Jon Arsenault
Kitchener,Canada
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience in strategic planning and problem solving, driving impactful environmental initiatives. Proven track record in operations and negotiation, enhancing public engagement and team collaboration. Expertise in change management, delivering measurable results in diverse environments.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Waste Management
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO
Kitchener, Canada
01.2011 - 01.2025
- Directed a compliment of approximately eighty full time management and unionized staff in the planning, study, design, construction, asset management, compliance to legislation, maintenance and operations for Region owned waste management facilities and infrastructure.
- Oversaw the administration of program areas responsible for facility environmental controls, environmental enforcement, waste collection and diversion, public relations/customer service, strategic/master planning and finance and administration.
- Acted as lead policy negotiator as well as the primary Division contact with all levels of government.
- Monitored operational and financial performance versus benchmarks, best management practices and industry/historical trends and implemented corrective action and procedural enhancements as required.
- Oversaw the development and administration of the Division’s 10-year capital program (approximately $220M) and annual operating budget (approximately $70M).
Manager, Engineering & Programs
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO
Kitchener, Canada
01.2001 - 01.2011
- Managed a staff of six engineers, technicians and project managers to ensure the design, tendering and construction of new landfill cells, waste transfer stations and landfill gas system expansions as well as new waste reduction programs in accordance with applicable Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) regulatory criteria, including Environmental Assessment approvals and site specific Certificate of Approvals.
- Managed master plan and environmental assessment project teams, conducting open houses and dealing with public concerns.
- Co-chaired the Waterloo Landfill Liaison committee and primary contact for area residents and MOECC representatives related to waste facility operational concerns.
Senior Environmental Engineer
GARTNER LEE LIMITED
St. Catharines, Canada
01.1996 - 01.2001
- Provided design and project management expertise for landfill compliance monitoring, environmental site assessment and remediation projects in Canada and oversees.
- Example projects include: Due diligence audits of municipal solid waste management systems for the Government of Malaysia’s effort to develop and implement a National Solid Waste Management System.
- Development and oversight of a site assessment and training program for illegal waste disposal sites in Kaohsiung, Taiwan in partnership with the Industrial Technology Research Institute of Taiwan.
- Co-ordination of Phase II and Phase III site assessment activities pertaining to the transfer of lands and waterway along a 7.5 km stretch of the 'Old Welland Canal' from Public Works and Government Services Canada to the City of Welland.
Project Engineer
JAGGER HIMS LIMITED
St. Catharines, Canada
01.1992 - 01.1996
- Provided engineering and project management support for a number of waste management studies and environmental site investigations/remedial feasibility studies and implementation of remedial action plans for various sites throughout Ontario.
- Example projects include: Assessment and remediation of a heavily contaminated site in Etobicoke, Ontario including the installation of large diameter recovery wells to the overburden-bedrock interface to contain off-site migration of impacted ground water to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Development of the 'Design and Operations' report for the Laidlaw Environmental Services secure landfill in Sarnia, Ontario, including the evaluation of a number of landfill designs and operating practices to determine the best suited landfill configuration which would have the least environmental impact while creating the greatest potential revenue.
Education
Leadership Development Program -
The Niagara Institute
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada01.2010
Working with Others -
The Niagara Institute
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada01.2001
B.A.Sc. - Civil Engineering (Water Resources Option)
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, ON, Canada01.1992
Skills
- Public outreach and engagement
- Team building
- Change management
- Complex problem solving
- Strategic planning
- Negotiation
Affiliations
- Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), 01/01/94
- W2RO (formerly Ontario Waste Management Association), Board of Directors, 2012 - 2020
- Regional Public Works Commissioners of Ontario (RPWCO), Chair, Waste Management Committee, 2014 - 2022
References
Available Upon Request
Timeline
Director, Waste Management
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO
01.2011 - 01.2025
Manager, Engineering & Programs
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO
01.2001 - 01.2011
Senior Environmental Engineer
GARTNER LEE LIMITED
01.1996 - 01.2001
Project Engineer
JAGGER HIMS LIMITED
01.1992 - 01.1996
Leadership Development Program -
The Niagara Institute
Working with Others -
The Niagara Institute
B.A.Sc. - Civil Engineering (Water Resources Option)
University of Waterloo