Groundwater Management

Join our team! We’re hiring a Groundwater Program Manager in Southern Alberta

Title of Position: Groundwater Program Manager / Environmental Program Manager (government designation)
Reference Number: 2606
Organization: Living Lakes Canada

• Term of Employment: Permanent, with 6-month probationary period
• Wage: $56,000-$62,000 annual salary, prorated to FTE and based on experience
• Location: Southern Alberta (remote position)
• Deadline to Apply: This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found
• Submit Application to: Sarah Gower, HR: hr@livinglakescanada.ca
• Hours: 40 hours/week

About our Organization:

Living Lakes Canada facilitates collaboration in monitoring, restoration, and policy development initiatives for the long-term protection of lakes, rivers, wetlands and watersheds in Canada.

Our science-driven, community-based water monitoring, assessment and restoration programs bridge the gap between science and action to foster freshwater stewardship. Our mandate is to increase public knowledge of watershed health and empower Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across Canada to protect their threatened freshwater sources.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued and respected. We actively promote equal opportunities and strive to build a team that reflects the richness of perspectives and experiences of people across Canada.

Job Summary:

The Groundwater Program Manager will oversee Living Lakes Canada’s groundwater monitoring initiatives, including the established Columbia Basin Groundwater Program and the emerging project in the Oldman Watershed in Southern Alberta. This role provides coordination and operational support for community and science-based groundwater monitoring programs that collect continuous groundwater level data, support public data sharing, and engage citizens in groundwater stewardship. The Manager will help guide program implementation, ensure consistency across regions, and support the development of scalable approaches to groundwater monitoring that can inform broader regional and provincial frameworks.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to Living Lakes Canada’s Executive Director, Kat Hartwig, the responsibilities of the Groundwater Program Manager include:

General

• Engage with hydrology consultants and Living Lakes’ staff and volunteers to support the daily operations of the groundwater monitoring programs (work planning, coordination of field operations and equipment).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for on-the-ground communications with community members, contractors, and project partners.
• Support and participate in fieldwork activities, including data collection and site assessments.
• Plan and attend the Technical Advisory Committee meetings and integrate feedback into the project’s planning and development processes.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to diverse audiences and Indigenous partners to communicate project goals, progress, and outcomes.
• Coordinate and develop project deliverables in alignment with program work plan and commitments to funders.
• Manage project planning, tracking, and reporting to ensure effective program implementation and regular evaluation.
• Foster collaboration among stakeholders and maintain strong relationships to support the project’s success.

Fundraising/Administration

• Contribute to fundraising efforts, including identifying opportunities and preparing and supporting the development of grant proposals and funding applications.
• Recruit staff and engage consultants, review contracts, assess all needs for the program.
• Review and track contractor and supplier invoices.

Communications

• Collaborate with Living Lakes Canada’s Communication team to develop community outreach and engagement materials, and events.

Core Competencies:

• Project Management Skills: Ability to plan, organize, and oversee project activities, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and goals are met effectively.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and project partners, including community members, First Nations, contractors, and technical advisors, fostering collaboration and understanding.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with groundwater systems or environmental science and the ability to interpret and apply technical data.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond to challenges with innovative solutions.
• Presentation and Outreach Skills: Experience in delivering presentations and effectively communicating complex information to diverse audiences.
• Fieldwork Expertise: Comfortable with conducting and supporting field activities, including site visits and data collection, often in varying conditions.

Qualifications:

• A diploma or degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Resource Management, or a related discipline.
• Advanced training or certifications in groundwater management, GIS, or environmental data analysis would be considered an asset.
• Located preferably in Southern Alberta.
• Demonstrated experience in project coordination or management, preferably in water resource management or environmental programs.
• Proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, technical advisors, contractors, and funders.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace and project management software.
• Valid driver’s license, personal vehicle and willingness to travel for fieldwork and stakeholder meetings.
• Own computer and reliable internet access.
• Knowledge of, or experience working within the Oldman Watershed or with groundwater observation networks an asset.
• Reliable, self-motivated and independent with a demonstrated ability to collaborate well within a team.
• Demonstrated ability to support multiple projects, set priorities, meet deadlines and support others to do the same.
• Understanding of NGO operations, including fundraising, finances, administration, human resources, strategic planning and team building.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to Living Lakes Canada’s mission.
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment.
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.

Benefits:

• Paid vacation days, equivalent to 20 paid vacation days annually, prorated for term of employment
• Health spending account
• Internet connectivity allowance
• Flexible working hours
• Extensive onboarding
• Other experienced Program Managers who will act as mentors
• Mix of field work and office work

To Apply:

• Please submit a resume and cover letter as a single document in PDF format with references to hr@livinglakescanada.ca
• Please include the reference number 2606 in the subject line of your email.
• We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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