Operator in Training

Clearford Water Systems Inc.; Canada; On-site; CAD 31,684 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Vision coverage

Vehicle allowance

Job summary

Clearford Water Systems Inc. is seeking a Water/Wastewater Operator-in-Training (OIT) to join their Operations team. This role involves essential tasks for maintaining water and wastewater systems across Ontario, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.

Successful candidates will have OIT Licenses and strong mechanical aptitude. Positions are open in multiple locations, including Guelph and London, with a competitive hourly rate between $23 and $26. Comprehensive benefits include health coverage and RRSP matching.

Qualifications

• OIT Licenses for Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment required.
• Valid Ontario Class G2 driver’s license required.
• Ability to maintain accurate operational logs and records.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain water treatment and wastewater systems.
• Collect water and wastewater samples for testing.
• Comply with health and safety policies.

Skills

Problem-solving capabilities

Mechanical aptitude

Computer proficiency

Understanding of legislation

Education

Post-Secondary Education in Environmental, Chemical, Biological, or Engineering disciplines

Tools

SCADA systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Clearford is a long‑established leader in the water management sector that has been delivering innovations for over twenty‑five years. Clearford’s integrated water infrastructure solutions deliver sector‑leading efficiency and reliability to our customers. Clearford provides comprehensive support for any water infrastructure challenge, at every stage of the process. As a member of the Operations team, the Water / Wastewater Operator‑in‑Training “OIT” contributes to the successful operation and maintenance of the Water Treatment, Water Distribution and Supply systems, as well as Wastewater Treatment and Wastewater Collection systems operated by Clearford across Ontario. Reporting to the Hub Supervisor, the Operator‑in‑Training will perform essential services to the public and ensure that all applicable legislation, regulations, approvals, orders, and guidelines are adhered to. The Operator‑in‑Training will complete sampling and will document and optimize plant performance. They will perform functions and responsibilities in a team environment with support from the Hub Supervisor, Compliance Team, and other support services.

Locations

• Guelph
• London
• Owen Sound
• Goderich
• Ottawa
• Kawartha
• Barrie
• Haliburton
• Muskoka
• Pickle Lake

• Perform operational and maintenance (preventative and corrective) duties for assigned facilities, including daily rounds, system monitoring, housekeeping, regulatory sampling, and delivery of samples to laboratories.
• Operate, monitor, and repair Surface and Ground Water Treatment Plants, Distribution and Supply Systems, and Reservoirs including PLCs, instrumentation and control systems, analyzers, filtration systems, valves, and hydrants.
• Operate, monitor, and repair Wastewater Treatment Plants with varying complexity, including MBBRs, MBRs, RBCs, WBSs, SBRs, UFMF, and RO systems, lagoons, septic systems, landfill leachate systems, sewage pump stations, and associated infrastructure using SCADA and related control systems.
• Adjust, inspect and evaluate process performance and equipment to optimize operational efficiency in accordance with established procedures.
• Independently troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and process‑related equipment issues and perform necessary repairs using Operations and Maintenance manuals; collaborate with peers and technical support as required.
• Collect regulatory water and wastewater samples (bacteriological, chemical, and effluent) following proper chains of custody protocols and coordinate transportation to certified laboratories.
• Conduct in‑house laboratory testing using handheld instruments such as colorimeters and spectrophotometers.
• Interpret Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); assist with asset data collection for CMMS.
• Participate in the commissioning and optimization of new treatment facilities, including instrumentation, control systems, and SCADA configuration.
• Maintain accurate operational logs and records in compliance with regulatory requirements and internal standards.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations, approvals, orders, and guidelines.
• Communicate effectively with clients, regulatory agencies, suppliers, contractors, internal staff, and members of the public.
• Comply with on‑call rotation schedules, including evenings, weekends and statutory holidays, respond to alarms across multiple sites.
• Travel long distances, including inclement weather, as operationally required.
• Maintain a safe work environment through adherence to health and safety policies, proper use of PPE, and completion of required training.
• Promote a professional and positive working environment while fostering strong client relationships.

• Operators‑in‑Training must have obtained OIT Licenses for:
  • Water Treatment
  • Wastewater Treatment
  • Water Distribution and Supply
  • Wastewater Collection
• Water Distribution and Supply, and Wastewater Collection considered an asset.
• Higher classification of Operator licensing, qualifications and/or experience considered a strong asset.
• Post‑Secondary Education in Environmental, Chemical, Biological, or Engineering disciplines considered an asset.
• Certifications in Confined Space Entry (CSE), Working at Heights, First Aid, Lock‑Out Tag‑Out, WHMIS, and Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) are considered strong assets.
• Understanding current and emerging technologies within the Water and Wastewater industry.
• Basic knowledge of applicable legislation and regulatory requirements, including but not limited to the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Drinking Water Standards, Drinking Water Protection Regulations, Safe Drinking Water Act, Spills Act, and related environmental compliance frameworks.
• Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications (Access, Project, Teams) and experience with web‑based platforms for payroll entry, expense reporting, and operational data management systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with practical familiarity in the use of tools and equipment.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving and troubleshooting capabilities, with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Maintain relevant training and actively pursue advanced certifications relevant to the role.
• Valid Ontario Class G2 driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract.
• Access to a reliable vehicle during working hours.
• Where required, a valid Ontario Class G driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract to operate company vehicles.
• Six (6) years of class G driving experience considered an asset to operate a company vehicle.

Hours of work & Travel Expectations/ Remote Operations

• The Operator‑in‑Training will be required to work outside of regular business hours to facilitate the Operation and Maintenance of the area.
• The Operator‑in‑Training will be required to work on‑call shifts on a rotation basis.
• There will be frequent travel throughout the area and periodic travel to other areas in Ontario.

• Hourly rate $23 – $26 per hour.
• Required and approved overtime calculated weekly, is paid at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate on hours worked in excess of 44 per week.
• Hours required to be worked on statutory holidays are paid at 2 times the regular hourly rate.
• Daily standby rate when scheduled as part of the on‑call rotation.
• Vehicle allowance and fuel reimbursements – for those who use their personal vehicle for business purposes.

• Health, Dental, Life Insurance and Vision coverage effective from date of hire.
• RRSP contribution of 3% matched by employer after three months of employment.