Instrumentation and Control Technician (Water Operations)

Region of Waterloo; Canada; On-site; CAD 61,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Region of Waterloo is seeking an Instrumentation and Control Technician (Water Operations) to operate, maintain, and upgrade water treatment and distribution systems. The role involves programming PLCs, testing SCADA inputs, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

The technician will perform preventive maintenance, calibrations, and emergency repairs, with duties spanning installation, testing, and documentation.

Qualifications

• 3-year college diploma in a related field (Instrumentation, Electrical Control Systems) and 4+ years of related experience.
• Valid Class II Water Distribution Certificate and Class II Water Treatment Certificate or ability to obtain within 3 years.
• Industrial Instrument Mechanic Certification or ability to obtain within 5 years.
• Knowledge of instrumentation, control, and electrical systems.
• Experience with CMMS, PLCs, and electrical safety.

Responsibilities

• Installs, operates, and maintains equipment at remote sites, and schedules preventive maintenance.
• Inspects, starts/stops equipment; adjusts disinfection and chemical systems; tests equipment.
• Programs and tests operating software; ensures regulatory compliance; input to SCADA.
• Maintains logs, work orders, manuals, and CMMS records; generates reports.
• Calibrates equipment and maintains documentation for asset management.
• Participates in system upgrades and process improvements with minimal downtime.
• Responds to urgent issues and performs emergency repairs on instrumentation and electrical equipment.
• Coordinates shutdowns and liaises with utilities/contractors.

Skills

Instrumentation

Electrical control systems

SCADA

Ladder logic

RS Logix/Studio 5000

CMMS

Communication skills

Troubleshooting

On-call standby

Driver's license

Education

3-year college diploma in Instrumentation/Electrical Control Systems

Tools

Allen Bradley RSLogix

Studio 5000 Suite

CMMS software

Microsoft Office

HMI/SCADA software

Job description

Instrumentation and Control Technician (Water Operations)

Job Number: 4692
Job Type:Full-Time
Vacancy Reason: Net New
Location: 2069 Ottawa St S - Mannheim Water Treatment Plant
Job Category: Other
Number of Positions:2
Department: Systems B (Water Operations and Maintenance)
Division: Engineering and Environmental Services
Hours of Work: 40
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm
Union: CUPE 1656
Grade: CUPE 1656 Grade 009S Skilled Trades
Salary Range: $44.45 - $46.79 per hour
Posting Date: August 18, 2026 at 12:00am

About Us!

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:

• Taking only what we need
• Leaving some for others
• Keeping the dish clean

This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.

Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051. Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities and a resilient and future ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.

The Role

Acts as certified operator for the Region per Ontario Regulation 128/04. Performs operational, maintenance, and emergency response on water treatment, water distribution, and systems equipment. Operates, repairs, modifies, retrofits, and installs equipment.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Installs, operates, and performs maintenance on new and modified equipment at remote sites (e.g., control transformers, chemical/process analyzers, PLC/rpu panels). Monitors and schedules predictive and preventive maintenance. Recommends maintenance improvements.
• Inspects, monitors, adjusts, and starts/stops existing equipment; opens/closes valves; adjusts disinfection and chemical systems, and electrical and control indicator equipment. Installs and tests equipment (e.g., pump motors, chemical pumps, UV), capacitors and ballasts. Maintains documentation. Repairs and replaces faulty equipment. Performs UV sensor calculations/ calibrations.
• Programs, verifies, and test operating software. Ensures automatic controlled equipment and processes meet regulatory requirements. Provides input to the SCADA system. Acts as Operator In Charge (OIC) during project software and PLC upgrades.
• Maintains logs and work orders. Completes work order forms and inventory control cards. Runs test results and activity reports. Maintains maintenance records, manuals, wiring schematics, P&IDs, RPU programs, and records for the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Uses CMMS to identify maintenance needs. Recommends new technologies. Calibrates equipment and records in CMMS. Makes recommendations for preventive maintenance and testing programs.
• Provides input on capital project design, programming, inspections/meetings, equipment, and manuals.
• Participates in system upgrades (e.g., control strategies, design drawings/layouts, program development, methodology, commissioning and testing) to ensure minimal disruption and compliance with regulations. Designs, builds, and commissions electrical controls, chemical, and plant process systems.
• Responds to urgent issues and performs emergency repairs on instrumentation/control and electrical equipment as needed. Notifies management for major repairs and assists as needed.
• Provides electrical isolation from control panels for others.
• Contacts utilities and contractors to coordinate shutdowns and installations. Meets with ESA for electrical inspections.
• Maintains library of specifications, instrumentation, drawings, and manuals.
• Maintains tools and equipment in good working condition, and reports servicing needs. Tags items for repair/disposal. Maintains stock (materials, parts, equipment) used for own work, with stockkeeper. Has a p-card to purchase supplies up to set limit.
• Provides technical guidance and monitors the work of other maintenance and operations staff, summer students, and contractors.
• Performs work as assigned by the supervisor, lead hand, and SCADA programmer/analyst. Plans work based on schedule prepared with the supervisor and lead hand.
• Makes technical and safety related decisions for self and others, and recommends solutions to supervisor for issues related to cost, downtime, and additional time required.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skills are acquired through a 3-year college diploma in a related field (e.g., Instrumentation, Electrical Control Systems) plus 4 years of directly related experience.
• Must have valid Class II Water Distribution Certificate and Class II Water Treatment Certificate from the MECP or obtain within three years of date of hire. Must have valid Certificate of Qualification as an Industrial Instrument Mechanic or obtain within five years of date of hire.
• *All training to Obtain the Class II Water Treatment and distribution certification will be provided and paid for by the Region of Waterloo.
• Knowledge and experience with instrumentation, control, and electrical systems.
• Knowledge and experience in the repair, maintenance, and operation of water treatment, process, and motor control and distribution systems.
• Must hold current emergency first aid certification (or attain post-hire).
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, and related legislation and regulations (e.g., health and safety, safe drinking water, electrical safety, confined spaces).
• Solid understanding of chemical systems, including anhydrous ammonia, gas chlorination, ozone.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to ensure compliance; assist to resolve process, control, and network communication issues; and determine sequencing for shutdowns/start-ups.
• Ability to deal with competing and changing priorities as directed by supervisor and/or lead hand.
• Ability to create and implement computerized programs for remote sites; use electrical test equipment; and research, diagnose, and replace faulty instrument equipment.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as a computerized maintenance management system, ladder logic programs/applications (e.g., Allen Bradley, RS Logix, Studio 5000 Suite), Microsoft Office, operator-interface-terminal software; RPU controller/PLC software; and proportional integral derivative controllers.
• Ability to develop drawings (e.g., instrumentation, controls, PIDs), test results, activity reports, computerized work orders; equipment/maintenance logs; summaries and inspection documentation for new plant acceptance.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, bulletins, instrumentation and control drawings, programming language, operation and maintenance manuals.
• Communication and interpersonal skills to coordinate activities and/or instruct other staff; provide information regarding process and operating strategies; discuss requirements with suppliers; obtain information to diagnose issues; and participate as an effective team member.
• Must have a valid Class G driver's license (or G2 with 3 years of driving experience) and satisfactory driving record to operate corporate vehicles.
• Ability to participate in a stand-by/on call rotation in addition to regular work schedule.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

Region of Waterloo is committed to building a workforce through fair, equitable, and accessible hiring practices that allow us to hire qualified staff who reflect the diversity of the community we serve and to promote a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace.

• First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples;
• members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin;
• persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities;
• persons who identify as women; and persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions

For questions or to request accommodations during your recruitment, onboarding or employment, please [e-mail] , or by calling our Service First Contact Centre at phone number [phone].

Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hiring Process: Region of Waterloo may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance efficiency during the recruitment process. However, applications will also be reviewed by a member of our Talent Acquisition team to ensure a fair and thorough assessment. AI does not make final hiring decisions.

Please note: candidates will be provided an update on their application. Please check your spam or junk folder occasionally as some candidates have noticed our emails in those folders (Gmail and Hotmail in particular).