Utilities Manager

Under the general direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, the Utilities Manager is responsible for overall management of the R.M. of Taché’s two water and wastewater utilities in Landmark and Lorette. This position will also be responsible for the maintenance of designated municipally owned buildings.

This includes leadership and management in the areas of the utilities services and projects including supporting the RM’s safety program, overseeing work contracted to third parties, managing the departmental budget, preparing reports for the CAO, effectively managing the departmental budget, providing quality customer services, and representing the RM’s Utilities Department.

As the Manager of the Utilities Department, you will:

• Provide ongoing management and direction to staff in the Utilities Department in carrying out the daily delivery of required Municipal services, and the delivery of Municipal projects in accordance with approved policies, budget allocations, safety requirements, and goals including emergency contingency response.
• Prepare reports, statistical data, operating procedures, and correspondence to provide information to management, council, and the public.
• Determine work procedures, prepare work schedules, and expedite workflow.
• Ensure employees are trained in water and wastewater system techniques and related environmental regulations, proper utility operations methodology as well as equipment operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Ensure all activity reports, logs and maintenance records are current and properly stored.
• Liaise with other departmental staff, consultants, contractors, developers, builders, utilities, and the public.
• Be responsible for the administration of water and waste service contracts as it relates to maintenance and operations.
• Provide direction and supervision to external project coordinators.
• Develop and implement programs including but not limited to leak detection, inflow & infiltration, backflow prevention, water metering, valve turning maintenance, fire hydrant maintenance, CCTV, and manhole inspection.
• Oversee the installation of water and wastewater services within new subdivisions and site plans including the planning coordination and supervision of service installations for development of infill lots.
• Study and standardize department policies and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
• Maintain harmony among workers and resolve grievances.
• Prepare and document budget requests; develop and administer adopted budget in assigned area of operations.
• Plan, organize, coordinate, supervise, and evaluate programs, plans, services, staffing, equipment, and infrastructure of the utility department including Inter-municipal agreements.
• Oversee the maintenance of all utility vehicles, facilities, and equipment.
• Evaluate the utilities needs and formulate short- and long-range plans to meet needs in all areas of responsibility.
• Develop and oversee a comprehensive maintenance plan, and other plans as assigned.
• Determine applicable codes, regulations, and requirements for the department in accordance with Provincial and Federal legislation.
• Respond to public or other inquiries relative to department policies and procedures. Evaluate issues and options regarding municipal utilities and make recommendations.
• Monitor the water and wastewater, develop, maintain, and report a variety of data relating to flows, testing, and any other data as deemed necessary.
• Monitor federal and provincial legislation dealing with water and wastewater.
• Ensure compliance with the Manitoba Safe Drinking Water Act, Manitoba Water Resources Administration Act, the Manitoba Workplace Health & Safety Act, Federal and Provincial legislation, regulations, and other safety codes.
• Oversee the meter readings and ensure coordination with the utility billing department.
• Plan maintenance projects and procure necessary materials; assign staff to tasks.
• Coordinate repairs and maintenance on municipally owned buildings that are not under the direct supervision of another department.
• Oversee the maintenance and security of the RM buildings.
• Assist other departments with coordination of repairs and maintenance of municipally owned buildings when deemed appropriate.
• Liaise with suppliers and contractors for building repair and maintenance.
• Assist with the preparation and documentation of budget requests; develop and administer adopted budget in assigned area of operations.
• Ensure compliance with Manitoba Workplace Health and Safety Act, Manitoba Fire Prevention and Emergency Response Act.
• Serve as a member of the Municipal Management Team, working closely with the Management Team to ensure departmental success.
• Prepare and present monthly operational reports to Council.
• Encourage all municipal employees to be analytical in the performance of their duties as well as providing suggestions to improve existing methods and/or procedures to enhance the level of service to municipal ratepayers.
• Be familiar with the municipal policies and procedures to minimize the adverse effects of liability on the municipality.
• Perform all other related duties as required.

Your education and qualifications include:

• Minimum Class I Water Treatment, Water Distribution, Wastewater Treatment, and Wastewater Collection Provincial Operator Certification.
• Courses in management, supervision, and leadership are preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least five (5) years’ experience in a senior supervisory position.
• Knowledge and experience in program planning of day-to-day Utilities department operations.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience effectively interpreting and enacting Federal and Provincial Legislation.
• Class 5 Driver’s License.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of management and employees of the RM of Taché, the public, Councillors, and other levels of Government.
• Knowledge and experience in budgeting.
• Ability to negotiate agreements with contractors, government agencies, and the public.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to provide direction to multiple work groups.
• Ability to compile documentation and prepare accurate written reports.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills, including written and group presentation skills.
• Ability to use a personal computer and associated software applications including GIS Mapping software.
• Must possess strong organizational and planning skills to plan, organize, prioritize and coordinate work and resources with a high degree of independence.
• Working knowledge of the Workplace Safety and Health Act.
• Experience managing in a unionized environment is considered an asset.
• Ability to respond to emergencies after normal working hours (evenings, weekends, and overtime, as required).

Conditions of employment:

• The successful applicant must maintain legal eligibility to work in Canada. If the successful applicant possesses a work permit, it is their responsibility to ensure the permit remains valid.
• A Police Information Check satisfactory to the employer may be required from the successful candidate, at their expense.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 Manitoba Driver’s License. The successful applicant will be required to provide a driver’s notice in force document upon request.
• Applicants may be required to undergo testing to determine their knowledge, abilities, and skills as they relate to the qualifications of the position.
• The successful applicant may be required to provide a vehicle for transportation while on Municipal business, subject to the terms and conditions of the RM’s Transportation Policy.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. The R.M. of Taché is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse skilled workforce that is representative and reflective of the community we serve. Join us in making Taché a thriving community for businesses and residents alike! Request for Reasonable Accommodations will be accepted during the hiring process.