At St. Mary River Irrigation District , we are proud of the ability to efficiently deliver water to approximately 2,000 irrigators who irrigate over 520,000 acres of land. We are collaborative, supportive, and innovative and it is our mission to build on the Legacy of Irrigation for Future Generations.

Due to retirement, we are looking for a new team member in the role of:

Operations Manager

We're seeking an experienced manager to lead operational excellence at Canada's largest irrigation district. In this high-impact role, you will command the reliable delivery of water across expansive agricultural networks while safeguarding critical infrastructure and surrounding lands. You will inspire and mentor a diverse team of eight direct reports, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. By developing a strong understanding of the Water Act and Irrigation Districts Act, along with use of advanced predictive modeling and hydrological data, you will strategically manage internal reservoirs to meet demands. As a collaborative partner across departments, you will become a key contributor to decision making on everything from budgets to irrigator concerns that will shape the future of regional water management and drive sustainable growth.

Your experience in civil construction, engineering technology, or hydrology gives you the technical foundation to succeed in operations leadership. We're looking for someone who wants to take the next step—from managing projects and technical challenges to leading people, processes, and overall operations.

Your background
Operations Manager relevance

Project coordination, scheduling, crews, contractors, budgets,



safety

CET / Civil Engineering Technology

Technical problem-solving, drawings/specifications, estimating, field operations

Hydrology

Field analysis, infrastructure, environmental considerations, risk assessment

Construction supervision

People leadership, productivity, equipment, logistics

Project coordination

Requirements:

Proven Success in a Management/Leadership Role

Exceptional Mentorship and Communication Skills

Ability to be Adaptable and Pivot Decision Making Based on Ever-Changing Conditions

Experience in Water Management and Operations

Skilled in Navigating Digital Platforms, Tools, and Systems in a Dynamic Work Environment including software systems for Water Ordering and Asset Management

Be familiar with:

the Operation and Maintenance of Hydroelectric Plants

the Alberta Energy and Systems Operator (AESO) policies and procedures

the Ancillary Systems for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Facility

Valid Class 5 drivers' license with a Clear Drivers Abstract

Post-secondary education in Civil or Agricultural Engineering Technology or Equivalent considered an asset

ICS level 100 and Level 200 Certification to Participate in Emergency Operations and Response considered an asset

Understanding of/Background with the Agriculture Industry considered an asset

We Offer:

Meaningful Employment that has a Tremendous Impact on the Community

Competitive Compensation, based on experience

Comprehensive Advantages Package and Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP)

A Fast-Paced Friendly Work Environment

Hire Standard is recruiting on behalf of SMRID:

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📌 Operations Manager (Alberta)
🏢 Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce
📍 Alberta