Equipment Operator I, UGS

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo; Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

COLA

Bi-weekly pay

Job summary

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is seeking an Equipment Operator I, Underground Services to support water and wastewater infrastructure in Fort McMurray. The role involves operating a range of equipment, performing maintenance, and ensuring safe, compliant work practices.

The position is temporary full-time, with a fixed end date of January 15, 2027, and a 4x10 hour shift schedule. A High School diploma and 1 year of relevant experience are required, with several certifications considered

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1 year of experience operating jet rodder and combination vacuum truck in water/wastewater systems.
• Experience operating listed equipment is assets.
• AEP Level I certifications are assets.
• Ability to work rotating shifts outdoors in all conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain equipment during excavation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution and wastewater systems.
• Assist in troubleshooting during repairs of water and wastewater systems.
• Assist in locating underground utilities.
• Review pre-excavation checks with senior operators and labourers.
• Maintain daily equipment logs and report maintenance needs to supervisor.
• Complete daily pre- and post-trip inspections, safety reports and required paperwork.
• Perform Field Level Hazard Assessments and incident reports as required.
• Participate in training and safety programs and assist with traffic control when needed.
• Perform work in confined spaces and other general labour duties as required.

Skills

Equipment operation

Attention to detail

Blueprint reading

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Mathematical ability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

• Position Type: Temporary Full Time


• Fixed Term Duration: Anticipated to end January 15, 2027


• Bi-weekly Working Hours: 80 hours bi-weekly


• Shift/Work Schedule: 4 x 10-hour shifts per week


• Department/ Branch: Environmental Services, Underground Services


• Job Location: Fort McMurray


• Pay Level: PL10


• Rate: $ 48.18


• COLA: Bi-Weekly - $480

We strive to make our hiring process accessible to all candidates. If you require accommodation for the interview or any other part of the application process, please let us know.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

Step into a career that’s grounded in action and driven by purpose. At the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, our Environmental Services team is at the heart of sustainability and safety. Whether you're operating advanced water treatment systems or managing solid waste and underground infrastructure, you’ll play a vital role in protecting public health and the environment.

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves for a career that combines purpose, precision, and progress, we’d love to hear from you.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION :

Under general supervision, the Equipment Operator I, Underground Services safely and competently operates and maintains a variety of equipment involved in the distribution, collection, and disposal of water and wastewater in the region. Assigned equipment and hand/power tools are used, including, but not limited to, high velocity jet rodder, combination vacuum truck, wet vacuum truck, high pressure/steamer truck, backhoe (front loader only), loader to 4.5 cubic yard, skid steer, tandem dump truck, compressor, mobile pump, self-propelled compactor vibratory/static, potable water truck, curb saw, and various hand tools.

The Equipment Operator I responsibilities involve work of a semi-skilled and manual labour nature. The work entails the responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of equipment and is completed with considerable independence but monitored by a Supervisor, Foreman, or other designated lead while in progress or upon completion for attainment of desired objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate and perform maintenance using assigned equipment and tools during excavation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution and wastewater collection systems.


• Assist in troubleshooting during the repair and maintenance of water distribution and wastewater collection systems.


• Assist in locating underground utilities.


• Review pre-excavation checks with Equipment Operator II, Utility Operator, and Labourer.


• Maintain daily operation equipment log detailing condition of equipment and work performed, clean and perform minor servicing, and report maintenance problems to the Foreman or Supervisor.


• Complete daily pre and post trip inspections, paperwork, and safety reports as required.


• Complete Field Level Hazard Assessments (FLHAs) and incident reports as required.


• Complete training on equipment and participate in the RMWB training programs as required by operations.


• Perform traffic control and/or flagging, spotting, and other related activities as required and in support of equipment operations.


• Perform work in confined spaces (i.e., accessing maintenance holes, pressure reducing valves, and air release chambers), at times, while adhering to all safety requirements and the Municipality’s Confined Space Code of Practice.


• Perform general labour duties as required.


• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to operate a range of equipment under varying conditions, being always aware of surroundings and conditions.


• Attention to detail and observational skills, with ability to detect minor defects in equipment used.


• Ability to read and interpret underground water and sewer blueprints and identify hazardous waste symbols and signs.


• Ability to read, interpret, and apply equipment manuals, diagrams, operating procedures, and work plans.


• Ability to understand/follow verbal and written instructions, keep simple records, communicate respectfully with co-workers, and work effectively in a team environment.


• Considerable knowledge of occupational hazards, signage, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and applicable safety precautions as per applicable legislation, and municipal and trucking/heavy equipment industry standards.


• Familiarity with methods, procedures, quality standards, and safety manuals relative to each job being performed.


• Ability to work independently, demonstrating responsibility and reliability.


• General math and numeracy skills to calculate distance lengths, depths, and capacity loads, as well as the ability to calculate metric conversions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.


• One (1) year of experience operating high velocity jet rodder and combination vacuum truck in a water and wastewater systems environment (operation, maintenance, or construction). Experience must include a minimum of six (6) months operating each piece of equipment for a combined total of one (1) year.


• Previous experience operating wet vacuum truck, high pressure/steamer truck, backhoe (front loader only), loader to 4.5 cubic yard, skid steer, tandem dump trucks, compressors, mobile pumps, self-propelled compactor vibratory/static, potable water truck are assets.


• Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) Level I Certification in Water Distribution and in Wastewater Collection at the time of hire are an asset, with preference given to candidates who hold both, followed by preference to candidates who hold one of the Level I certifications.


• AEP Pre-Entry Level I Training to be completed within the first year of hire. AEP Level I Certification in Water Distribution and/or Wastewater Collection must be obtained within two (2) years of hire.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to provide a Criminal Record Check for review and acceptance.


• A valid Class Three (3) Operator’s License is required as incumbent will be required to operate a personal or municipal vehicle for business use on a regular basis.


• Q-endorsement (Air Brakes) is required.


• A valid Class One (1) Operator’s License is an asset.


• Equipment field testing and/or competency testing will be required as part of the interview evaluation.


• Must be willing to work outside in all conditions.


• Immunizations are strongly recommended for work in unsanitary conditions.


• Must be medically and physically able to perform all duties of the position on an ongoing basis.


• Ability to work a rotating shift that includes holidays, evening/night shift, and weekends.

SAFETY:

As an employee of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the incumbent is responsible for understanding and actively participating in the RMWB’s health and safety management system, and complying with all policies, practices, and procedures. All employees must take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves and others, as well as immediately report any concerns, near misses, incidents, and hazardous conditions to their supervisor.