DataStream Initiative is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to advancing freshwater protection through open data flows. Our mission is to promote knowledge sharing and collaborative water stewardship, so our waters remain healthy for generations to come.  

Our core programming includes an online platform for sharing water quality data (“DataStream”), data management and water science training, network building, and advocacy to promote open access to environmental data in Canada.  

About the role

The Data Services Manager will join DataStream at an exciting time as our user community grows across Canada. The Data Services Manager will be responsible for ensuring DataStream is responsive to this demand while offering high quality service to our existing community.  

The Data Services Manager will oversee and support the work of a team of Data Specialists and work in close collaboration with our expert advisors, software developers and other program staff.  

The salary range is $65,000 to $85,000 commensurate with experience. This is a one-year position with a competitive benefits package and the possibility to become a permanent, full-time role. The position can be remote or based in our Toronto office and will involve regular travel across Canada. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada. 

The Data Services Manager is responsible for:  

• Building and maintaining technical relationships with large data holders and with data users across Canada including Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, governments at all levels and university research groups  
• Developing and maintaining internal data specialist processes and workflows. This includes:
  • Ensuring quality control and consistency in data services and related communication materials  
  • Coordinating whole team efforts to audit, augment and improve internal processes related to data handling  
• Supporting DataStream’s user community in successfully using the DataStream platform. This includes:  
  • Troubleshooting any issues encountered in a timely way 
  • Providing one-on-one training and support tailored for users with a wide range of scientific and technological expertise 
  • Designing and delivering training programs on the DataStream platform and water-related technical topics 
• Overseeing various technical activities and deliverables. This includes: 
  • Supervising the continual evolution of DataStream’s data schema, available here: https://github.com/datastreamapp/schema/tree/main/schemas/data
  • Continuously improving processes for streamlining data import and export 
• Liaising with and supporting the software development team in order to continuously improve the DataStream platform  
• Tracking, evaluating and reporting on progress in achieving the Data Services team’s operational goals 

About the candidate 

The ideal candidate is: 

• Bilingual in French and English 
• A master’s degree holder, or has equivalent work experience in data science, hydrogeology, limnology, aquatic ecology, hydrology, or related discipline 
• A strategic thinker, able to navigate and prioritize complex technical and non-technical tasks 
• An experienced people and project manager with minimum 3-5 years of experience  
• A confident communicator (both written and verbal), capable of communicating complex concepts to both experts and non-experts 
• Technically strong in data and water science and capable of applying these skills to find practical solutions 
• Technically proficient in SQL and has experience with databases, ETL processes and data visualization tools 
• A natural networker with experience working across sectors and disciplines 
• Detail-oriented  
• Passionate about improving access to water data in Canada 

Additional Desired Experience/Qualifications 

• Experience in water and/or environmental monitoring and research 
• Experience working with federal, provincial or territorial governments  
• Experience working with Indigenous governments and organizations  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets 
• Proficiency in a coding language for the purposes of data cleaning and formatting e.g., R or Python 
• Knowledge or experience working with a software team 
• Has knowledge of agile methodologies  
• Experienced with (or knowledgeable about) AWS cloud infrastructure  
• Strong preference will be given to applicants identifying as Indigenous (Inuit, First Nations or Métis) 

How to apply

Anticipated start date: As soon as possible  

To apply, please forward your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with “Data Services Manager” in the subject line. Only candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Short-listed candidates will be asked to provide writing samples. 

Your resume and cover letter must be received by Friday May 31 

About DataStream  

DataStream was incubated as a program within The Gordon Foundation and was established as a charity in 2021. This rapidly growing initiative is active in hub regions across Canada where we engage with organizations across disciplines and sectors – from watershed organizations, Indigenous Nations and organizations, and governments at all levels. Over 270 organizations currently share water quality data on DataStream, and more are coming onboard every day.  

For more information visit: DataStream.org  

About The Gordon Foundation  

The Gordon Foundation is a philanthropic foundation. The Foundation undertakes research, leadership development and public dialogue so that public policies in Canada reflect a commitment to collaborative stewardship of our freshwater resources and to a people-driven, equitable and evolving North.  

For more information visit: gordonfoundation.ca