Manager of Water & Wastewater Operations

Keewaytinook Okimakanak, translating to ‘Northern Chiefs’ in Oji-Cree, is a non-political Chiefs Council serving Deer Lake, Fort Severn, Keewaywin, McDowell Lake, North Spirit Lake, and Poplar Hill First Nations.

Governed by the Chiefs of these member First Nations who comprise the Board of Directors, our organization operates with a keen understanding of community needs and a collaborative team-based approach. We provide advisory and assistance services to our member First Nations, facilitating their progress and development.

Our skilled Public Works team collaborates closely with public works managers and staff from First Nations communities, focusing on various technical infrastructure aspects such as water and wastewater management, power generation and distribution, and overseeing major capital projects.

Position Summary and Scope

The Manager of Water & Wastewater Operations is responsible for providing the overall strategic leadership in the management, operation, and maintenance of the Water and Wastewater systems in all KO First Nations. This involves budget and capital project development and oversight, effective planning and co-ordination of manpower, equipment, repairs and service. To ensure the adequate delivery of water for domestic use and for fire protection in the KO First Nations, to ensure adequate capacity and treatment for all members and adequate wastewater collection systems are in place for all members, while ensuring a healthy and safe work environment for staff. 

Duties and Accountabilities

• Responsible for the overall administration and management of the Water & Wastewater Programs.


• Plan, organize and implement strategies and programs for the effective management, operation and maintenance of the community’s water and wastewater infrastructure. 


• Prepare implementation plans to ensure the prompt completion of these work plans. 


• Ensure work is completed effectively and in accordance with city engineering standards, bylaw, policies, Federal Health and Technical guidelines. 


• Manage the QMS for all systems and ensure standard operating procedures are up to date and meet legislated requirements. 


• Establish Water & Wastewater priorities and develop annual work plans, operating and capital budgets for the divisions and oversee the capital program with the support of the communities, for approval by Chief and Council. 


• Ensure division staff receives appropriate training and professional development in their respective areas required for legislative compliance and succession planning. 


• Participate in the review process of all infrastructure related and new development projects as they relate to modifications or expansion of existing systems with respect to operation and maintenance issues. 


• Prepare reports and presentations for the approval of the Public Works Manager and adoption by Council as required and requested. 


• Provides monthly activity reports and make recommendations on matters within the department’s mandate.


• Represent the department at meetings where specific knowledge may be of assistance. 


• Develop detailed preventative maintenance programs to improve operating efficiencies and system reliability. 


• Ensure that the purchased goods and services meet or exceed technical standards, specifications and satisfy contractual obligations. 


• Ensure effective service by managing with prompt investigative service requests, complaints, problem situations and emergency conditions. Respond to these situations on a prioritized basis and ensure appropriate follow-up to close out the issue. 


• Be familiar with the community’s emergency plan and role within the plan. Participate in emergency preparedness training and exercises as required. 


• Investigates and assists with the preparation of applications to provincial and federal funding programs for department projects. 

Educational Requirements 

Post Secondary Education in Environmental Engineering or a related field. 

Ministry of Environment Certification Tickets: Class III Water Treatment Class III Water Distribution Certification Class III Wastewater Collection Class III Wastewater treatment 

A Professional Engineering designation is an asset. 

Post graduate degree in water and wastewater treatment would be an asset.

Previous Work Related Experience

A minimum of five (5) years experience in the oversight of maintenance and construction of public infrastructure with at least three (3) years at a supervisory level. 

Positional on-the-job training required

8 months

Working Relationships

Internal Working Relationships:

Daily contact with the Public Works Manager and support staff to coordinate and support work in a coordinated and collaborative manner to support new and existing opportunities. 

External Working Relationships:

Maintain and develop contact network of counterparts in other communities, technical professionals, industry/trades representatives and suppliers/contractors.

Handling of inquiries, requests and complaints from the communities with prompt, courteous response while ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures.