Location: Welland, ON

Division :Water & Wastewater

This position currently falls within our hybrid model, allowing the employee to typically work a minimum of 50% of your time at your regular work location and the other 50% of time at home.

As an employer of choice, Niagara Region offers competitive salaries and advantages, a defined benefit pension plan, a corporate wellness centre, access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), mentorship and training programs, employee recognition programs, and more. In addition, the Region recognizes the value of having flexible work arrangements to support better work-life balance for our employees. Hybrid work arrangements may vary from one employee to another and may also differ in the number of remote workdays.

These opportunities remain subject to the alignment of operational needs, business requirements, and customer service expectations.

Reporting to the Engagement and Education Coordinator for Water and Wastewater Services, the Outreach Program Representative is responsible for planning, developing and executing the annual Niagara Children’s Water Festival, leading all aspects of the Water Wagon program and coordinating water and wastewater public outreach programs.

Education

- Post-Secondary diploma or degree in Event Management, Event Planning, Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Relations, Education or related field of study.
- An equivalent combination of education, experience and qualifications may be considered.

Knowledge

- 1-3 years of experience in event planning, project management, presenting to groups of various ages and public outreach/engagement.
- 1-2 years previous experience with volunteer recruitment and management preferred.
- Familiarity with current water-related environmental issues, and core services provided by the Region is considered an asset.
- Previous experience writing grant applications, reports and promotional materials is preferred.
- Previous experience managing budgets for events is preferred.
- Previous experience with risk management planning is preferred.
- Contract negotiation experience, particularly with event suppliers, event vendors, fee for service agreements, etc. is preferred.
- Exceptional customer service skills, including conflict management and resolution skills.
- Basic knowledge of planning, fire, public health and building requirements for special events (i.e. building permits, road closures, etc.) is preferred.
- General knowledge of AODA requirements is preferred.

Responsibilities

Leads event planning aspects of the annual Niagara Children’s Water Festival. (40% of time)

- Creates a detailed project plan, including a critical path for the Festival Planning Committee and ensures that deadlines are met.
- Produces regular progress reports to track, manage and communicate progress on all aspects of the event.
- Manages communication with committee members, volunteers, support staff, sponsors, supporters and suppliers,



including organizing and chairing Water Festival Steering Committee meetings.
- Manages the registration, scheduling and communication with Festival visitors.
- Leads the recruitment of volunteers for the Niagara Children’s Water Festival.
- Acts as the main point of contact for volunteers working for the Niagara Children’s Water Festival.
- Prepares and submits grant applications and solicits sponsorship opportunities.
- Prepares event risk management plan.
- Manages onsite arrangements, including set-up, event day logistics, tear down and clean up.
- Works with the Communications team to develop promotional materials and works collaboratively to implement marketing and social media strategies to promote the Festival.
- Attends meetings of the Children’s Water Education Council.
- Assists with preparing the budget for festival and decisions on procurement of materials, equipment and services, ensuring they are within budget and follow procurement policies.
- Assists with developing the annual Summary Report for the festival, to assess effectiveness and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Coordinates the organization, scheduling and continuous improvement of the Water Wagon program. (35% of time)

- Assists in supervising W-WW Outreach Interns.
- Schedules necessary staff to prepare, transport, set up and monitor the Water Wagon at events.
- Responds to requests, enquiries and complaints regarding the Water Wagon.
- Liaises with event organizers to promote the Water Wagon and ensure successful promotion and awareness during events.
- Reviews and recommends promotion and marketing strategies, to enhance the communication regarding the Water Wagon.
- Reviews and updates procedures related to the Water Wagon.
- Enforces the Water Wagon terms and conditions.
- Participates in the recruitment of, onboarding and training of Water Wagon staff.
- Develops the annual Summary Report, which assesses program effectiveness and identifies opportunities for continuous improvement.

Engages and informs the public about Water and Wastewater Services and activities. (15% of time)

- Researches and pro-actively initiates and implements outreach and engagement opportunities in the community, such as organizing and attending community events and school presentations.
- Attends information fairs and delivers presentations to schools, daycares and community groups, to educate the public about the importance of water and wastewater services.
- Assists with public tours as needed.
- Assists with the creation, distribution and presentation of promotional and educational materials.




- Assists in the development and coordination of communication activities for Water and Wastewater Services to satisfy internal and external needs.

Assists with planning and implementation of internal and external corporate events. (10% of time)

- Participates on planning committees (e.g. Public Works Forum, Public Works Week and Drinking Water Week) and local W-WW industry conferences.
- Assists with the organization and implementation of Public Information Centres and public and internal and external partner engagement for capital projects.

Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.

Special Requirements

- Must maintain ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons.
- In accordance with the Corporate Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records Check and submit a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate.
- Regional staff strive to enable the strategic priorities of council and the organization through the completion of their work. Staff carry out their work by demonstrating the corporate values.

About Us

Niagara Region serves a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000 and is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and community partners, the Region delivers high-quality programs and services that support the well-being of individuals, families and communities. Nestled between Lakes Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula is home to fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls, vibrant modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, and communities rich in history, recreation and culture. With a temperate climate, breathtaking countryside and easy access to neighbouring New York State, Niagara attracts more than 14 million visitors each year, along with new residents and businesses.

Niagara

Region values diversity in background and experience and is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the community it serves, strengthening programs and services across Niagara. While specific qualifications are important for certain roles, we invite individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. Our recruiters will evaluate your suitability for the role.

Closing Statement

Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!

Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application at www.niagararegion.ca JO# 46086 by midnight on September 14, 2026.

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

We confirm that we do not use AI in screening of applicants, and this position is an existing vacancy.

If you require an accommodation for the application process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the alternate formats for contacting us are as follows:

📌 Water-Wastewater Outreach Program Representative (Events Coordination)Event Coordinator (Welland)
🏢 Niagara Region
📍 Welland