Environmental Protection Officer - City of Saskatoon, Saskatoon

AI Summary

The City of Saskatoon is hiring an Environmental Protection Officer in Saskatoon, SK, for a temporary full-time position. This role enforces designated environmental bylaws and investigates infractions, while also assisting with environmental management system development and various environmental projects. Key requirements include a two-year post-secondary environmental engineering technology program and two years of related experience in environmental compliance, alongside eligibility for P.Tech certification.

About the Role and Responsibilities

As an Environmental Protection Officer with the City of Saskatoon, this temporary full-time role is crucial for upholding community standards and ensuring environmental protection within the city. Under the supervision of the Environmental Operations Manager, the officer is responsible for enforcing designated environmental bylaws and diligently investigating any infractions across residential, commercial, industrial, institutional properties, and public rights-of-way. This involves a comprehensive approach, from public education initiatives to issuing warnings and tickets, and collaborating with solicitors on summary conviction offences.

The position actively assists with the development and revision of environmental bylaws, ensuring they remain current and effective in addressing emerging environmental challenges. A significant part of the role involves conducting environmental sampling for various environmental protection projects and for bylaw enforcement purposes. Furthermore, the officer assists with the ongoing development and revision of the environmental management system (EMS), maintaining meticulous records of all bylaw enforcement activities, investigations, environmental sampling data, and EMS reporting. This role also provides vital assistance with environmental spills and contaminated site remediation efforts, through testing, site visits, site inspection, and detailed reporting. The ability to manage these diverse tasks independently is essential. The officer also assists with special projects related to the Utilities and Environment Division's activities, such as promotional events, community clean-ups, educational presentations, and recycling initiatives, fostering greater public engagement. Responding to information requests from both civic staff and the public regarding bylaw and environmental protection is a regular duty, alongside assisting with the review of development plans to ensure principles of sustainable development are integrated. Other related duties are performed as assigned, contributing to the overall environmental well-being of Saskatoon.

Qualifications and Skills for Environmental Protection

To be successful in this Environmental Protection Officer role, candidates must possess specific qualifications and demonstrate key abilities. Required education includes graduation from a recognized two-year, post-secondary environmental engineering technology program, or an equivalent combination of post-secondary education and directly related experience. Applicants must also have two years of related experience in environmental compliance. Certification, or eligibility for certification, as a Professional Technologist (P.Tech) with Technology Professionals Saskatchewan is a crucial requirement, alongside possession of a valid Saskatchewan Class 5A Driver’s Licence and a current driver’s abstract from SGI demonstrating a safe driving record.

Essential knowledge for this position encompasses environmental issues pertinent to municipalities, regulatory enforcement procedures, and environmental sampling procedures. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong ability to maintain accurate and current records, and the ability to present evidence effectively in a Court of Law when necessary. Furthermore, a critical ability is to deal effectively and professionally with both the public and co-workers, fostering positive relationships. The role demands the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Proficiency in operating a computer with Microsoft Office software is also required. These combined skills and abilities ensure the effective protection of Saskatoon's environment and its public spaces.