Foreperson, Water Treatment Operations

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo; Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 78,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo seeks a Foreperson, Water Treatment Operations to oversee day-to-day water treatment activities in Fort McMurray. You will supervise staff, ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and coordinate service delivery with internal and external stakeholders.

Under minimal supervision you will provide SME guidance, analyze plant performance, and drive improvements to deliver safe potable water and efficient operations for the community.

Qualifications

• AEPA Water Treatment Certification Level III is required.
• Engineering Technologist Diploma is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Supervise field staff and coordinate work to meet standards and regulatory requirements.
• Inspect work for safety, municipal, and environmental compliance.
• Optimize operations using data-driven methods and analytical equipment.
• Develop operator skills, train and mentor staff, standardize training.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate related activities including reports.

Skills

Machine operation

Water sampling

Blueprint reading

MS Office

SOP drafting

Leadership

Independent work

Safety compliance

Education

AEPA Water Treatment Certification Level III

Engineering Technologist Diploma (asset)

Tools

LCA5 instrument

Zetasizer

Microsoft Office

Job description

Requisition ID:4626
Affiliation: CUPE Municipal
Position Type: Permanent Full Time
Number of Openings: 2
Bi-weekly Working Hours: 84 hours bi-weekly
Shift/Work Schedule:7 days on 7 days off 12-hour shifts
Department/ Branch: Environmental Services, Water Treatment
Job Location:Fort McMurray
Pay Level:PL15
Start Rate: $56.87
Permanent Rate: $67.04(Permanent rate effective after completion of probation)
COLA:Bi-Weekly - $480
Posted (dd/mm/yyyy): 31/10/2026
Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy):15/11/2026
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 minimal supervision, the Foreperson, Water Treatment Operations provides subject matter expert (SME) technical guidance and directs staff in the operation and coordination of day-to-day water treatment operational activities. The incumbent provides technical assistance, inspects the work of staff and contractors, and coordinates service delivery with internal and external clients, impacting the quality of potable water to ensure safe and efficient operations and compliance with federal, provincial, and municipal regulations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• • Responsible for first-level supervision in the field; coordinating staff work activities to ensure compliance with organizational standards, time schedules, job specifications and regulatory requirements.
  • Inspect work to ensure compliance with safety, municipal, and environmental requirements.
  • Ensure efficient, cost effective, and safe operations of water treatment facilities through data-driven optimization based on analytical equipment such as the LCA5 or Zetasizer.

• • Support the development of operator technical skills; planning training, mentoring, and encouraging operational and certification development for all operations staff.
  • Standardize training practices for new operators to ensure consistency and quality.
  • Respond to and resolve emergency issues and co-ordinate associated activities to include follow-up reports.
  • Take the lead on execution during priority and emergency work, which may include field planning, sourcing chemicals, equipment, supplies, and other tasks as required.
  • Analyze water records, address undesirable conditions, and recommend corrective actions.
  • Review and file month-end reports, statistical data, and project documentation.
  • Coordinate and prepare Sequential Isolation Forms (SIF) for process equipment lockouts.
  • Review and file daily and monthly testing records; ensure daily records and reports are completed by staff.
  • Ensure adequate inventory of chemicals, equipment, and supplies, assisting with the ordering of water treatment chemicals to maintain stock levels.
  • Conduct or review chemical and physical analysis of raw or treated water.
  • Consistently review all statistical data to maximize plant operation.
  • Ensure proper sampling and reporting to government agencies as required.
  • Provide technical input for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other operational documents.
  • Operate the water treatment facilities as required (sometimes with short notice).
  • Provide SME technical input on strategic assignments and special studies and Capital or Operational Projects
  • Participate in strategic planning and operational adjustments to align with branch goals, providing technical input on strategic assignments, capital, or operational projects.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• • Skilled in the operation of machines, tools and mobile equipment used in municipal water treatment facilities under varying conditions.
  • Proficiency in the use of various sampling and testing equipment and instruments.
  • Ability to understand and execute verbal and written instructions, read and interpret blueprints, drawings, plans and specifications.
  • Proficiency with various Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and the ability to utilize office equipment.
  • Ability to create and draft SOPs.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to coordinate and prioritize work activities.
  • Ability to work independently and to effectively schedule work to meet service demands and minimize disruption to residents.
  • Knowledge and proficiency in occupational health and safety regulations, the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the ability to implement safe work practices.
  • Knowledge of health and safety procedures for confined space entry, ground disturbance, fall protection and working alone.
  • Ability to communicate respectfully and establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, leaders, and external contacts.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• • Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) Water Treatment Certification Level III is required.

• • Engineering Technologist Diploma and/or additional post-secondary education in related Water Systems Operation/Treatment program is considered an asset.
  • Five (5) years of directly related water treatment experience in a level IV water treatment facility is required.
  • Two (2) years of leadership experience in an operational plant setting with demonstrated experience accurately maintaining records and preparing technical reports is required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• • Submission of a Criminal Record Check.
  • A valid Class Five (5) Operator’s Licence is required as incumbent will be required to operate a personal or municipal vehicle for business use on a regular basis.
  • Must be willing to work in all weather conditions.
  • Must be physically to access all work locations, including confined/restricted spaces.
  • 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.

As a leader the incumbent is responsible for taking all necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of every worker under their direction, including advising every worker of the applicable hazards and control measures, and ensuring every worker under their direction properly utilizes all applicable control measures including required personal protective equipment.