I have gained practical experience working with asset management systems and collaborating with operators and engineers. I think having exposure to real-world projects has really improved my problem-solving skills and it gave me confidence working in professional environments.
How has this experience influenced your future career goals?
This experience has increased my interest in infrastructure, asset management, and the water/wastewater sector. Before starting this co-op, I had limited exposure to this industry, but seeing the impact that water and wastewater services have on communities and how much meaningful work goes into this industry has made me appreciate the importance of this field. It has encouraged me to explore future opportunities related to water resources and infrastructure management.
What is the most valuable takeaway from this co-op experience?
The most valuable takeaway from this co-op experience is understanding the importance of accurate asset data and how it supports the operation of important water and wastewater facilities. Overall, this experience showed me the value of combining technical knowledge with practical field experience to make informed engineering decisions.
During my time at OCWA, I have developed a variety of skills that will be valuable throughout my career. Professionally, I improved my communication and collaboration skills by working with individuals from different departments and backgrounds across the organization. I also gained experience creating training materials, documenting processes, coordinating projects, and supporting technology implementations. In addition, I strengthened my problem-solving, organization, and time-management skills by balancing multiple tasks and adapting to new challenges.
What is the most valuable takeaway from this co-op experience?
The most valuable takeaway from this co-op experience has been gaining an understanding of the impact that public service organizations can have on people’s everyday lives. Working at OCWA showed me how much effort, expertise, and coordination is required behind the scenes to deliver safe drinking water and wastewater services to communities across Ontario. It also reinforced the importance of collaboration, as every role within the organization contributes to a larger mission. This experience has given me a greater appreciation for the people and systems that support our communities and has provided lessons that I will carry forward into my future career.
My co-op experience has been very positive and has introduced me to a completely new line of work. While water treatment wasn’t a direct focus of my formal education, I’ve been able to transfer and apply many of my existing skills to various aspects of the job, which I believe will serve me well in any future role.
What is the most valuable takeaway from this co-op experience?
The most valuable takeaway has been discovering the breadth of opportunities within the water industry, which I didn’t even know was available to me. I am truly grateful for this experience and the direction it has given me.
Which operational experience gave you the best understanding of how water and wastewater services impact communities?
The best learning opportunities often arise when things don’t go as planned. Witnessing the ripple effects of an outage gave me a firsthand understanding of just how essential a water treatment facility is to the community I serve. Monitoring these systems is vital not only for providing clean drinking water but also for supporting emergency and firefighting services.
I’m able to get hands-on work with machinery which is something I really like and makes me want to continue down this path.
What skills have you gained from working with OCWA?
The two main skills I gained working for OCWA have been improving my attention to detail, and developing my awareness of my surroundings. I can identify when a machine is not offering top efficiency through sight, sound, feel, and even smell! When I walk through the plant I can identify what is “normal” and what’s not.
Which operational experience gave you the best understanding of how water and wastewater services impact communities?
The operational experience that gave me the best understanding of how water and wastewater services impact communities is seeing the clean water at the very end. Thinking back to my childhood, I think of playing in splash pads, and drinking out of water fountains. That would not be possible without the work that we’re doing.
An average day in my role consists of dealing with various issues in the Water/Wastewater Plants as they arise. Operators come to me with technical issues, and I help them find solutions! Day-to-day, my work focuses on biosolids and facility inventories, and on determining the capabilities, quantities, and qualities of our biosolids.
What is the most valuable thing you have learned from being in this role?
The most valuable thing I’ve learned from being in this role is how to deal with information gaps and work with what we have.
What has surprised you the most since starting your career here at OCWA?
What has surprised me the most since starting at OCWA is how many different types of plant systems there are that require different processes and information.
No two days are the same. On Mondays, I might be managing schedules or procurement for ongoing energy projects, or analyzing energy and process data for incentive applications for upcoming upgrades. Mid‑week, you’ll often find me onsite, whether in Lambton County or Peel Region, overseeing the installation of power monitoring systems. On Thursdays, I may be developing training material for operations staff on new energy programs. And by Friday, I might be at a conference learning something new or presenting on a topic of interest to water treatment professionals.
Why you should join OCWA
OCWA is an industry leader that truly invests in employee growth. In previous roles outside the organization, I did not see the opportunity for growth as I do with OCWA. If you are driven and passionate about your team’s goals, you can build a long‑lasting, fulfilling career with countless opportunities to grow, innovate, and contribute to the sustainability of Ontario’s water systems.
In my role, I design, develop, and enhance digital learning experiences that support training, compliance, and professional development across OCWA. I work closely with operational teams, trainers, and leadership to understand learning needs and translate them into effective eLearning solutions. Whether I’m building interactive modules, refining learning pathways, or improving user experience, my focus is always on creating training that is practical, engaging, and aligned with organizational goals.
Why You Should Join OCWA
OCWA is a place where your work truly matters. You become part of a team that protects Ontario’s water, supports communities, and contributes to a healthier environment. The organization values learning, collaboration, and innovation, and there are countless opportunities to grow your skills and make a meaningful impact. If you’re looking for a career with purpose, supportive colleagues, and room to develop, OCWA is an exceptional place to be.
Christopher Hilkene has been an environment and sustainable development professional for over 30 years. He has worked in government, academic, consulting and not-for-profit settings and spent the last seven years as the Chief Executive Officer at Pollution Probe, one of Canada’s longest serving environmental organizations.
Specializing in environmental policy and strategic communications, Chris is recognized as a leader in freshwater policy and Great Lakes issues. From 2014 to 2020, he was a Canadian appointee to Great Lakes Water Quality Board of the International Joint Commission (IJC), where he was the Canadian Lead on emerging issues. In 2007, Chris was appointed to the National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy, where he served as Chair of the Water Programme.
He is an active volunteer and has served on boards and advisory bodies for numerous organizations including Toronto Metropolitan University, Pollution Probe, WaterAid Canada, Carleton University’s Global Water Institute, the City of Toronto’s Task Force to Bring Back the Don, Green Living Enterprises, the Vimy Foundation and the George and Helen Vari Foundation.
David Donovan is the Vice President of Corporate Business Development and Strategy at Ontario Power Generation. Prior to this, David was the Chief of Staff to Ontario’s Energy Minister, a role he served in for over three years. David has considerable experience in the energy and environment space, serving in both the Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, as well as in the private sector, including time at Canada’s largest energy infrastructure company. His background ranges from liquids pipelines, natural gas networks, carbon markets, utilities, nuclear power, renewables and air, land and water protection. Notably, while at the province he led policy development of Ontario’s Environment Plan, Emissions Performance Standards, recycling reforms, COVID-19 Small Business relief measures, environmental assessment reform, expansion of Ontario Parks, and helped lead the province’s response to a significant rise in electricity demand with the Powering Ontario’s Growth energy plan. David also supported Ontario’s renegotiation of the Canada-Ontario Agreement on the Great Lakes Water Quality and the Canada-Ontario Lake Erie Protection Plan.
Joseph (Joe) LeClair is the Director of Corporate Finance and Administration for the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation where he is responsible for leading the organization’s finance and human resource functions. He has over 25 years of cross-functional experience in finance and information technology working within the banking, energy, mining and infrastructure sectors for North American and global organizations.
Joe is a member of the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (formerly Sandpoint First Nation), located in Northwestern Ontario. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA) and has a Master of Business Administration degree from the Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario.
