Operator Trainee (x2)

Regional District of Nanaimo; Nanaimo; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Regional District of Nanaimo is seeking two (2) Operator Trainees for the Wastewater Services Department in a temporary full-time capacity. Positions will operate at the French Creek and Greater Nanaimo Pollution Control Centres, reporting to the Chief Operator.

The role includes operations, maintenance, and housekeeping tasks, with weekend shifts required. Pay ranges from $32.63 to $34.35 per hour, with 12.4% in lieu of benefits.

Qualifications

• Eligible to write EOCP OIT exam or currently enrolled in EOCP program.
• Completion of a recognized Wastewater Treatment Technology program or equivalent training and experience to permit EOCP OIT exam eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Assist in inspection of systems to ensure proper operation and report abnormal conditions.
• Enter data into operational/maintenance records and logbooks.
• Assist in pump station operation and routine maintenance tasks.
• Perform plant process operational adjustments as directed.
• Assist in maintenance of sludge dewatering equipment and polymer systems.
• Support routine maintenance and safety procedures to promote a safe work environment.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Basic laboratory skills

Basic computer skills

Education

EOCP OIT eligible

Wastewater Treatment Technology program completed

Tools

Pumps and dewatering equipment

Job description

Operator Trainee (x2)
Temporary Full-Time | Internal

Wastewater Services
Competition No.: 2026-1128

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Regional District of Nanaimo is seeking two (2) temporary full-time Operator Trainees to work at the French Creek Pollution Control Centre (FCPCC) and Greater Nanaimo Pollution Control Centre (GNPCC) with the Wastewater Services Department.

Reporting to the Chief Operator, Wastewater Services, the Operator Trainee will perform a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled tasks. In addition to assisting their Chief Operator, the Operator Trainee’s duties will consist of operations, maintenance and routine housekeeping of the facilities. The Operator Trainee will be located at either the FCPCC or GNPCC, and they must be available to work at either site as operationally required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must be eligible to write the Operator-In-Training (OIT) exam with the BC Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP), or currently enrolled in a post-secondary Wastewater Treatment Technology Program. The incumbent must possess a valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License, and a Level 1 First Aid Course would be an asset.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

This position will require moderate physical effort and agility as well as an above average mechanical aptitude in the Wastewater field. We are looking for someone with basic laboratory, electrical, instrumentation, and pipe fitting skills, as well as basic computer skills.

POSITION DETAILS

These are temporary full-time (40 hours per week) Union positions until April 30, 2027, with the possibility of ending early or extension based on the operational needs of the department. Applicants must be able to work weekend shifts. The (2026) rate of pay is $32.63 to $34.35 per hour, plus 12.4% in lieu of benefits including vacation and statutory holidays.

Date Posted: October 30, 2026

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

ELIGIBILITY LIST

This competition may establish an Eligibility List for the Operator Trainee position. The list may be used to fill future TFT Operator Trainee vacancies within Wastewater Services. For more information about eligibility lists, see Letter of Understanding #15.

CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK

A satisfactory Criminal Record Check including a Vulnerable Sector Check is a condition of employment with the Regional District of Nanaimo.

Operator Trainee
Wastewater Services
Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Chief Operator, the Operator Trainee performs a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled tasks in Wastewater operations. This role supports the Chief Operator in day-to-day activities in operations, maintenance, and routine housekeeping of the facilities. This position supports the department by assisting team members in their duties, as required, to meet service expectations, departmental goals, and objectives.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in the inspection of systems to ensure proper operation and corrects and/or reports abnormal conditions.
• Enters data into operational/maintenance records and logbooks as appropriate.
• Assists in pump station operation and routine maintenance tasks.
• Performs plant process operational adjustments as directed.
• Assists in the routine maintenance and operations of the sludge dewatering equipment and polymer systems.
• Performs routine emergency systems tests.
• Assists in the monitoring and routine maintenance of force mains, trunk sewers and pump stations including related appurtenances.
• Assists in the repairs of pumps and other plant and pump station equipment.
• Assists in Plant and Pump Station chemical handling, receiving and transfers.
• Reviews, adheres to, and supports the adherence to safe work procedures in the workplace and generally promotes a safe work environment.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Job Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Operator in Training (OIT) in Wastewater Treatment Certification with the BC Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP), or eligibility to write the OIT exam.
• Partial or full completion of a recognized Wastewater Treatment Technology program, or equivalent training and experience to permit the eligibility to write the EOCP OIT exam.

Skills/Abilities

• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence.
• Ability to work weekend shifts.
• Knowledge of safe work procedures.
• Knowledge of WHMIS.
• Knowledge of OFA Level 1 First Aid.
• Knowledge of Transportation of Dangerous Goods.
• Basic computer skills.

Certification-Related Compensation

Operator Trainees possessing the following certifications are eligible for the EOCP premium:

• EOCP Wastewater Collection 1 or higher

Operator Trainees who gain the all the qualifications required for the Operator 1 position will become Level 1 Operators.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to: Chief Operator

Applications will be accepted until: 4:00 pm, on November 13, 2026