management.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate and engage staff.
• Excellent communication (oral and written), interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills with the ability to effectively and efficiently prioritize actions in response to numerous and diverse demands.
• Strong conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, productive relationships at all levels in the organization and external stakeholders.

Business Unit/Department: Engineering Services 

Affiliation: Exempt

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: August 2026 

Salary Information: Salary Range 91 - $117,909 to $147,377 per annum

Application Close: June 17, 2026

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. 

The City of Vancouver acknowledges that it is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).More about unceded traditional territories

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