Plant Manager, Water Purification - City of Ottawa, Ottawa

The Opportunity

The City of Ottawa is seeking a dedicated Plant Manager, Water Purification to lead critical infrastructure operations. This full-time permanent position is central to the City's mandate of providing a sustainable supply of high-quality drinking water and protecting the environment through effective wastewater treatment. As a key leader within the Infrastructure & Water Services Dept., you will play a vital role in ensuring the health and prosperity of Ottawa residents by upholding stringent water quality standards and environmental compliance. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to essential public services in the nation's capital.

Key Duties

As Plant Manager, Water Purification, you will hold significant responsibility for the operational excellence and strategic direction of one of Ottawa's two water purification treatment plants, along with associated remote pumping stations, reservoirs, and communal well systems. Your leadership will ensure the continuous delivery of safe and high-quality water services to the community, while adhering to all regulatory requirements and environmental acts.

• Planning, managing, and improving the delivery and operations of one of the City’s two water purification treatment plants and the corresponding East or West remote pumping stations, reservoirs, and communal well systems.
• Ensuring all environmental requirements, water quality, health guidelines and standards, and preventive and corrective maintenance are performed as required.
• Providing professional leadership and coordination in the planning, implementation, and administration of water production policies and programs.
• Managing human resources, including contracted services.
• Managing financial resources and operating and capital budgets.
• Managing stakeholder and partner relationships.

Skills and Experience

To succeed in this vital water management role within the City of Ottawa, candidates must demonstrate a strong blend of academic achievement, practical experience, and comprehensive knowledge in water purification and environmental services. The ideal candidate will possess the leadership capabilities to manage complex operations and ensure compliance with critical legislation for public health and safety.

Education and Experience:

• Completion of a 4-year university degree in Engineering (Civil, Chemical), Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in water purification, water, or environmental activities.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the management of human resources and/or external contract resources.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the management of operating and capital budgets, preferably in a municipal setting.

Certifications and Licences (Desirable/Asset):

• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with PEO OR Chartered Chemist (C.Chem.) with ACPO OR Certified Environmental Professional (EP) with ECO Canada.
• Ontario MOE Drinking Water Treatment Operator Certificate at the appropriate level.

Required Knowledge includes:

• Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), Occupational Health & Safety Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act, and acts and regulations of the Ministry of Environment of Ontario, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Municipal Drain Act.
• Water Chemistry and hydraulics knowledge, CMMS and SCADA systems, especially with respect to automated process control fundamentals and data collection and management techniques.
• Design, construction, operation, quality control, and maintenance of large water supply systems.
• Water treatment, distribution, and water quality technology, practices (current & experimental), issues, and opportunities.
• Water-related environmental issues.
• Quality control and assurance theory and practices.
• General knowledge of the City of Ottawa and of corporate and departmental policies and procedures.
• Legislation, policies, regulations, guidelines, and operational procedures relevant to Drinking Water environmental issues.
• Contract document preparation, the tendering process, and supervision of field services.
• Management experience and motivational techniques, including working knowledge of corporate human resource policies, practices, and collective agreements related to managing in a unionized environment (hiring, dismissal, performance management, grievance procedure).
• Financial management practices and budget processes.
• Re-engineering, best practices, performance monitoring, and organizational development concepts.
• Trends and developments in the Drinking Water field.
• Methods used to deal with the media in a professional manner.
• Computer applications, including MS Office, SAP, material management software, Outlook, MMS, SCADA, etc.
• Current and ‘best practice’ awareness of industry trends and developments and professional contacts with industry, government, and other organizations concerned with municipal water supply management.
• Familiarity with all applicable health and safety legislation, knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace, and knowledge of appropriate actions to be taken to ensure the health and safety of staff in accordance with applicable legislation and City policies and procedures.

Compensation and Perks

The City of Ottawa offers a competitive compensation package for this critical management role. Beyond the financial remuneration, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to public service and the environmental health of Ottawa, contributing to essential water services for the community.

• Annual salary ranging from $121,708.86 to $153,879.18 (2025 rates of pay).
• Full-time permanent employment with 35.00 hours per week.
• Affiliation with MPE/New City MPE.
• Opportunity to contribute to essential water services and environmental protection for the City of Ottawa.