Project Manager, Environmental Program

JOB SUMMARY

The Climate Change and Resiliency Service is responsible for a directed and coordinated approach to implementing the Climate Change Master Plan, Energy Evolution Strategy, the Climate Resiliency Strategy, the Urban Forest Management Plan, and associated priorities, programs, projects, and policies. This service area will provide strategic leadership on climate change issues, responses, emerging technologies, and pilot projects, in partnership with other entities.
 
The Pilots, Governance, and Reporting team is responsible for leading the strategic development, implementation, and oversight of initiatives that advance the City’s climate and sustainability goals and enabling projects with cross cutting benefits. The team is responsible for developing and managing governance frameworks, reporting structures, performance monitoring and reporting to ensure transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement within the Climate Change and Resiliency Service Area. Key responsibilities also include developing long term strategies, projects and programs aligned with the Service Area’s mandate, developing, fostering internal and external strategic partnerships for collaborative service delivery, managing outreach and communications for the service area.
 
As a Project Manager within the Climate Change & Resiliency Service, you will lead strategic policy and planning projects that advance Ottawa’s climate objectives. This includes supporting land use planning initiatives, enhancing governance frameworks, and exploring innovative approaches to embed climate considerations across municipal operations. Your work will provide the structural foundation for long-term climate action, ensuring alignment with the Climate Change Master Plan and related strategies.
 
Reporting to the Program Manager of Pilots, Governance & Reporting, you will lead strategic projects such as policy development, governance enhancements, and land use planning initiatives that integrate climate priorities. Develop and implement frameworks for accountability, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement within CCR. Collaborate across departments and with external partners to drive innovative solutions and enable cross-cutting benefits. Manage project lifecycles including planning, execution, risk management, procurement, and evaluation. Support strategic planning efforts that align municipal operations with climate resilience and energy transition goals. Track emerging trends and best practices in climate policy, governance, and urban planning to inform CCR’s approach.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 4 year degree in Environmental Science (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, and Physical Geography), Public or Business Administration, Civil or Environmental Engineering, or related field 

Minimum of 5 years of related experience in supporting operational, strategic and business planning, and in managing/evaluating projects relating to program development and related initiatives, within a public works or utility environment.  Experience should include conducting research/analysis, interacting with the general public and environmental regulators, and managing external consultants. 

KNOWLEDGE

• Structure and processes of municipal government, including inter-governmental stakeholders
• General knowledge relating to wastewater collection and treatment and bio-solids management; water production distribution and conservation; solid waste, surface and ground water protection and management, energy and air quality management
• Applicable legislation, policies, regulations, guidelines and operational procedures relevant to the operational area, such as the Environmental Protection Act, Ontario Water Resources Act, the Environmental Assessment Act, Green Energy Act, Nutrient Management Act
• Communication and consultation approaches 
• Facilitation and negotiation processes
• Quality Management systems
• Research methodologies, data collection and analyses 
• Principles of project management
• Contract management tools and procedures
• Program and project evaluation and performance measurement processes
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Work independently, with minimal direction, and collaboratively with all staff as part of a team
• Able to identify and analyze problems and manage multi-disciplinary assignments 
• Able to provide leadership to plan, lead, coordinate, implement and manage projects to completion, provide functional supervision to others, and to manage work quality, scheduling and completion 
• Possess organizational skills and flexibility to plan, initiate, organize and prioritize own work, to manage a high volume of projects and to deal effectively with multiple demands, conflicting priorities, pressures and deadlines
• Able to use primary and secondary research techniques to perform data analysis, to evaluate existing and proposed processes, materials, equipment and operational practices, make judgments on the interpretation of issues/data, and formulate recommendations
• Able to manage contracted work, and foster good working relationships with a variety of stakeholders in order to achieve Branch objectives 
• Possess computer literacy in applications such as MS Office Suite, Powerpoint, database management, and Project tracking
• Possess excellent consultative, collaboration and interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage confrontational situations, persuade/influence others and to bring conflicting points of view to consensus 
• Possess strong documentation, report writing and presentation skills
• Demonstrate leadership and initiative
• Able to foster and maintain positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Flexible and adaptable
• Possess diplomacy, discretion and tact
• Client service oriented
• Able to demonstrate sound judgement and decision-making capabilities