Labourer / Utility Worker Apprentice / Utility Operator

Halifax Water; Halifax; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Halifax Water in Halifax is seeking a Labourer/Utility Worker Apprentice/Utility Operator to support the Water Services department in safely operating the distribution system.

This 18-month full-time term involves OH&S compliance, hands-on labour, hydrant and valve work, and progression through operator competencies with training toward Utility Worker Apprentice/Operator levels. The role requires Grade 12, willingness to work overtime, and ability to work outdoors in all weather.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 or NS Department of Education equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year experience in water utility operation, maintenance or construction.
• Willingness to undertake safety training including First Aid, GHS/WHMIS and related requirements.

Responsibilities

• Ensure your own personal safety and the safety of your co-workers by following all OH&S Rules and Regulations.
• Perform general labour work including excavation, loading/unloading, reinstatement works and other site cleanup activities.
• Respond to scheduled and emergency overtime work.
• Assist with hydrant inspection, operation, preventative maintenance, repairs and replacements.
• Assist with main line valve inspections, operation, repair and replacement.
• Assist with the installation and repair of water mains of all sizes and materials.
• Assist with performing 38 mm to 50 mm diameter water main taps.
• Assist with the installation and repair of water services of all sizes and materials.
• Assist with service box inspections, adjustments and replacements.
• Operate and maintain a variety of tools, equipment and vehicles necessary for the operation of the water distribution system.
• Open and access water distribution information in the corporate GIS system.
• Complete work orders and inspections in the computerized maintenance management system.
• Perform other assignments as deemed appropriate for training towards the Utility Worker Apprentice and Utility Operator 1, 2 and 3 competencies.
• Perform other related duties as may be assigned.

Skills

OH&S awareness

Safety training

Public health awareness

Record keeping

Education

Grade 12 or NS Dept of Education equivalent

Tools

Pumps

Generators

Pipe saws

Hydraulic cutters

Compaction equipment

Arrow boards

Compressors

Job description

Labourer / Utility Worker Apprentice / Utility Operator

Term (Approx. 18 Months) Full Time

Competition #

Department

Water Services

Primary Function

This position will perform all forms of general labour work associated with the operation of the water distribution system in a safe and efficient manner.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure your own personal safety and the safety of your co-workers by following all OH&S Rules and Regulations.


• Perform general labour work including pick and shovel work, excavation, loading/unloading, reinstatement works and other site cleanup activities.


• Respond to scheduled and emergency overtime work.


• Assist with hydrant inspection, operation, preventative maintenance, repairs and replacements.


• Assist with main line valve inspections, operation, repair and replacement.


• Assist with the installation and repair of water mains of all sizes and materials.


• Assist with performing 38 mm to 50 mm diameter water main taps.


• Assist with the installation and repair of water services of all sizes and materials.


• Assist with service box inspections, adjustments and replacements.


• Operate and maintain a variety of tools, equipment and vehicles necessary for the operation of the water distribution system.


• Open and access water distribution information in the corporate GIS system.


• Complete work orders and inspections in the computerized maintenance management system.


• Perform other assignments as deemed appropriate for training towards the Utility Worker Apprentice and Utility Operator 1, 2 and 3 competencies.


• Perform other related duties as may be assigned.

Utility Worker Apprentice Duties:

• Ensure your own personal safety and the safety of your co-workers by following all OH&S Rules and Regulations.


• Perform general labour work including excavation, loading/unloading, reinstatement works and other site cleanup activities.


• Respond to scheduled and emergency overtime work.


• Inspect and operate hydrants. Assist with hydrant preventative maintenance, repairs and replacements.


• Operate main line valves. Assist with valve inspections and the repair and replacement of mainline valves and associated valve box assemblies.


• Assist with the installation and repair of water mains of all sizes and materials.


• Perform annual water distribution system flushing.


• Assist with performing 38 mm to 50 mm diameter water main taps.


• Assist with the installation and repair of water services of all sizes and materials.


• Perform service box inspections and adjustments. Assist with the replacement of service boxes.


• Operate and maintain a variety of tools, equipment and vehicles necessary for the operation of the water distribution system.


• Open and access water distribution information in the corporate GIS system.


• Create and complete work orders and inspections in the computerized maintenance management system.


• Assist with water main, valve, hydrant and service line locates.


• Perform chlorine residual and turbidity testing.


• Assist with the inspection of water reservoirs and sites.


• Perform other assignments as deemed appropriate for training towards the Utility Operator 1, 2 and 3 competency.


• Perform other related duties as may be assigned.

Utility Operator Duties:

• Ensure your own personal safety and the safety of your co-workers by following all OH&S Rules and Regulations.


• Respond to scheduled and emergency overtime work.


• Inspect and operate hydrants and carry out preventive maintenance. Assist with hydrant repairs and replacements.


• Inspect, operate, repair and replace mainline valves and associated valve box assemblies.


• Install and repair water mains of all sizes and materials.


• Perform annual water distribution system flushing.


• Perform 38 mm to 50 mm diameter water main taps. Assist with 100 mm and larger water main taps.


• Install and repair water services of all sizes and materials. Assist with customer flow tests, thawing of services and correcting flow restrictions.


• Perform service box inspections, repairs, replacements and adjustments.


• Assist with control valve and air release valve inspection, operation, maintenance, repair and replacement.


• Operate and maintain a variety of tools, equipment and vehicles necessary for the operation of the water distribution system.


• Open and access water distribution information in the corporate GIS system.


• Create and complete work orders and inspections in the computerized maintenance management system.


• Assist with leak detection activities.


• Perform chlorine residual and turbidity testing.


• Inspect water reservoirs and sites and assist with reservoir cleaning.


• Perform water main, valve, hydrant and service line locates and be capable of recording tie-in information.


• Conduct new subdivision inspection for deficiencies and prepare deficiency lists.


• Perform reinstatement work and other site cleanup activities.


• Respond to service calls relating to customer complaints.


• Train assigned staff to perform skills consistent with approved procedures of Halifax Water.


• Perform other assignments as deemed appropriate for training towards the Utility Operator 2 and 3 competency.


• Perform other related duties as may be assigned.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to: Works Supervisor or designate

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Labourer:

Education:

• Grade 12 or the NS Department of Education equivalent.

Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year experience in water utility operation, maintenance or construction.

Utility Worker Apprentice:

Education:

• Grade 12 or the NS Department of Education equivalent.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years' experiencein water utility operation, maintenance or construction.

Utility Operator:

Education:

• Grade 12 or the NS Department of Education equivalent.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years' experience in water distribution system operation and maintenance.

Other Requirements

Certificates / Licences / Registrations:

• A valid NS Class 5 Driver's license


• Traffic Control Certificate


• Confined Space Entry Course


• Trench Safety Awareness Course

Must be willing to undetake and maintain the following safety training:

• First Aid


• Globally Harmonized System (GHS) (Formerly WHMIS)


• Additional safety training as identified based on legislative and operational requirements

This is a CUPE Local 227 Unionized position

Hours of Work: As per CUPE Local 227 Collective Agreement

Rate of Pay: As per CUPE Local 227 Collective Agreement.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to be trained to perform all aspects of water distribution operation and maintenance.


• Interest and initiative in undertaking training for the various elements of the Utility Worker Apprentice performance checklist.


• Capable of operating pumps, generators, pipe saws, hydraulic cutters, compaction equipment, arrow boards, compressors and any/all related equipment.


• Understand the importance of public health and the role that operating and maintaining the water distribution plays in maintaining public health.


• Capable of working outside of normal business hours and able to respond to emergency service calls.


• Proficient in the use of computerized maintenance management systems as well as other productivity software and systems.


• Must be able to work in a generally unsupervised environment.Ability to work in all weather conditions and environments including heat, cold, rain and snow.


• Ability to keep accurate and detailed records.


• Ability to be diplomatic and courteous when dealing with the public, contractors and other agencies.


• Must be familiar with related Occupational Health and Safety practices. Knowledge of safe excavation and trenching, confined space, traffic control, rigging and commercial. vehciles. Capable to complete a Field Level Hazard Assessment.


• Must be reliable, punctual and have a good attendance record.


• Must be medically fit to carry out the job duties and must be willing to undergo a medical examination by a Halifax Water doctor.

Halifax Water is an equal opportunity employer.

Halifax Water’s goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve, at all job levels. Halifax Water believes a diverse workforce positively contributes to its success, and the success of our community. We encourage applications from qualified African Nova Scotians, LGBTQ+ community, racially visible persons, women in non-traditional positions, persons with disabilities andIndigenous persons. Halifax Water encourages applicants to self-identify in the cover letter.