Program Manager - Drinking Water Protection and Emergency Preparedness

Requisition ID: 43025 

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 & Function 
The Program Manager - Drinking Water Protection and Emergency Preparedness oversees the City’s comprehensive water quality monitoring and protection programs, emergency preparedness and response planning, as well as improving access to water in the public realm.  Global and local events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate based emergencies impacting BC, like wildfires, drought, flooding and extreme heat have emphasized the significance of and connection between water quality management, emergency preparedness and equitable access to water. Reporting to the Associate Director, Waterworks Design, the Program Manager supervises and manages a multidisciplinary team that includes Cross Connection Control Coordinator, Plumbing Inspectors, Engineering Assistants, Program Coordinators, and others as required.  Key contacts and partners for this position are Waterworks Operations, Metro Vancouver, City’s Customer Service and Communications Departments, Chief Building Official, Vancouver Coastal, Vancouver Emergency Management Agency (VEMA), Arts, Culture and Community Services (ACCS), Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services (VFRS), and the Integrated Partnership for Regional Emergency Management (IPREM).

Specific Duties and Responsibilities 

• Manages the development and delivery of the emergency preparedness and response plans, the water quality monitoring program, cross connection control program and access to water programs for the Drinking Water Utility.
• Assists the Manager, Waterworks Design, in the development, delivery and ongoing improvement and implementation of the Water Utility’s Emergency Management and Preparedness Program and associated action plans in alignment with the City’s Emergency Management Plans and disaster risk reduction framework.
• Leads the development and on-going improvement of the Drinking Water Utility Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, Business Continuity Plan, Temporary Provision of Water Strategy (post-disaster), and System Risk Management Plan in collaboration with stakeholders in Waterworks Design and Operations, Engineering, Vancouver Emergency Management Agency, Metro Vancouver, Integrated Partnership for Regional Emergency Management (IPREM), local hospitals and disaster response hubs.
• Manages drinking water quality sampling, testing and reporting programs on behalf of the Water Utility for compliance with BC Drinking water Protection Act and Regulation.
• Oversees the response to customer/public water quality concerns, questions or incidents, including after hours support; collaborates with Waterworks Operations and Vancouver Coastal Health regarding water quality incidents, emergencies and/or concerns.
• Leads the development, maintenance and enforcement of Vancouver Waterworks By-law 4848 Part IV – Cross Connection Control and collaborates with Chief Building Official’s Office regarding updates to Vancouver Building By-law and technical bulletins to align plumbing requirements.
• Coordinates with Vancouver Emergency Management Agency and Arts, Culture and Community Services regarding infrastructure, outreach and programs to improve access to water in the public realm and for vulnerable populations.
• Develops the annual work plan, capital and operating budgets and all associated procurement, grant, and partnership opportunities associated with the programs.
• Prepares reports to Council and works with internal workgroups to develop and implement administrative processes.  
• Oversees water quality and protection outreach programs 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 regarding water quality and protection (e.g., BC Water & Waste, Canadian Water Works Association Committees).
• Represents the City on regional water quality and protection initiatives and executes internal work plans in support of the initiatives.
• Liaises with external stakeholders, such as Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Coastal Health and utility companies to form partnerships and fulfil regional and provincial emergency preparedness and response activities and exercises.
• Researches, reports on and implements industry best practices, prepares feasibility studies and performs business case analysis for a variety of proposed programs and policies.
• Oversees the development, implementation and coordination of outreach and education programs and engagement activities to increase public awareness of the City’s drinking water resource, the quality and value of drinking water, and to inform property and business owners of risks and requirements to protect water quality.
• Provides leadership and guidance to staff, including hiring, assigning responsibilities, performance management, health and safety, conflict management, and other personnel issues including staff coaching and mentoring.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications 
Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Civil Engineering or Emergency Management and eight years of related experience in developing programs for water quality monitoring and protection and/or emergency preparedness and response, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Professional Designation, Qualification or Certificate in areas of Engineering, Emergency Management and/or Municipal Water System Operation would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent knowledge of legislation, policies and programs related to water quality monitoring and protection, including BC Drinking Water Protection Act and Regulation, Water Works By-law 4848, and Vancouver Building By-law.
• Considerable knowledge and ability to interpret and apply relevant regulations, legislation and acts such as BC’s Emergency and Disaster Management Act and Regulation as it applies to drinking water systems.
• Sound knowledge of Local, Regional, Provincial and Federal emergency preparedness programs and knowledge of Drinking Water System Emergency Preparedness and Response.
• Sound knowledge of drinking water system operation, drinking water quality standards, drinking water quality incident response.  
• Ability to accurately read and interpret By-laws, standards, underground utility maps, mechanical engineering drawings and specifications.
• Excellent knowledge of management principles, policies and practices including recruitment and selection, leadership, heath and safety, performance and attendance management.
• Excellent analytical and computer skills to facilitate the creation of spreadsheets and databases and producing reports from large quantities of data.
• Strong project management skills with ability to prepare and manage project and program budgets.
• 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 outreach and education plans and lead engagement activities to increase public awareness and collaboration with stakeholders.
• Ability to develop business cases and implement strategic and operational plans.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, productive relationships at all levels in the organization and external stakeholders.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite.  At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: Engineering Services (1300) 

Affiliation: Exempt 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: April, 2025 

Salary Information: Pay Grade RNG-091: $111139 to $138924 per annum

Application Close: February 23, 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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