Equipment Operator I, Underground Services

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo; Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 63,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is seeking an Equipment Operator I, Underground Services in Fort McMurray. You will safely operate and maintain equipment involved in water distribution and wastewater collection, adhering to safety procedures and company standards.

The role requires semi-skilled labor with independence under supervision, with opportunities to participate in training programs and field operations across diverse municipal infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Experience operating high velocity jet rodder and vacuum truck requested (1 year).
• Assets: experience with wet vacuum truck, high pressure/steamer truck and other listed equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain equipment during excavation, maintenance, and repair of water/wastewater systems.
• Assist in locating underground utilities and reviewing pre-excavation checks.
• Maintain daily equipment log and perform routine servicing.
• Complete pre/post-trip inspections and safety reports as required.
• Perform traffic control, confined space work, and general labour as needed.

Skills

Operate equipment

Attention to detail

Read blueprints

Read manuals

Teamwork

Math/numeracy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Jet rodder

Vacuum truck

Backhoe

Skid steer

Tandem dump trucks

Job description

Requisition ID: 4307
Affiliation: CUPE Municipal
Position Type: Temporary Full Time
Fixed Term Duration: Anticipated end date is January 7, 2027
Number of Openings: 1
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

Reposted (17/10/2026): (original CUPE closing date: 17/05/2026 )
Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy): 25/10/2026
Posting Type: Internal and External

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 entailed 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.