Technical Specialist, Wastewater Treatment

Employer description

AECOM is actively seeking a highly skilled Technical Specialist, Wastewater Treatment to be based in one of our Greater Toronto Area offices. This individual will support both the local Ontario team and AECOM's broader Canadian and Global wastewater practice in this newly created role. The successful candidate will be a recognized wastewater treatment subject matter expert with particular expertise in Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) systems, and a proven track record delivering complex municipal wastewater treatment projects. The candidate will provide technical leadership across all phases of project development, from planning and feasibility studies through design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operational optimization. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted technical advisor to project teams and clients, providing guidance on technical approaches, regulatory compliance, quality management, innovation, and risk management while supporting project delivery and strategic growth initiatives across Ontario, Canada, and AECOM's Global wastewater practice. Working closely with Project Managers and Client Account Managers, this individual will provide technical leadership, strategic direction, and support in client engagement activities. While the primary focus of the role is technical leadership and subject matter expertise, the successful candidate will have opportunities to further develop project leadership and project management capabilities and assume expanded responsibilities as appropriate. As AECOM continues to expand its Water business, this strategic role combines technical excellence, client engagement, business development, project support, and mentorship to strengthen and grow our wastewater treatment practice. Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership • Maintain and advance technical expertise in municipal wastewater treatment infrastructure. • Provide technical leadership for the planning, design, optimization, and implementation of wastewater treatment facilities and associated infrastructure. • Serve as a technical authority and subject matter expert on complex wastewater treatment projects. • Advise project teams on treatment process selection, facility optimization, biosolids management, nutrient removal, water reuse, and contaminants of emerging concern. • Provide strategic leadership in the application of advanced treatment technologies, with particular emphasis on Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) facilities. • Lead and oversee the development and review of technical reports, process calculations, design criteria, engineering studies, and technical evaluations. • Direct and oversee the preparation of technical specifications, contract documents, procurement packages, and design deliverables. Client and Stakeholder Engagement • Build and maintain trusted relationships with municipal clients, utility executives, regulatory agencies, and industry leaders. • Serve as a trusted advisor to clients on infrastructure planning, regulatory compliance, operational optimization, asset management, affordability, and long-term capital investment strategies. • Communicate and present technical solutions directly to utility directors, public officials, governing agencies, and senior stakeholders. Project Delivery • Serve as Technical Lead, Subject Matter Expert, or Senior Technical Advisor on complex multidisciplinary wastewater treatment projects. • Partner closely with Project Managers to support successful project delivery through technical leadership, strategic guidance, client engagement, and risk management. • Provide technical leadership to project teams and support Project Managers in achieving project scope, schedule, budget, quality, and performance objectives. Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Applied Science from an accredited institution. • 12+ years of progressive experience in municipal wastewater treatment planning, design, and delivery. • 4+ years leadership experience, leading technical professionals. • Demonstrated experience as a Technical Lead, Design Manager, Subject Matter Expert, or Senior Technical Advisor on wastewater treatment projects. • Extensive experience with the planning, design, and implementation of Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) facilities. • Strong knowledge of municipal wastewater treatment processes, regulatory requirements, design standards, and industry best practices. • Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and complex infrastructure projects. Preferred Qualifications • 20+ years of progressive experience in municipal wastewater treatment planning, design, and delivery. • Expertise in one or more of the following: biosolids management, nutrient removal, water reuse, emerging contaminants, or advanced wastewater treatment. • Experience with industrial wastewater treatment or major capital infrastructure projects. • Experience supporting business development, proposals, and strategic pursuits. • Experience presenting to municipal leadership, utility executives, public officials, or regulatory agencies. • Strong technical writing, communication, presentation, and client relationship skills. • Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop technical professionals and future leaders. • Experience working across Canadian, U.S., or international markets. • Sponsorship for Canadian employment authorization is not available for this position. At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment. About AECOM AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. What makes AECOM a great place to work You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Artificial intelligence will be used to support the screening, assessment, and selection of applicants for this role. Final hiring decisions are made by the hiring team. Work with Us. Change the World. At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations. There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world. We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.