Regulations Officer

St. Clair Region Conservation Authority - Job Posting

Position Title: Regulations Officer

Job Type: Full-time, permanent

Department: Planning and Regulations

Immediate Supervisor: Regulations Coordinator

Competition Number: PL150

Position Summary:

The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority is looking to add a Regulations Officer to their team. The Regulations Officer will report to the Regulations Coordinator and is responsible for the administration and enforcement of Ontario Regulation 41/24 under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act to protect life and property. The role involves liaison with internal staff, municipal and agency staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Regulations Application Review:

• Review, evaluate, and issue permissions under Ontario Regulation 41/24, made under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act, meeting internal deadlines/standards;
• Respond to, in a timely manner, public complaints and inquiries regarding regulatory requirements and application permission processes;
• Provide technical review and processing of inquires as directed;
• Gather background information and research for regulation applications and coordinate pre-consultation with proponents to ensure complete applications;
• Perform site visits/inspections as required;
• Communicate initiatives and report to the Board of Directors, various committees, municipalities, interest groups and community as directed;
• Prepare documents and materials, as required, to ensure that the interests of the SCRCA are appropriately represented at public meetings, committees, and hearings. Attend meetings as required;
• Assist in other administrative type duties: i.e. coordinating and assembling policy, public consultation, mapping, checklist preparation, revision and completion, database entry, fee collection, file management, etc. as required;
• Assist with liaison and correspondence with municipalities, agencies, consultants, and general public to ensure effective communication, information sharing and excellent customer service concerning lands subject to Ontario Regulation 41/24;
• Encourage communication and outreach activities that generate an understanding of the Conservation Authority Regulations and build support within the local communities for the health and enhancement of our watershed’s natural resources;
• Provide back-up technical support as required;
• Perform such other duties as directed by the Regulations Coordinator.

Regulations Enforcement and Compliance:

• Act as an enforcement officer in implementing the Authority’s Regulation program (Ontario Regulation 41/24, the Prohibited Activities, Exemptions, and Permits Regulation, made under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act) by investigating complaints/violations and resolving where appropriate and as directed by the Regulations Coordinator. The Regulations Officer will operate in accordance with acceptable procedures and protocols;
• Undertake investigating complaints/violations of the Authority’s Regulation and negotiating resolutions where appropriate and as directed;
• Liaise with Conservation Authority solicitors, staff, and the Board in support of charges, serve summons and subpoenas and appear in court to represent the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority, when required.
• Attend as the representative of the Authority: appeals before the Ontario Land Tribunal or cases before the Provincial Courts;
• Act as a designated Enforcement Officer as per Section 30.1 of the Conservation Authorities Act, carrying out investigations, preparing case files and participating in court proceedings. Issue violation notices, develop compliance agreements, swear to information, and issue summons and/or execute search warrants depending on the nature of the offence;
• Conduct regulatory compliance monitoring and enforcement activities, including coordinating activities with Municipalities and agencies, conducting permit inspections and site investigations, issuing offence notices, preparing compliance agreements, and coordinating prosecutions;
• Maintain accurate compliance records and prepared summary reports as required;
• Develop and maintain a compliance monitoring program with related databases; keep accurate digital compliance records; evaluate trends and prepare summary reports; and make program recommendations;
• Inspect permit works in progress or completed to ensure compliance with plans, specifications and conditions identified in permits. Document any deficiencies, variances and take appropriate action;
• Develop and maintain compliance policies, procedures, and technical standards, as directed.

Credentials and Experience:

• Graduation from a recognized College or University in planning, geography, environmental sciences, environmental remediation, resources technology or other related discipline.
• Knowledge and experience with Conservation Authorities Act, Section 28 Regulations, considered an asset.
• Demonstrated experience with court proceeding and processes, legal procedures and supporting documents, enforcement practices, and protocols related to investigations.
• A working knowledge of environmental legislation, permit approval process, planning statements and some technical guidelines, i.e. storm water management, coastal and water related engineering.
• Knowledge of current water and environmental management principles and practices: municipal planning, federal, and provincial legislation.
• Current designation as a Provincial Offences Officer or eligibility for designation or willing to take.
• Regulations specific training, i.e. Conservation Authority Compliance Level 1 and 2 considered an asset.
• Ability to work with GIS software products is an asset.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in English with diverse stakeholder groups at a political and staff level.
• Ability to work well with other staff.
• Ability to maintain good public relations with general public.
• Initiative and good interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with standard office software including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, database software and use of digital mapping software.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Ontario "G" driver’s license.

Work Environment/Conditions:

• Extensive involvement and interaction with the general public, landowners, community groups, and special interest groups.
• Regular Office work daily with occasional site inspections or investigations, as needed or required.
• Occasional receipt of verbal abuse.

Work Pressure:

• Work often involves deadlines with delegated decision making with high liability to the Authority; review and approval of works within a reasonable review time period.
• Preparation of complete, concise reports on Regulation and Development Applications by meeting dates.
• Multi-tasking in order to respond to inquiries both by phone and office visits.

Location:

• Position is based at the SCRCA Administration Building, 205 Millpond Crescent, Strathroy, Ontario.

Wage and Benefits:

• Salary: $36.87 to $43.41 per hour
• Hours: 35 hours per week
• Benefits: OMERS pension plan, Comprehensive benefit package

Application Due Date: April 14, 2024

Additional information about the SCRCA is available on the website at www.scrca.on.ca.

Please submit your cover letter and resume by April 14, 2024, outlining how your experience meets the necessary qualifications to:

• jobs@scrca.on.ca indicating the Competition Number PL150 and position title in the subject line of your email, or
• mail to: St. Clair Region Conservation Authority, 205 Mill Pond Crescent, Strathroy, ON, N7G 3P9
• or fax to 519-245-3348

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $36.87-$43.41 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Paid time off

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Strathroy, ON N7G 3P9

Application deadline: 2024-04-14