Manager, Drinking Water & Water Resources

About Us

The Department of Environment and Climate Change supports a clean and healthy environment for the wellbeing and benefit of Nova Scotians. 


Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve.  The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from Aboriginal People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented.  If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify, on your application form, cover letter, or on your resume.

About Our Opportunity

The Department of Environment and Climate Change is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to oversee provincial groundwater, surface water quality, and drinking water programs, while advancing the monitoring, data, and intelligence systems that support environmental stewardship, public health, and climate resilience.

We’re looking for a leader who can bridge science, policy, technology, and people. Whether your experience comes from government, consulting, environmental management, utilities, technology, or a related sector, you will thrive in this role if you enjoy building strong teams, driving innovation and turning complex challenges into practical solutions.

Primary Accountabilities

As Manager, you will:

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of scientific and technical professionals responsible for groundwater, surface water quality, drinking water, environmental monitoring programs, data management and geospatial information systems.
• Provide strategic direction for programs, projects and initiatives that support the management and protection of Nova Scotia's water resources.
• Manage budgets, contracts, consultants and operational planning activities.
• Advance evidence-based decision-making through strengthened data governance, reporting, geospatial analysis and business intelligence.
• Champion innovation through the use of GIS, automation, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership, the Minister's Office and government partners.
• Build strong relationships with municipalities, Indigenous partners, researchers, industry and regulated stakeholders.
• Identify emerging issues, risks and opportunities to ensure programs remain effective, responsive and forward-looking.
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

You have a bachelor's degree in a related discipline and a minimum of six years of recent and related experience in the qualifications listed below. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered. 

We recognize that no candidate will possess every qualification listed below. If your experience aligns with many of the following areas, we encourage you to apply.

Leadership and Program Management

You bring experience leading people, programs and change, including:

• Leading professional, technical or multidisciplinary teams.
• Managing complex projects, budgets, contracts and partnerships.
• Driving innovation, continuous improvement and organizational change.
• Building collaborative relationships and achieving results through influence and engagement.

Water Resources and Environmental Management

You have knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Water resources, hydrogeology, drinking water, environmental monitoring and data management. 
• Applying legislation, regulations, policies and technical guidance.
• Providing strategic advice to decision-makers, partners and stakeholders.

Data, Technology and Innovation

You understand the growing role of information and technology in modern public service delivery and have experience in areas such as:

• Data management, governance, analysis and reporting. 
• GIS, geospatial analysis and decision-support tools.
• Digital transformation, process improvement and technology-enabled change.
• Microsoft 365 tools, including Power Platform, Copilot and related business productivity technologies.

You are a strong communicator who can translate complex information into clear advice, foster collaboration and build consensus across diverse groups. 

The Following Would Be Considered Strong Assets

• Experience working in government or a regulated environment.
• Experience with Power BI, Power Automate and business intelligence solutions.
• Experience with Microsoft Copilot or AI-enabled productivity tools.
•  Experience leading IT or digital modernization initiatives.
• Knowledge of data governance, information management, privacy and cybersecurity principles. 

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day
• This position requires flexibility to work outside standard business hours. 
  
  

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• A Dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.