Wastewater Treatment Operator-In-Training

This is an entry level position that is responsible for operating and maintaining equipment that treats wastewater for safe return to the Red and Assiniboine Rivers in Winnipeg. Proper treatment of wastewater allows the City of Winnipeg to meet applicable environmental license requirements and achieves the mandate of the Wastewater Services Division. Staff at this level assists in performing the work of the division and to receive skills training in preparation for assuming the higher levels of responsibility. Employees advance from the Operator in Training to Level 1A and 1B, Level 2A and 2B, Level 3A and 3B, and Level 4. Each level requires increasing skill, education and experience, and assumes increasing scopes of responsibility.

As the Wastewater Treatment Operator-in-Training, you will:

• Assist operating staff in the routine operation of the wastewater treatment facilities.

• Perform routine plant functions, such as grit and screenings removal and the upkeep of associated equipment.

• Clean, in a safe manner, the following: digester tanks, grit tanks, sedimentation tanks, aeration tanks, final settling tanks, boilers and other tanks for inspection by others.

• Perform general housekeeping duties including the cleaning of buildings and equipment, painting of pipes and equipment.

• Unplug and clean any pump, pipeline, heat exchanger, etc., as required.

• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance duties on mechanical, electrical and instrumentation equipment, both independently and in conjunction with maintenance staff, as required.

• Collect effluent samples, conduct tests, perform calculations, keep records, log information and prepare operational reports, as required.

• Maintain and retrieve operating plant data using operating information systems.

• Employees must successfully complete skill training and certification requirements within the required timeframes in order to maintain employment and progress.

• Comply with all safety regulations and follows safe work practices.

• Perform other related duties consistent with the classification, as assigned.

Your education and qualifications include:

• Minimum Grade 12 graduation, G.E.D Certificate or equivalent training/experience.

• Minimum of two (2) years’ post-secondary education in a water or wastewater works operations, engineering, science, or a related field. [Note: Post-secondary education must meet the required Continuing Education Unit (CEU) equivalency under the Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Regulation 77/2003.]

• Immediate application for “Operator-in-Training” Class Certificate for a Class 4 Facility under the Environment Act within the first 30 days of employment.

• Successful completion of the Sacramento State College Field Study training program for operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants Levels 1 and 2 within 18 months of the appointment.

• Must obtain Manitoba Class 1 Wastewater System Operator Certification within 18 months of the appointment.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization, external contacts and the public, in accordance with the Respectful Workplace Standard.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

• Demonstrated ability to operate various hand and power tools.

• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical and instrumentation equipment.

• Ability to work with minimum supervision.

• Must have, or be able to acquire within 12 months of employment, First Aider Level 1 Certification.

• Knowledge and understanding of the occupational hazards, safety precautions, regulations and procedures that are applicable to the area of work.

• Must be willing to perform shift and/or standby duty on weekends and evenings on a rotation basis.

• IMPORTANT: Applicants who have been educated outside of Canada must have education which is comparable to the minimum qualification in Canada. Applicants submitting foreign credentials require an official academic assessment report issued by a recognized Canadian assessment service https://canalliance.org/en/ at application.

Conditions of employment:

• The successful applicant must maintain legal eligibility to work in Canada. If the successful applicant possesses a work permit, it is their responsibility to ensure the permit remains valid.

• A Police Information Check satisfactory to the employer will be required from the successful candidate, at their expense.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 Manitoba Driver’s Licence. The successful applicant will be required to provide a Notice of Driver’s Licence In Force document upon request.

• Must be physically capable of performing all the duties of this position, which may include, but are not limited to: working outdoors in potentially extreme weather conditions, ability to lift between 25 to 50 lbs., and the ability to perform work in confined space environments (SCBA).

• Must successfully pass a respirator mask fit test (requires employee to be clean shaven at work) and complete confined space training.