D/C Operator Trainee

Aquatera Utilities Inc.; Area E (Beaverdell/West Boundary); On-site; CAD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquatera Utilities Inc. in Alberta is seeking a Distribution and Collection Operator Trainee for our water distribution and wastewater collection team.

This full-time role involves hands-on work with small crews to maintain and operate mains, hydrants, lift stations, meters, and related assets while upholding our safety standards. Ideal candidates are self-motivated, able to work with minimal supervision, and hold a valid Class 5 driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of distribution and collection infrastructure preferred.
• Must be self-motivated, organized, and safety conscious.
• Ability to work without direct supervision.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with mechanical aptitude.
• Good oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in water distribution and wastewater collection preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate water and wastewater mains.
• Maintain hydrants, valves, maintenance holes and lift stations.
• Electronic inspection and unclogging of wastewater services.
• Water meter installation and electronic water meter reading.
• Water and wastewater sampling and testing.
• Water service activations, shutoffs, and curb stop operations; maintain records.
• Utility locates, excavation support, and contractor/public interaction.
• SCADA/facility rounds, work orders, digital asset records.
• Safe use of assigned equipment and outdoor work in all weather.
• Occasional operational support at treatment facilities and travel to other Aquatera locations.

Skills

Self-motivated

Organized

Safety conscious

Work without direct supervision

Analytical and problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school or equivalent

AEPA water distribution level II

AEPA wastewater collection level II

Confined space entry certificate

First aid certificate

Valid Class 5 driver’s license

Job description

Position: Distribution and Collection Operator Trainee – Full Time

Department: Distribution & Collection – Diamond Valley

Reports To: Manager, Managed Operations

Work with Purpose. Live with Possibility.

At Aquatera, we’re more than a utility provider, we’re environmental leaders delivering high-quality water, wastewater, and solid waste services while growing healthier communities across Alberta. As a locally owned organization and an Alberta Top Employer, we’re proud to offer meaningful work, opportunities for development and growth, and a fulfilling lifestyle all within a supportive work environment. Everything we do contributes to cleaner water, a healthier environment, and stronger communities so you’ll go home knowing your work truly matters. We foster a strong, supportive culture grounded in safety, integrity, collaboration, and innovation. With opportunities for training, mentorship, and career advancement, Aquatera is a place to grow and thrive while maintaining a positive work life balance. We’re looking for passionate and diverse professionals looking to work in a fast-paced environment who share our values and are committed to making a lasting impact.

About the Role

We are currently recruiting a distribution and collection operator for our water distribution and wastewater collection department. This job is for physically active people who get a great deal of satisfaction from doing the job right every time. Highly motivated, independent workers will enjoy the opportunity to work with small crews to accomplish big things and to support Aquatera’s culture of continuous improvement. Regular working hours are Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; however, occasional alternate shifts may be required to meet operational needs. The role also requires the ability to work independently in a rotational on-call schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate water and wastewater mains
• Maintain and operate hydrants and valves
• Maintain and operate maintenance holes and lift stations
• Electronic inspection and unclogging of wastewater services
• Maintain water pumping and storage facilities
• Snow clearing of walkways around operating facilities
• Water meter installation and electronic water meter reading
• Water and wastewater sampling and testing
• Perform water service activations, shut offs, and curb stop operations. Maintain accurate maintenance, inspection, sampling, and asset records. Watermain breaks, sewer backups, lift station alarms, and emergency response
• Utility locates, excavation support, and contractor/public interaction
• SCADA/facility rounds, work orders, digital asset records, and chain-of-custody/sample documentation
• Safe use of assigned equipment and outdoor work in all weather
• Other related duties as assigned, which may include, but are not limited to, providing occasional operational support at water and wastewater treatment facilities, as trained and assigned. Provides operational support to other communities and Aquatera service locations, including travel and temporary work away from Diamond Valley, as operational needs require.

Qualifications and Required Skills

• Knowledge of distribution and collection infrastructure repair and maintenance preferred
• Must be self-motivated, organized, and safety conscious
• Must be able to work without direct supervision
• Must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills and a proven mechanical aptitude
• Must have good oral, written, and interpersonal skills, supporting our values and principles
• AEPA water distribution, level II and wastewater collection, level II would be preferred
• Experience in water distribution and wastewater collection preferred
• Related experience and/or education may be considered
• High school or equivalent education
• Must possess a valid Class 5 driver’s license (non GDL)
• Possession of confined space entry and standard first aid certificates are an asset
• Operational support and travel to other sites or locations we serve, including overnight travel, may be required

Compensation

Compensation and benefits are in accordance with the current CUPE collective agreement.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada without limitations
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license
• Satisfactory driver’s abstract
• Satisfactory criminal record check
• Pass 50 lb. fitness test
• Pass comprehensive drug and alcohol test

Ready to make a difference?

Start your journey with Aquatera Utilities Inc. Join Our Team: Aquatera. This competition will remain open until September 18, 2026 We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.