Water Quality Engineer (Engineer)

• Organization: York Region / Public Works / Water and Waste Water
• Job type: Permanent Full-Time
• Location: 145 Harry Walker Parkway, - Newmarket, ON L3Y 7B3 CA (Primary); Hybrid work opportunities may apply - CA
• Salary: $63.50 - $69.03 Per hour
• Closing date: 30 November 2026

ABOUT US

Almost 1.3 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2051. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Best Employers, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Program Manager, Service Quality and Implementation, this position is responsible for providing technical leadership for water and wastewater quality initiatives, operational optimization, research and innovation activities. The position conducts studies, field investigations, data analysis and modelling; develops evidence-based recommendations; coordinates partners across multiple disciplines; and supports continuous improvement of water and wastewater treatment, distribution and collection systems to ensure regulatory compliance, operational effectiveness and long-term system performance.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Reviews operational, laboratory and benchmarking data to evaluate treatment performance, identify trends, troubleshoot issues and recommend operational improvements.
• Conducts research, field investigations and bench-scale, pilot-scale, and full-scale testing to evaluate treatment processes, optimization strategies and emerging water quality issues.
• Develops recommendations and supports the implementation of process, equipment, operational and monitoring improvements to enhance treatment performance, regulatory compliance, energy efficiency and sustainability.
• Develops and supports optimization, mitigation, monitoring and continuous improvement initiatives related to water and wastewater systems.
• Conducts and coordinates targeted investigations, field studies and sampling programs to assess operational and water quality issues.
• Develops, reviews and optimizes water quality monitoring and sampling programs, including test frequencies, analytical methods and data collection strategies.
• Supports studies and monitoring programs related to emerging contaminants and other evolving water quality concerns.
• Collects, analyzes and integrates operational, laboratory and field data to identify trends, evaluate treatment performance and support evidence-based decision making.
• Monitors and ensures appropriate use of asset management standards for infrastructure.
• Monitors industry best practices and identifies opportunities for projects within the Branch.
• Leads and coordinates multidisciplinary studies, projects and water quality initiatives involving Operations, Compliance, Capital, Asset Management and other partners.
• Develops and maintains collaborative partnerships with academic institutions, laboratories, consultants, research organizations and industry partners to support innovation not applied research initiatives.
• Participates in team building activities, coaching and mentoring of other staff members, as directed.
• Collaborates/works with partners and follows the corporate strategic leadership, planning and direction related to this function to ensure alignment with corporate objectives and direction.
• Ensures that services provided meet Regional customer service standards.
• Participates on committees, work groups, and special projects, as assigned.
• Handles information in accordance with legislation and corporate standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with Branch and Department objectives.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a University Degree in Civil, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering.
• Must be registered as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with Professional Engineers Ontario.
• Minimum five (5) years demonstrated engineering experience (inclusive of E.I.T. experience) related to the planning, design, construction, operation or optimization of municipal related environment, water and wastewater systems, including project coordination experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of municipal related environment, water, wastewater treatment, collection and distribution system management and operations techniques, as well as complex hydraulic systems including pumping, piping, valving, etc.
• Ability to demonstrate the Region’s core competencies.
• Advanced skills in MS Office and use of virtual platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to connect with a range of internal and external partners while focusing on fostering collaborative work relationships.
• Strong report writing, research, analytical and presentation skills and work to tight deadlines.
• Strong ability to develop relationships and work in a welcoming and inclusive environment, where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential.
• Ability to travel to off site locations in a timely and efficient manner, as required.
• Ability to work outside regular business hours, as required.