Main Purpose and Function
The Liquid Waste Management team within Sewers & Drainage Design is responsible for sewer utility programs that protect public health, safeguard the environment, and support the effective operation and long-term sustainability of Vancouver’s sewer and drainage systems. The team leads initiatives related to sewer investigations, pollution prevention, source control, sewer cross-connections, and inflow and infiltration (I&I) management, translating field, operational, and environmental findings into practical solutions and system improvements.
The Liquid Waste Management Engineer plays a key role in delivering sewer utility investigation and mitigation initiatives, with a particular focus on the Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Program and the Inflow and Infiltration Mitigation Program. The position leads investigations into complex sewer system issues, develops and implements corrective actions, and supports regulatory, policy, and infrastructure initiatives that improve system performance, environmental outcomes, and utility stewardship.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
- Leads and oversees sewer system investigations to identify and address illicit discharges, sewer cross-connections, inflow and infiltration (I&I), and other issues affecting system performance, regulatory compliance, and environmental outcomes.
- Oversees the Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination program which aims to identify and rectify sources of pollution associated with the sewer system, such as sewer cross-connections, with the goal of protecting human and ecosystem health.
- Implements the City’s Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) mitigation program, including monitoring and assessment activities, identification of infiltration and inflow sources, development of mitigation strategies, and oversight of remedial actions.
- Collaborates with Sewer Operations Sewer Investigation Teams to undertake field investigations, assess findings, and implement corrective actions and system improvements as needed.
- Provides project management of liquid waste projects and programs
- Acts as a Sewers Utility representative with the City’s Environmental Services branch for the management and implementation of Metro Vancouver’s Sewer Use Bylaw, Waste Discharge Permit program and source control initiatives.
- Supports the Senior Engineer in overseeing the Sewer and Watercourse Bylaw and associated policies, ensuring the bylaw is kept current and is reflective of regulatory requirements, organizational objectives and industry standards.
- Completes cost effective storm and sanitary sewer infrastructure design for construction by City or private crews.
- Performs field inspections and post-construction review of sewer construction projects
- Recommends and implements business process improvement and operation optimization solutions
- Prepares technical reports, presentations, letters and memos
- Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a Professional Engineer designation and minimum of four years’ related experience in municipal civil infrastructure design, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- Registration or eligibility for registration as a Professional Engineer in British Columbia.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge and application of engineering principles related to sewer and drainage systems
- Experience with Inflow and Infiltration analysis and/or mitigation programs is an asset
- Knowledge of project management processes and frameworks
- Strong interpersonal, written communication and organizational skills, including excellent written and verbal communication and report writing
- Exceptional time management and organizational skills with the ability to effectively and efficiently prioritize actions in response to numerous and diverse demands
- Ability to develop and maintain positive, productive relationships at all levels in the organization and external stakeholders
- Strong conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation skills
- Ability in utility design, construction and project management
- Ability to exercise diplomacy and tact
- Proficient in the use of computer design and modeling software such as PCSWMM, and GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro
Business Unit/Department: Engineering Services