• Advance your career while making a difference in the well-being of our region!
• Receive a generous $99K - 124K salary, plus a great range of employee benefits!
• Join a fast-paced, dynamic organization where no two days are alike!

About the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA)

MVCA is a watershed-based agency that oversees natural hazards and resource management in the Mississippi, Carp, and Ottawa river basins in Eastern Ontario.  We deliver programs and services across three business lines:  Planning & Ecological Services, Conservation Lands Management, and Engineering.  MVCA employs adaptive management principles to administer permits under the Conservation Authorities Act; design, operate and maintain water control structures; and to deliver community-based programs.  Our vision is “Watershed stakeholders working together to foster a sustainable landscape where ecological integrity is maintained, natural hazards are mitigated, and nature can be enjoyed and appreciated by all.”

Established in 1968 under the Conservation Authorities Act, MVCA is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of municipal representatives from eleven local municipalities and a provincial agricultural representative.  We are largely funded by annual municipal levies, with the balance of funding coming from user fees, grants and contributions, donations, and special project fees.

MVCA is an inclusive and welcoming workplace, and we invite people of diverse backgrounds to apply (including Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ, racialized, new Canadians.)  We have an active social committee that organizes events throughout the year.  We offer a hybrid work environment, competitive benefits, challenging and interesting work, and a beautiful work environment near the shores of the Mississippi River a short commute from several established and growing communities.

Come make a difference in people’s lives and the physical environment.  Apply Today!

To learn more about the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, please visit our website.

About the Opportunity

MVCA is looking for a Manager of Planning & Stewardship based in Carleton Place, ON.

Reporting to the General Manager, you will play a pivotal role in leading MVCA's planning and stewardship programs while providing expertise on watershed, conservation area, and private sector projects.

In this position, you will be primarily responsible for delivery of planning, regulatory, ecological monitoring and stewardship services and lead inhouse projects that advance achievement of corporate goals and objectives.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Manage inter-departmental review and response to applications circulated to MVCA under the Planning Act.
• Oversee and guide administration of permit applications under O. Reg. 41/24 of the CA Act, and compliance and enforcement activities.
• Lead or guide special projects related to land use and resource planning (e.g. policy development, technical studies, conservation area master plans, watershed planning.)
• Oversee design and delivery of MVCA’s stewardship programs such as ALUS, shoreline restoration, and tree give-away programs.
• Oversee and guide delivery of the provincial surface and groundwater monitoring program and aquatic environment monitoring and reporting programs.
• Organize workshops and events such as information sessions for the public, municipalities, and watershed stakeholders.
• Direct, supervise, mentor, and support departmental staff (currently 9 full-time and 2 summer students) including allocating work and the QA/QC of staff work.
• Prepare documents and make presentations to the Board of Directors, municipal councils, stakeholder groups, and the public.

More About You

To qualify, you will ideally hold a degree in urban planning, environmental planning, or resource management, along with a minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in planning/permit approvals and policy development and implementation with a focus on natural hazards (flood and erosion), watershed management, delivery of stewardship/extension services or environmental monitoring programs. Additionally, you will need a valid Class G Driver’s License and access to your own vehicle. Experience and formal training combined with demonstrated performance and ability may substitute for the academic requirement.

As our ideal candidate, you will join us with the following technical knowledge/competencies:

• Working knowledge of the Planning Act and the Conservation Authorities Act.
• Understand flooding and erosion processes and hazards, and provincial technical guidelines for mitigating those risks.
• Strong knowledge of watershed and resource management principles and approaches.
• General knowledge of stormwater management and hydrology.
• Experience with departmental and project budgeting, budget tracking, and cost recovery.
• Experience developing and implementing corporate and departmental policies.
• Working knowledge of project management tools and methods and able to organize and manage complex projects.
• A minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience.

As our ideal candidate, you will possess excellent problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills, along with a collaborative mindset and the ability to adapt to changing priorities. Your strong communication and presentation abilities, combined with attention to detail and a proactive approach, will ensure success in this role.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and results-driven professional to contribute to Ontario’s watershed management efforts. You will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, balancing multiple priorities while supporting impactful conservation initiatives. We are looking for someone with a passion for environmental stewardship and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in their community.

About the Benefits

In exchange for your hard work and dedication, you will be rewarded with a highly competitive $99,643 - $124,328 salary, commensurate with your skills and experience, with access to a range of great employee benefits, including: 

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision care
• Paid vacation starting at three weeks
• Pension contributions through the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS), with the option to opt-in upon hire
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Opportunities for certification and professional development
• Access to a fleet of vehicles for work purposes
• Flexible work environment, including a hybrid work model

Join our supportive team and bring your ideas to life in a role where your contributions are truly valued. This is your opportunity to use your skills and experience to inspire positive change and make a lasting impact in the community. Apply today!