Program assistant Jobs in Kingston, ON

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

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Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you’ll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience. We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This isn’t just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.

HDR is seeking a Program Manager (Water/Wastewater) with a proven track record in the development and delivery of large water/wastewater capital programs. This role will be responsible for the delivery of integrated, technically complex, multi-year, multi-project programs with large capital value, multiple stakeholders and high public visibility. Infrastructure may include both vertical assets , such as existing and planned water and wastewater treatment plants, reservoirs, storage tanks, and pump stations, as well as linear assets , including existing and planned water distribution and transmission mains, force mains, tunnels, sewers, and combined sewer overflow (CSO) systems. Candidates will demonstrate a flexible and effective programmatic approach to management of all aspects of design, procurement, construction admiration and site inspections and lifecycle delivery of large capital programs, supported by HDR’s extensive team of technical and management experts.

Senior Program Manager responsibilities

• Develop, lead and deliver large drinking water, wastewater and/or stormwater capital program(s) from planning through design and construction to final completion.
• Identify and assess major program risks and develop and implement strategies to mitigate.
• Work with clients to implement appropriate program technologies, including Program Management Information Systems (PMIS).
• Support client in developing program and project budgets, schedules and delivery strategies.
• Act as liaison between client, HDR and principal stakeholders.
• Support and participate in meetings, including public meetings.
• Implement effective technical and program/project management protocols, including effective program controls.
• Exemplify leadership and ability to work with client to implement strategic direction.
• Provide leadership, direction and guidance to subordinate managers, staff and sub-consultants.
• Advocate for ethical and safe working practices and implement an effective safety and quality oversight program.
• Accountable for overall financial success and delivery of the program(s).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree
• A minimum of 15 years’ of related experience in water and wastewater consulting and engineering management, including a minimum 5+ years of experience as Program Manager or Deputy Program Manager.
• Demonstrated knowledge of water and wastewater treatment, storage, pumping stations, collection and distribution systems.
• Proficiency in project management information systems, and tools for project and program scheduling, scoping, budgeting, cost analysis, resource analysis, and reporting; as well as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proven track for client/consultant relations experience.
• Proven leader with an interest in developing and mentoring team members with growth mindset.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proven ability of leading business development activities, pursuing new clients/projects, and managing project deliveries.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Planning, Sciences, Business Administration or a closely related field.
• At least one of the following licenses/certifications:
• Professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered (e.g., Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng)).
• PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• PMI Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification.
• AICP Certification.
• CMAA Certified Construction Manager (CCM) Certification.
• Program management experience consistent with the following requirements:
• A minimum of six (6) years of program management experience, with at least four (4) years as a Program Manager or equivalent.
• Experience leading as a Program Manager or serving in a similar role on the delivery of two or more programs, each with a capital value of $350 million or more. Experience delivering concurrent programs with a total value of $350 million or more qualifies as one required program.
• Strong leadership skills with experience building a cohesive team culture and managing team members located in various locations.
• Excellent communication skills. Comfortable presenting to client executives and in front of a large audience in a public setting.
• Management experience with the implementation of projects or programs using alternative and collaborative delivery methods, including design-build (DB), progressive design-build (PDB), and/or construction management at-risk (CMAR).
• Familiar with the various types of tools used to manage large programs—PMIS, CMIS, scheduling, cost control, document management, risk management, asset management, dashboard analytics, etc.
• Experience working in an integrated fashion within a Program Management Office (PMO) comprised of both consultant and client staff.

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, health, performance and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) The pay range for Ontario: $145,810 - $229,130. Primary Location: Canada-Ontario-Toronto. Other Locations: Canada-Ontario-Kingston, Canada-Ontario-Richmond Hill, Canada-Ontario-Burlington, Canada-Ontario-Ottawa. Industry: Water. Schedule: Full-time. Employee Status: Regular. Business Class: Utility Management Services. Job Posting: Jul 8, 2026.

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer (equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

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