Environmental Health Manager

Position details

Lead the environmental health program for the largest health unit region in Ontario.

Northeastern Public Health is a new organization built from two, and our environmental health program now runs across more than 290,000 square kilometres – from the food premises and drinking water systems of our communities to the lakes, sewage systems and health hazards of the north. We are looking for a Manager who holds a Certificate in Public Health Inspection, has led inspectors, and wants to shape how one harmonized program serves this region. You would lead a team of Public Health Inspectors, report to the Director of Health Protection (an experienced environmental health leader), and sit at the management table of an organization that is still deciding how things should work – which means your judgement will shape the program for years to come.

Position Summary

Northeastern Public Health (NEPH) / Santé publique du Nord-Est (SPNE) launched on January 1, 2025, bringing together the former Porcupine Health Unit and Timiskaming Health Unit. NEPH/SPNE serves the Districts of Cochrane and Timiskaming and the townships of Temagami and Hornepayne – a region of over 290,000 square kilometres, making it the province's largest health unit by area – with 13 offices in 10 communities, a main office in Timmins, approximately 200 staff, and a large Francophone population. The organization shares lands with 14 distinct First Nations communities and many urban First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. 

Reporting to the Director of Health Protection, the Manager of Environmental Health leads NEPH's environmental health program across northeastern Ontario. The Manager plans, delivers and evaluates the program in line with the Ontario Public Health Standards, the Health Protection and Promotion Act and related legislation, and leads a team of approximately 20 Public Health Inspectors and program staff who deliver it. The program includes food safety; safe water, including drinking water and recreational water; health hazards; rabies and vector-borne disease prevention; infection prevention and control in personal service settings and other inspected premises; the on-site sewage system program under Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code; outbreak management; and environmental health emergency response.

The Manager leads and supports the program team, manages the program budget, represents NEPH with municipalities, building officials, provincial ministries, Indigenous partners and community organizations, and leads or supports the environmental health response to outbreaks and emergencies such as drinking water advisories, floods and fires. As a member of NEPH's management team, the Manager contributes to organization-wide planning and continuous improvement and takes part in the management on-call rotation.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in environmental health or a related applied science.
• Certificate in Public Health Inspection (Canada), CPHI(C), in good standing (required).
• Qualification as a Chief Building Official under the Ontario Building Code for on-site sewage systems is a strong asset; NEPH will support the successful candidate in obtaining it.
• Master's degree in public health, health administration, business administration, or a related field is an asset.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in public health, including at least three (3) years of progressive management or supervisory experience, preferably in a unionized environment.
• Experience in program planning, implementation, evaluation, and data management.
• Thorough knowledge of the Ontario Public Health Standards, the Health Protection and Promotion Act and its regulations, and related federal, provincial and municipal legislation.
• Knowledge of the Core Competencies for Public Health in Canada, applicable privacy legislation, and financial management, budgeting and reporting.
• Strong leadership, coaching and interpersonal skills, including experience applying collective agreements; sound judgement with sensitive and confidential matters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills; ability to prepare reports, proposals and briefing notes.
• Understanding of, and commitment to, Indigenous cultural safety; commitment to continuous learning and quality improvement.
• Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office and data management software.
• Ability to communicate in both English and French is considered a strong asset.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and on-call, and to travel across NEPH office locations and the service area; field and site visits may involve weather, uneven ground, animals, and environmental hazards, and personal protective equipment is worn as required.
• Access to a reliable vehicle and possession of a valid Ontario G or G2 driver's licence.
• Satisfactory police record check, in line with NEPH policy.
• Compliance with NEPH immunization requirements prior to starting.

What NEPH Offers:

A permanent, full-time management role with a 35-hour week and flexible hours. Participation in the OMERS defined-benefit pension plan and a comprehensive benefits package. A team of experienced Public Health Inspectors, a Director who knows the program from the inside, and a management team that is building one organization from two. Investment in your professional development. And the chance to live and work in northeastern Ontario – a region where a senior public service career comes with the kind of community, outdoors and cost of living that is hard to find elsewhere. Relocating? See Move to Timmins (movetotimmins.ca) for a sense of the community.

How to apply

Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Please apply to:

Human Resources
Northeastern Public Health
[email protected]

Note: Please ensure the competition number is clearly stated in the subject line.

This posting is for an existing vacancy. Artificial intelligence is not used to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position. Northeastern Public Health serves communities across northeastern Ontario, including Algonquin, Anishinaabe, Ojibwe, Cree and Métis communities. We welcome applications from Indigenous peoples, Francophones, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons and members of other equity-deserving groups.

Northeastern Public Health is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Applicants requiring an accommodation are asked to make such requests when contacted for an interview.This posting is available in accessible formats on request.