Senior Operator, Wastewater Collection

City of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 61,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Referral incentive

Relocation assistance

Job summary

City of Calgary is seeking a Senior Operator to lead wastewater system operations, repairs and maintenance. You will analyze site conditions, manage complex activities and ensure compliance with standards and safety protocols.

The role involves on-site leadership of a small team and coordinating with colleagues to protect water quality and public health. The position requires at least 6 years in wastewater/stormwater, a Level 2 certification, and valid driving licenses.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED or CAEC).
• Level 2 Wastewater Operator Certification or equivalent; transferrable from outside Alberta.
• At least 6 years of related Wastewater & Stormwater experience in a water utility with increasing responsibility.
• Ability to plan shutdown/bypass activities on the Wastewater collection system.
• Ability to plan and perform return to service activities.
• Understanding of environmental release issues and emergency response.

Responsibilities

• Perform operations, maintenance and repair on the wastewater system.
• Assess site-specific conditions to analyze risks, impacts and safety.
• Use regulatory standards to develop and apply solutions.
• Plan and delegate maintenance to ensure compliance and proper staffing.
• Ensure work complies with standards and best practices.
• Provide coaching to junior operators and report on crew performance.
• Monitor system operations and suggest improvements.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Computer skills

Safety-minded

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Wastewater Operator Certification Level 2 or equivalent

Tools

Software/IT familiarity

Remote devices

Job description

If you are committed to public service, enjoy collaborating with others, share our values and have a desire to learn and grow, join The City of Calgary. City employees deliver the services, run the programs and operate the facilities which make a difference in our community. We support work-life balance, promote physical and psychological safety, and offer competitive wages, pensions, and benefits. Together we make Calgary a great place to make a living, a great place to make a life. The City is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request.

As a Senior Operator, you will be the lead operator for the repair, replacement, installation, and maintenance activities within the wastewater system. You will lead on site to analyze and determine the course of action for complex activities where there is a risk to water quality and/or public health. Your knowledge of the system as a whole and the site-specific conditions is imperative to the decision-making process. As the "Field Expert" on the Wastewater system, you will be assigned significant operational and maintenance activities on your own (partnered appropriately with an Intermediate Operator, Junior Operator and/or Utility Worker). Primary duties include:

Primary duties include

• Perform operations, maintenance and repair activities on the wastewater system.
• Assess site-specific conditions to conduct an analysis of risks, impacts, safety, dependencies, resourcing.
• Use sources of information, including legislative and regulatory standards, to develop and apply solutions.
• Plan, organize and delegate maintenance activities to the appropriate personnel to ensure system is maintained according to legislative and regulatory standards.
• Ensure the work is compliant with standards, regulations, and best practices.
• Provide coaching and mentoring on maintenance activities for intermediate and junior operators. Report to supervisors and leaders on crew performance and development.
• Monitor work done on the system, providing feedback for system and process improvements.

Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED or CAEC [Canadian Adult Education Certificate]).
• Level 2 Wastewater Operator Certification or equivalent. Certifications issued outside of Alberta will need to be transferred through the Alberta reciprocity program prior to start of employment.
• At least 6 years of related experience in Wastewater & Stormwater system in a water utility with increasing levels of responsibility. Experience must include a combination of the following:
• Ability to plan and implement shutdown and bypass activities (pumping) on all parts of the Wastewater collection system.
• Ability to plan and perform all aspects of return to service activities.
• Demonstrated understanding of environmental release issues, including emergency response through to resolution.
• Ability to replace, repair, and install various types/sizes of wastewater mains and services (with understanding of the practices and procedures required to protect the wastewater system).
• A valid Class 5 Driver's License (or provincial equivalent), with no more than 6 demerits and no current suspensions or charges pending.
• Ability to use software and desktop or remote devices is essential.
• A valid class 3 Driver's License (or provincial equivalent) and airbrake certification will be considered an asset.
• A valid City of Calgary vehicle operator's permit will be considered an asset.
• Success in this position requires interpersonal skills and adaptability.

Working Conditions

Primarily outside at field locations including excavation sites, manholes, residential streets, above and below ground.

Pre-employment Requirements

A security clearance will be conducted. Successful applicants must provide proof of qualifications.

Pre-employment Drug Test

An offer of employment for this position will be conditional on an applicant passing a pre-employment drug test. This test assesses for use of drugs including cannabis. Failure to pass a pre-employment drug test may prevent an applicant from being hired into any safety sensitive position for a period of up to twelve months.

Position and Pay Information

Business Unit: Water Services

Union: CUPE Local 37

Position Type: Permanent

Compensation: $44.18 - 48.96 per hour

Hours of work: Non-standard 38-hour work week

Days of work: This position works 12-hour rotating shifts (including evenings and weekends) providing 24/7 coverage. Urgent work can sometimes arise, resulting in overtime or schedule changes.

Location: Various

Audience: Internal/External

Apply By: December 18, 2026

Job ID: 315289

Note

This position is eligible for a referral incentive under the Employee Referral Pilot for water-related Recruitment.

Relocation expenses may be offered for candidates from outside of the Calgary area.