Manager, Watershed Programs (Bracebridge)

The District Municipality of Muskoka is currently recruiting for a Manager, Watershed Programs Posting Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Closing Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 @ 12:00 NOON Starting Rate: $115,146 annually Salary Range: $115,146 - $134,705 annually Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week Classification: Management, Class M4 Status: Permanent Full-Time This job posting is for an existing vacancy. The District: Muskoka is a great place to live and play, and the District is a four-season municipality passionate about protecting, servicing and caring for this community. We have opportunities that will allow you to learn, grow and build your career amongst other ambitious leaders and innovators. We offer a competitive compensation package and are committed to promoting diversity, accessibility and inclusion. It’s what we do! The Opportunity: The Manager, Watershed Programs takes a leadership role in many aspects of the District’s evolving and expanding corporate response to environmental and watershed matters, including the successful management of various watershed based environmental projects, programs, policy, research, and the provision of advice to District of Muskoka and the Muskoka Watershed Council. Provides direct support to Planning and Engineering and Public Works staff in matters related to the natural environment. What you will do: - Responsible for designing, managing, and delivering environmental programs, policy and/or corporate projects and managing team members; - Implement the District’s existing environmental and watershed programs including those within the Water Strategy and the New Leaf Climate Strategy and identify current programs for consideration; - Co-ordinate environmental programs proposed or underway in partnership with the area municipalities, provincial ministries and agencies, and other community organizations and sectors; - Provide advice to District and area Councils, Committees, senior management, Muskoka Watershed Council, other groups and/or the public on environmental and watershed programs, policy or procedures; - Provide oversight of DMM staff support for Muskoka Watershed Council and the development of its Watershed Health Report Card; - Identify and administer prospective grant and programming opportunities; - Secure and administer external funds to support environmental and watershed programs; - Develop and facilitate effective and productive relationships on behalf of the District with the full spectrum of stakeholders required for successful environmental initiatives. Key stakeholders include First Nations, various provincial and federal ministries and government agencies, area municipalities, lake associations, landowners, and environmental/community organizations; - Lead policy initiatives and special projects related to the natural environment in consultation with the Director of Planning; - Assist in the delivery of operational outcomes including the annual budget, and associated in-year and year-end financial targets and oversight; - Formulate Terms of Reference and make recommendations on the hiring of consultants to assist with and/or undertake special projects as required; monitor work, and coordinate with Legal to administer the agreements; - Correspond and engage with internal and external stakeholders including representing the District on corporate projects and in outward facing roles such as at public meetings or information open houses; - Research and incorporate governmental policy and/or legislative changes impacting program areas; and liaise with counterparts in other District departments and/or area municipalities where required for effective program delivery. What you will need: - University degree in a specialized occupational field such as Resource Management, Planning, Public Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science, or similar field. - A combination of related education and practical experience may also be considered. - Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years progressively responsible skilled experience, project management, and staff oversight, preferably in a unionized environment. - Successful experience with managing multi-disciplinary teams and/or staff. - Strong understanding of environmental guidelines, policies, legislation, initiatives, and implementation tools. - Experience with complex and/or controversial issues that may require a high level of technical proficiency and political acuity. - Thorough knowledge of a variety of environmental best practices (knowledge could be obtained through educational programs and/ or on-the-job learning). - Excellent oral and written communication, along with strong facilitation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills to communicate with multiple stakeholders in a variety of situations and to identify solutions and resolutions to complex issues. - Proven ability in strategic thinking, designing and/or implementing projects, making independent decisions, taking initiative, and working in teams. - Proven interpersonal and functional leadership abilities and the ability to deliver and implement strong operational standards and a consistent level of customer service. - Demonstrated technological proficiency with a wide array of programs and applications. What we are offering: The District is proud to offer the following benefits with this job: - Health benefits - Paid vacation - Paid leaves - OMERS pension - Work-life flexibility - Perks and discounts - Wellness programs - Fostering and fun environment - Career development and education opportunities - Pay range progression based on length of time in the job and satisfactory performance The Next Step If you have the necessary skills, experience and qualifications, and can support our vision and values (RISE: Respect, Innovation, Service and Equity), submit your application using the apply now link below. APPLY NOW or visit our careers page for other opportunities. The District of Muskoka is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in our workforce, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals. Our organization is committed to providing persons with disabilities with equal opportunities and standards of goods and services, and we are compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require disability related accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please advise the Human Resources department as soon as possible. Accommodation may be provided in all steps of the hiring process. Any questions regarding this posting should be directed to the Human Resources Department. Apply on Kit Job: kitjob.ca/job/2pbgtx