Co-op Operator Trainee-1

Ontario Clean Water Agency; Sarnia; On-site; CAD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefit pension plan

Comprehensive health plan

Life and disability insurance

Maternity and parental leave top-up

Job summary

Ontario Clean Water Agency in Sarnia, Ontario is seeking a Co-op Operator Trainee-1. This fixed-term position supports operation and maintenance of water and wastewater facilities, with data collection, lab tasks, and report preparation across the hub region.

Applicants should be enrolled in an Environmental Management Co-op program, with knowledge of water treatment operations, basic lab methods, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a College or University Environmental Management Program with a Co-op term.
• General knowledge of water and wastewater facility operation.
• Knowledge of laboratory methods and水quality analysis.
• Health and safety awareness including WHMIS.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain water and wastewater facilities within the region.
• Assist with sample collection and submission, record readings.
• Data entry and process data collection (PDC).
• Support in conducting lab tests and analysis.
• Prepare reports and assist in operations across hub facilities.
• Willingness to travel throughout the Hub Region.

Skills

Laboratory methods

Interpersonal skills

PC proficiency

Effective communication

Education

Enrolled in Environmental Management Co-op

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Job description

Application Deadline: Position Title: Co-op Operator Trainee-1 Division: LAWSS Cluster (Jodi Stradeski) Location: 1215 Fort Street Sarnia, ON N7V 1M1 Canada Location Hierarchy: West Worker Type: Co-op (Fixed Term) Number of Positions: 1 Job Duration: Up to 5 Months Job Term: Full time Job Code: Job Code: 40400 Salary: $26.51 - $28.14 Posting Status: Post Internally and Externally & Post to OPS

Water is our business and our passion. It can be yours too. The water professionals at OCWA know the value of water better than anyone. Our work benefits communities across Ontario every day. Our job (and possibly yours) is also to return treated and safe water back to our lakes and rivers. At OCWA, we have a deep respect for the environment and our responsibility for the health of the communities we serve drives us. A job at OCWA is an opportunity to make a positive impact on millions—a big responsibility. Are you ready? We think you are. So come on in. The water is perfect.

In this role, you will use your skills to operate and maintain the water and wastewater facilities within the region.

OCWA is an agency of the Government of Ontario, reporting to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. For more than 30 years, municipalities, First Nations communities, institutions and industry have put their trust in OCWA to provide water, wastewater and stormwater services. Our extraordinary work demands a community of remarkable people. A career at OCWA is an opportunity to achieve your potential through meaningful, important work.

Job Summary

• Assist in the operating and maintenance of a water and sewage treatment facility
• Assist in collecting and submitting samples, record readings
• Data entry (PDC) Process Data Collection
• Assist in conducting various lab tests and analysis
• Assist in the preparation of reports
• Other duties, as assigned to support and assist in the operations of the groups water and sewage plants throughout the area
• Willingness to travel throughout the Hub Region

Applicant Qualifications

• Enrolled in a College or University Environmental Management Program with a Co-op term
• General knowledge of the operation of water & wastewater treatment facilities
• Knowledge of standard laboratory methods and procedures for water & wastewater analysis
• Knowledge of basic mathematics
• Effective oral, written and interpersonal communications skills
• PC Proficiency including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and other Windows applications
• Lab and sampling experience
• Basic knowledge of Health and Safety, First Aid and WHMIS

Requirements

• Operator-in-Training (OIT) License Certification
• Class “G2” Driver’s license
• Enrolled in a post‑secondary co‑operative education program

What’s in it for you?

Flexible learning and development opportunities. Opportunities for career advancement and specialization with the largest provider of water and wastewater services in Ontario. A wide-ranging compensation structure focused on pay for certification, on‑call pay, call‑back pay, over‑time and Overall Responsible Operator (ORO) pay. Work with the partner of choice for more communities than any other water and wastewater service organization in Ontario for over 30 years. Work with an organization committed to innovation and advanced technology.

• A defined benefit pension plan
• Comprehensive health plan
• Life and disability insurance
• Maternity and parental leave top‑up benefits including for adoptive parents

OCWA’s Operator Career Path Program: The Operator Career Path Program provides learning, continuing education, career development and certification advancement opportunities. As you develop and obtain higher level licenses, you will progress through the Operator Career Path with increased operational responsibilities as well as training and mentoring opportunities. When you successfully obtain a higher certification/license, you will be eligible for additional base or premium pay in accordance with the schedule below. OCWA offers internal career progression for Operators through the Operator Career Path to encourage them to pursue higher‑level licences.

Salary ranges

• $24.88 to $26.41 per hour (OIT)
• $27.92 to $31.06 per hour (Level 1 Operator)
• $29.49 to $32.83 per hour (Level 2 Operator)
• $30.67 to $38.04 per hour (Level 3 or 4 Operator)

OP SW/OCWA’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti‑racism

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti‑racist, inclusive, accessible, merit‑based, respectful and equitable workplace. We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions. Visit the OPS Anti‑Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

The Ontario Clean Water Agency is an inclusive employer and we offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Refer to the application instructions if you require a disability‑related accommodation. The Ontario Clean Water Agency is an agency of the Province of Ontario, reporting to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

As the largest provider of water and wastewater services in Canada, we manage over 800 facilities from small well systems and lagoons to large water and wastewater treatment plants.

Consider this opportunity if you are a motivated, team oriented individual seeking a career in the water and wastewater industry.

We thank you for your interest, and we will only contact you if we choose you for further screening or an interview.

Career decisions can be murky and hard to navigate. OCWA makes it easy.

If you’re looking for career potential through purposeful work, meaningful recognition and a lifetime opportunity for individual growth, OCWA is where you can thrive.

Join an inclusive team environment and unlock your potential in a supportive, recognition‑based culture. With water, your career path is clear.

OCWA is an agency of the Government of Ontario, reporting to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. For more than 30 years, municipalities, First Nations communities, institutions and industry have put their trust in OCWA to provide water, wastewater and stormwater services. Our extraordinary work demands a community of remarkable people. A career at OCWA is an opportunity to achieve your potential through meaningful, important work.