Surface Water Program and Policy Officer

Join our team at the Surface Water Monitoring Centre (SMWC)!

Do you have surface water expertise, and experience in policy and program development? As a member of our SWMC team, you will play a crucial role in enhancing surface water monitoring policies and programs, and ensuring effective communication during emergencies. Join us in safeguarding our natural resources and making a positive impact on water management across the province.

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:

• a defined benefit pension plan

• comprehensive health plan

• life and disability insurance

• flexible work arrangements

• collegial and professional work culture

• career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas

• on-the-job training to support your success in the role

About the job

In this role, you will:

• provide professional, technical and administrative assistance in the development and implementation of surface water monitoring programs, plans, policies and guidelines

• provide technical assistance in the maintenance of Centre hardware, software and information management, including managing data, information and communications and contributing to water management projects within the broader MNR resources management agenda

What you bring to the team

Technical expertise:

• knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS), hydrometeorology, hydraulics, river simulation models and streamflow analysis techniques in order to maintain and implement prediction models, analyze streamflow, weather and climatic information

• familiarity with water related resource management legislation and regulations (e.g. Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act, Water Resources Act, Conservation Authorities Act) to interpret, communicate and advise on such matters

• ability to use ministry policies and guidelines to conduct various resource operations/project tasks and advise on system improvements within compliance of provincial standards

Policy and administrative knowledge:

• knowledge of policy and program development processes in order to effectively participate in policy and program initiatives, write and present briefing material, and to contribute as a member of working groups, committees and teams

• knowledge of contract administration to initiate, draft and audit partnership agreements and tenders

• knowledge of administrative practices and procedures to partake in budgeting and financial projections, monitoring accounts and reporting on expenditures and revenues

Interpersonal and communication skills:

• ability to provide advice, technology transfer and work in and effectively contribute to multi-disciplinary teams and specialists working on water-related programs

• ability to prepare a range of materials, including condition reports, briefing materials, presentations, cabinet submissions, training documents, etc.

Analytical skills:

• analytical and mathematical skills to research, evaluate and problem-solve using data/information analysis, interpretation techniques and statistical analysis

• organizational skills to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and support planning, administrative, and project coordination activities

Computer proficiency:

• ability to manage computer-based models and analytical techniques, database data entry and operation of GIS and statistical routines to support daily operations and Duty Officers

• proficiency with computers and common office productivity software, such as word processing, email, internet, spreadsheet and presentation applications to conduct analyses and present findings in a variety of materials/formats

Don't meet every qualification?

If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you might just be the right candidate!

How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility

We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.

Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:

• diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• accessibility
• Anti-Racism Policy

Additional information

Address:

• 1 English Temporary, duration up to 6 months, 300 Water St, Peterborough, East Region

Compensation Group:

Ontario Public Service Employees Union

Understanding the job ad - definitions

Schedule:

3-A

Category:

Lands and Resources

Posted on:

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Note:

• N-NR-248747/26

How to apply:

1. You must apply online.
2. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume, review the Writing a Cover Letter and Resume: Tips, Tools and Resources.
3. Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job. We rely on the information you provide to us.
4. Read the job description to make sure you understand this job.
5. OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.
6. If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please Contact Us to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact you within 48 hours.

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember:

The deadline to apply is Friday, September 18, 2026 11:59 pm EDT . Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.

The Ontario Public Service is an inclusive employer.

Accommodation is available under the Ontario's Human Rights Code .