Climate Change Risks, Resilience

Position: Climate & Risk Resilience Specialist
Organization: Severn Sound Environmental Association
Location: Port McNicoll, near Midland, Ontario
Term: 24 month Contract

SSEA Overview:

The Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) is a community success story. As a delisted Great Lakes Area of Concern, the SSEA is committed to ensuring exceptional environmental quality and exemplary stewardship of the Severn Sound area through sound science, collaboration, and partnerships. The SSEA is a Joint Municipal Service Board under the Municipal Act that proudly serves eight municipalities in the Severn Sound watershed area (severnsound.ca).

Why join the SSEA:

As part of the SSEA Team you will have the opportunity to work in this beautiful watershed and make a positive impact on improving and protecting water quality and supporting a more resilient Severn Sound watershed. You will be part of a passionate expert team committed to keeping Severn Sound healthy for the next generation and beyond.

What SSEA offers you:

The SSEA is proud to be an OMERS employer and is committed to being a diverse inclusive organization. This position is based 5 min from Georgian Bay in Port McNicoll Ontario within the heart of cottage country with amazing 4 season recreation opportunities. Apply to learn more!

Position Overview:

One (1) Climate & Risk Resilience Specialist. SSEA is launching the Severn Sound Watershed Community Flood Risk Review (SSWCFRR), which will review flooding risks for the region. This position will work with the Climate Action Coordinator and the Executive Director to administer, coordinate, and develop the findings from the SSWCFRR project. This role involves coordinating a multi-stakeholder effort to assess flood risks across shoreline, riverine, and localized “rain-bomb” events. The Climate & Risk Resilience Specialist will work closely with municipalities, external partners, and community members to develop a regional flood risk map, identify high-risk areas, and create a flood preparedness strategy that supports long-term resilience.

• Start Date: September 8th, 2025
• End Date: September 8th, 2027 (24 months)
• Wage: $30.64/hr
• Employment Type: Contract
• Hours of Work: 35hr/week (occasional weekends/evenings required)
• Work Location: 489 Finlayson St., Port McNicoll (Hybrid may be considered)

Main Responsibilities:

Project Leadership & Coordination
 Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the SSWCFRR project.  Liaise with municipal partners, conservation authorities, and community stakeholders.  Oversee the project timeline, deliverables, reporting requirements, and budget.

Flood Risk Assessment & Mapping
 Oversee the development of a regional flood risk map.  Analyze historical flood data and assess vulnerabilities across the watershed.  Identify and prioritize high-risk areas for further investigation.

Policy & Strategy Development
 Review existing municipal and regional policies related to flood management.  Identify policy gaps and recommend actionable strategies. 2  Develop a comprehensive flood preparedness package including: Policy recommendations, regional risk mapping, Prioritized risk areas, Communication materials, Flow charts and funding pathways

Community Engagement & Education
 Facilitate public engagement sessions to gather input and share findings.  Facilitate stakeholder and partner engagement, including municipalities, conservation authorities, and Indigenous communities.  Engage residents and businesses in discussions about historical flood events and preparedness.  Promote flood awareness and resilience through educational materials and outreach.  Prepare reports, presentations, and communication materials for diverse audiences.

Funding & Partnership
Development  Identify and pursue funding opportunities (e.g., federal/provincial programs like FHIRMP).  Support municipalities in accessing resources for future flood risk assessments and mitigation.  Promote collaborative partnerships to support long-term flood risk reduction.

Qualifications and Key Skills:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Geography, Public Policy, Civil Engineering, Climate Change adaptation, or a related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in project oversight, preferably in environmental or climate adaptation projects.
• Strong understanding of flood risk assessment, watershed management, and municipal planning.
• Familiarity with climate vulnerability and risk assessments.
• Experience with GIS and spatial analysis tools is a strong asset.
• Proven ability to engage diverse stakeholders and facilitate collaborative processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, public speaking required.
• Excellent computer skills, with strong experience in Microsoft 365.
• Good analytical, data management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Reliable and willing to work a flexible schedule (overtime, evenings, and weekends).
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with municipal staff, technical experts, media, and the public.
• Valid Class G Ontario Driver’s Licence with a clean driver’s abstract.

*Note: Please be advised that the successful incumbent will be required to undergo a vulnerable sector and drivers abstract check. SSEA offers comprehensive health and safety training.

Submission Information:

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter demonstrating how you meet the position requirements. Resumes and cover letters submitted via email must be in PDF format and include “Climate & Risk Resilience Specialist” in the subject line.

Resumes and cover letters should be submitted, preferably electronically, by 4:00 p.m. on August 21st , and be clearly marked to:

Human Resources Severn Sound Environmental Association 489 Finlayson St PO Box 460 Port McNicoll ON L0K 1R0 Email: sseainfo@severnsound.ca

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We thank all applicants for your interest in the Severn Sound Environmental Association. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information about our organization please visit severnsound.ca

The Severn Sound Environmental Association is dedicated to recognizing the dignity and worth of every person and to provide equal rights and opportunities without discrimination. We see diversity and inclusion as integral to our mission and key to ensuring the well-being of our employees and the clients that we serve.

The Severn Sound Environmental Association is committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process. Please inform us should an accommodation be required at any point in the recruitment process. Information received relating to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially. Personal information collected will only be used for candidate selection, in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act R.S.O., 1990, c.M.56.