Overview

The Water Resources Engineer (WRE) position reports to of the Manager, Environmental Compliance and Utility Performance (Sanitary and Stormwater), and will provide engineering and planning support functions to the Sanitary and Stormwater Utility (SSU) contributing to a supportive and innovative work environment.

The primary responsibility of this position is to support regulatory compliance and performance of the City of Kitchener’s sanitary and stormwater systems through technical review of development applications, capital projects, and CLI ECA submissions. Responsibilities include managing stormwater monitoring and sediment reuse programs, preparing MECP-mandated reports, conducting sewer capacity analyses using InfoWorks, and maintaining O&M manuals. The role also involves updating sewer bylaws, permits, and design standards, evaluates LID and green infrastructure designs, supports data-driven utility decisions, and coordinates consultants to deliver projects on time and within budget.

Responsibilities

Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approval (CLI ECA) (15%)

• Review, approve, and provide pre consultation support for complex CLI ECA applications in accordance with MECP and City standards
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to internal City divisions and external consultants on sanitary, stormwater, pumping station, and Low Impact Development (LID) projects 
• Prepare and coordinate required annual regulatory reports and collaborate with MECP and area municipalities to support CLI ECA compliance 
• Conduct sanitary and storm sewer capacity analysis using InfoWorks and develop storm sewershed asset inventories and classification frameworks 
• Develop and implement standardized inspection, testing, and documentation processes to support efficient and compliant closure of CLI ECA applications

City-Wide Stormwater Monitoring Program Management (20 %)

• Oversee the City’s stormwater monitoring program, including water quality sampling, biological surveys, and continuous monitoring, to support evidence based watershed management and ecosystem protection 
• Analyze monitoring results at key locations to assess receiving watercourse conditions and support regulatory compliance and targeted environmental actions 
• Review and synthesize data for annual and five year watershed reports, providing clear recommendations to senior staff and external partners 
• Lead project scoping, change management, and consultant coordination to ensure technical deliverables align with City objectives 
• Manage procurement, budgets, schedules, and project performance in collaboration with internal teams to deliver timely, compliant, and cost effective environmental outcomes

Construction Dewatering Permit (20 %)

• Identify gaps and lead development of a construction dewatering permitting program through research, benchmarking, and stakeholder engagement 
• Develop technical discharge requirements, permit conditions, and evaluation criteria to ensure regulatory compliance 
• Prepare, implement, and maintain procedural documentation and public facing materials to support consistent permit administration 
• Review engineering reports, flow estimates, sampling data, and treatment requirements for technical accuracy and defensibility 
• Assess hydraulic and system capacity impacts using InfoWorks modelling and issue engineering approvals, permit limits, and monitoring conditions

Environmental Programs and Compliance (35 %)

• Lead technical review and improvement of the Storm Sewer Use Bylaw and sanitary and stormwater design standards by assessing gaps, benchmarking best practices, and aligning updates with MECP requirements and City objectives 
• Review and develop technical requirements supporting master planning initiatives, including the Stormwater Master Plan and Sanitary Master Plan, incorporating CLI ECA obligations and regional benchmarking 
• Lead the Sediment Reuse Study by defining scope, managing procurement, and overseeing consultant work to evaluate low carbon, high value beneficial reuse options and future pilot projects 
• Review subwatershed studies, water management plans, and non standard technical submissions to assess water resources engineering performance, regulatory compliance, lifecycle risk, and asset management impacts 
• Provide technical oversight of consultant deliverables to ensure recommendations are feasible, cost effective, environmentally sound, and aligned with long term operational and capital planning goals
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Education

• 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Water Resources or Environmental Engineering.

Experience

• Minimum 4 years of related experience.
• Must have experience in project management / coordinating projects through the design phase, design / preparation / interpretation of engineering plan and profile drawings; cost estimating and infrastructure management; surveying, design and inspection procedures, infrastructure systems with solid understanding of technical terms related to Civil and Water Resources Engineering, design and construction methods and practices.

Additional Requirements

• Registration as a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO).
• Valid Ontario G class driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of the Ontario Water Resources Act, which governs the CLI-ECA, as well as supporting legislation that governs the field of municipal engineering such as the Environmental Protection Act, Municipal Act, Drainage Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Must have the ability to interact with various individuals including engineers, contractors, consultants, members of senior management, non-government not-for-profit organizations, council and the public, with matters arising from rehabilitation or reconstruction projects including potential environmental impacts through the use of exceptional communication (written and oral) and problem-solving skills. 
• Strong understanding of hydrology and hydraulic models (InfoWorks ICM, InfoSWMM, PCSWMM, LID TTT, PCSWM, SWMHYMO, MIDUS, HEC RAS, etc.) with the underlying principles, physical and hydraulic processes and of best practices in model development, calibration and verification.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office 365, AMANDA, SAP, OnPoint and CityWorks.
• Demonstrated experience using Autodesk software applications (i.e. Civil 3D). 
• Demonstrated experience in the design and construction of stormwater infrastructure including SWM facilities, green infrastructure/low impact development, and storm sewers as well as municipal wastewater (sanitary) infrastructure including sewage pumping stations. 
• Must be technically competent in water quality and quantity control specifically as it relates to urban stormwater management, and familiar with the evolution toward adaptive and innovative approaches in stormwater management.
• Must have knowledge of current legislation and the application of Green Infrastructure, ETV standards, LID, water quality monitoring programs, and sediment management.
• Must have proven analytical, problem solving, and strong mathematical skills required to perform technical and scientific calculations.  
• Excellent interpersonal, customer relations, project/time management, organizational, analytical, written and oral communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Reliable with good attitude and employment record.