Water & Wastewater Operator

This posting is for 2 permanent full-time positions

The Water and Wastewater Operator performs a variety of skilled, technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance and repair of the Water Distribution, Wastewater Collection & Treatment Systems and Stormwater Collection Systems liner assets.

Responsibilities:

• Operator shall be involved in the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the water distribution, wastewater and storm collection and treatment facilities
• Operators work under the direction of the Lead hand, Foreperson, or Supervisor but may be expected to work on their own without direct supervision
• Operator will be expected to work on call or stand by shift for after regular hour call out for emergencies as directed throughout the year in order to provide quality of service
• Steps 1 and 2 are beginning level of skilled work, Steps 3 and 4 are the intermediate level, Steps 5 and 6 are for the senior level of skilled worker within the Water and Wastewater Operations
• Operators are expected to transfer knowledge between themselves to ensure continuity in job rotation tasks
• Participate in construction completion certificate and/or final acceptance certificate inspections as assets transfer from developers and/or contractors to the County
• Operate, maintain, monitor and report on water distribution, wastewater collection & treatment facilities in accordance with Alberta Environment Codes and Regulations
• Member of a Confined Space Team undertaking preventative maintenance activities to underground infrastructure
• Monitor water quality parameters within water distribution systems, including the collection of water, wastewater/storm sewer samples for analysis through an independent lab in accordance with Alberta Environment’s code of practice
• Flush, clean and maintain water, wastewater and storm mains and facilities, including hydrants and valves associated with such systems
• Install, calibrate/repair, read and record water meters as required
• Maintain yards, facilities and properties associated with County water and wastewater facilities
• Monitor and operate wastewater stabilization ponds and sewage within the prescribed guidelines and standards of the County and Alberta Environment
• Install, calibrate and download data from flow monitoring equipment
• Install, calibrate, and collect wastewater samples from commercial/industrial customers for over-strength wastewater analysis
• Operate and maintain equipment associated with the protection of H2S Corrosion protection
• Inspect and maintain storm and sanitary sewer catch basins, manholes, mains, service laterals and recycle water infrastructures
• Monitor and maintain storm detention ponds, inlets and outlets
• Operate the flusher vacuum truck on an emergent basis
• Maintain the highest levels of safety and environmental consideration to perform all tasks
• To discontinue and re-instate utilities services in a respectful and professional manner in the event of non-payment as directed by customer billing
• Respond to emergency infrastructure failures to minimize damage and ensure public safety, Example: Water Main Breaks, Sewer Break, Main line Blockages, etc.
• Understand requirements and use SCBA and/or SABA
• May assist in all aspects of water and wastewater sampling protocols
• Weekend & evening work stand by and on-call response on a rotational basis
• Develop, review and maintain applicable standard operating procedures and hazard assessments
• Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot and repair PRV stations
• Provide contract work to external agencies and other municipal organizations
• Conduct locates as required

Qualifications and Skills:

• Step 1 – At least one AEP Certification in Water Distribution I or Wastewater Collection I or Wastewater Treatment I
• Step 2 – Minimum of 1,000 hours at Step 1; and AEP Certification in Water Distribution Level I, Wastewater Collection Level I, and Wastewater Treatment I; and recommendation of the appropriate supervisor
• Step 3 – Minimum of 1864 hours at Step 2; and AEP Certification in Water Distribution II or Wastewater Collection II, and Wastewater Treatment I; and recommendation of the appropriate supervisor
• Step 4 – Minimum of 1864 hours at Step 3, and AEP Certification in Water Distribution II, Wastewater Collection II, and Wastewater Treatment I; and recommendation of the appropriate supervisor
• Step 5 – Minimum of 1864 hours at Step 4, and AEP Certification in Water Distribution III, Wastewater Collection III, and Wastewater Treatment I; and recommendation of the appropriate supervisor
• Step 6 – Minimum of 1864 hours at Step 5, and AEP Certification in Water Distribution III, Wastewater Collection III, and Wastewater Treatment I; and recommendation of the appropriate supervisor
• Preference may be given to candidates who have completed NAIT’s Water and Wastewater Technician program or an equivalent program with completion of 90 CEUs
• Maintain good public relations during contacts with system customers and members of the general public while performing the assigned duties
• Knowledge of applicable Occupational Health and Safety requirements, especially confined space entry
• Ability to work effectively as part of a water and wastewater infrastructure maintenance team
• A strong general knowledge of the operation and maintenance of water distribution, storm and wastewater collection and treatment facilities

Conditions of Employment:

• Submission of a Satisfactory Criminal Record Check
• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s license and submission of a 5-year Driver’s Abstract with less than 7 demerits
• Ability to perform physical labour as part of the job duties and stand/walk for extended periods of time

Who We Are:

Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta. Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, fairness, and cooperation.

Why Join Strathcona County:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
  • Extended health and dental coverage
  • Health and wellness spending account
  • Life and disability insurance and critical illness programs
  • Retirement and pension programs
  • Paid and unpaid leave programs
  • Earned day off program
  • Employee and family assistance program
• Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities.
• Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace.

Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered.

Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.