PLANT TECHNICIAN WASTEWATER

City of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 101,923,000 - 127,625,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Toronto seeks an Operator in Charge to operate and monitor wastewater treatment facilities across multiple plants, ensuring regulatory compliance and optimal performance. The role involves detailed data logging, alarm response, and adherence to OH&S standards.

Requires MOE Class IV certificate (or progression to Class 1-4) and a strong safety mindset. Shifts include evenings and weekends; driving required for field duties.

Qualifications

• Must have Grade 12 diploma or MOE equivalent and a valid Class IV Wastewater Treatment Operator's Certificate.
• Alternative: 2-year college/university diploma in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or equivalent and ability to obtain Class IV certificate.
• If uncertified, must complete Class 1-4 exams within set timelines.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor wastewater treatment plant processes and equipment to optimize performance and regulatory compliance.
• Respond to alarms and emergencies to maintain safe and compliant operations.
• Maintain records using plant logbooks and computerized systems; ensure safe work practices.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Safety consciousness

Problem solving

Education

Grade 12 or MOE equivalent

Wastewater Treatment Operator's Certificate Class IV

Tools

PCS/SCADA

LIMS

e.RIS

WMS

Job description

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Amendment Type: Amendment #1
Amendment Date: 09/29/2026
Amendment Reason: Please note change in working locations.

Job ID: 50733
Job Category: Engineering & Technical
Division & Section: Toronto Water, Wastewater Treatment
Work Location(s): Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant, 9 Leslie Street (8 positions), Humber Treatment Plant, 130 The Queensway (2 positions), Highland Creek Treatment Plant, 51 Beechgrove Drive (5 positions)
Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Temporary (Transition to Full-time Permanent after obtaining Class 4 WWT Certification)
Hourly Rate: $35.62 - $44.54
Hours & Shift Information: Monday to Sunday, 40 hours per week. Regularly scheduled rotating shifts and/or other shift schedules consisting of 12 and/or 8 hour shifts.
Affiliation: L416 Outside
Number of Positions Open: 15
Posting Period: 29-Sept-2026 to 14-Oct-2026

Major Responsibilities:

• Adjusts, inspects and evaluates processes and equipment that control the operation and effectiveness of a wastewater treatment facility in order to optimize performance, maintain regulatory compliance, and minimize local and/or plant wide adverse impacts while taking into consideration cost, equipment capabilities, environmental impacts and OH&S.
• Operates and monitors the performance of plant process equipment and related appurtenances, including but not limited to valves, gates, pumps, compressors, engines, electric motors/generators, boilers, incinerators, HVAC systems, chemical dosing equipment, etc.
• Makes process adjustments, operational decisions and addresses/responds to alarm conditions and emergency situations to ensure efficient, compliant and safe operation within established performance, regulatory and quality limits.
• Upon fulfilling licensing requirements, assumes the duties and responsibilities of an Operator In Charge (OIC) as defined by O.Reg 129/04.
• Maintains records and documentation of all process and/or work area activities using either manual or computerized systems including but not limited to plant logbooks, computerized databases, work order documentation, etc.
• Accountable for the efficient operation, in compliance with applicable regulations, of all processes within an assigned work area in a Wastewater Treatment Plant as well as for personal performance and promoting optimal team performance.
• Collects samples, performs routine tests and analysis, and records results.
• Identifies changes in operational conditions and interprets information in order to implement corrective actions and/or trouble shoot process issues.
• Utilizes various tools to perform operational duties including but not limited to Process Control System (PCS), other SCADA systems, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Work Management System (WMS) and Eramosa Reporting and Information System (e.RIS)Electronic Operator System (EOPs) to maintain, manage and validate the operational data.
• Ensures safe work practices are followed and may be required to utilize self-contained breathing apparatus/respirator, perform confined space entry, perform equipment lockout/tagging, etc.
• Isolates, locks out and takes appropriate actions required to make ready systems and equipment to support/perform maintenance activities.
• Performs preventative maintenance diagnostics, and routine preventative maintenance duties such as monitoring equipment for excessive vibration or high temperatures.
• Monitors and assesses equipment performance and maintains process operations by using CLAIR (clean, lubricate, adjust, inspect, repair).
• Performs minor electrical and instrumentation responsibilities such as calibration of instruments as well as minor service and repairs to mechanical equipment such as replacing
• V-belts on small rotating equipment, disconnecting/reconnecting pipes, removing/installing small equipment, minor plumbing repairs, etc.
• Ensures cleanliness and safety of facilities by maintaining the work area clean and organized.
• Utilizes the Work Management System to identify and report maintenance needs and document work activities.
• Initiates material purchase orders, issues materials documents, receives materials, maintains inventories and records and follows up on maintenance quality.
• Initiates the call in of plant staff on evenings and weekends to deal with shift coverage, operational issues and emergencies.
• Provides work direction and training to other staff.
• Responds and interacts with the staff/public/Regulators related to plant operations
• Performs all work assignments safely in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and all other applicable regulations and legislation.
• Works shifts as per assigned Work Area, shift assignment and work schedule
• Performs work in a safe, efficient and courteous manner.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Key Qualifications:
Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:

• Must have a Grade 12 diploma or equivalent as recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE), and must possess and maintain a valid Class IV Wastewater Treatment Operator's Certificate (obtained by written exam) issued under Ontario Regulation 129/04.
• Or, as an alternative, must have a minimum 2 year diploma/degree/certificate from a recognized Canadian college or university in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or equivalent alternate and be able to obtain Class IV Wastewater Treatment Operator's Certificate issued under Ontario Regulation 129/04.
• Should a successful applicant be employed without holding any Operator certification, he/she will be required to write and pass the Class 1 certification exam within 90 days from their start date, and then progress through the various Levels by writing and passing the respective exams in accordance with the following schedule:
• Class 2 exam by no later than 1 year after obtaining the Class 1 Licence
• Class 3 exam by no later than 3 years after obtaining the Class 1 Licence
• Class 4 exam by no later than 4 years after obtaining the Class 1 Licence
• Should a successful applicant be employed holding an initial Operator certification at a Level 1 through 3, he/she will be placed on the above schedule as per their respective certification and will be required to obtain the next level of certification within the same prescribed time frames.

You must also have:

• Must be familiar with environmental regulations applicable to the operation of wastewater treatment facilities.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices necessary in the operation and maintenance of an advanced wastewater treatment plant including knowledge of the Activated Sludge process,
• Anaerobic Digestion, Dewatering, Incineration, Disinfection and Nutrient Removal.
• Ability to work with process control automation systems and interpret process information.
• An ability to alter unit process operations manually or using computerized technology to meet varying conditions.
• Knowledge of record keeping, sampling techniques and analytical procedures including the ability to interpret and make process adjustment.
• General knowledge of basic mechanical/electrical theory and instrumentation.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety precautions necessary to work in a wastewater treatment plant including confined space entry, use of self-contained breathing apparatus, equipment lockout/tagging and personal protective.
• Basic computer skills including ability to use basic word processing, email and spreadsheet software programs.
• Ability to provide good customer service and communicate courteously with the public.
• An ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• An ability to prepare reports and maintain neat and accurate records.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• An ability to work well in a team.
• A demonstrated interest in continuous learning.
• Must possess and be able to maintain a valid Province of Ontario, Class “G” Driver’s License and must have or shall be required to obtain required City permit for assigned vehicle(s) and equipment(s).
• Must be familiar with requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations for the safe performance of his/her duties and responsibilities or capable of obtaining familiarity of same.
• Will be required to do shift work in accordance with Collective Agreement.
• Ability to orient new staff on assigned vehicles/equipment.
• Ability to use or learn to use various technical devices related to the position.
• Must be physically capable of performing required duties (accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required under the City’s Employment Accommodation Policy and the Joint Modified Work Program in the Collective Agreement).

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity .