Senior Operator, Wastewater Collection

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

Job summary

City of Calgary is seeking a Senior Operator to lead repair, installation, and maintenance within the wastewater system. You will analyze site conditions, assess risks and ensure actions protect water quality and public health.

You will work on complex tasks, coaching junior staff and coordinating with a team to maintain regulatory compliance. Field-based role requiring strong operational knowledge, safety focus, and the ability to plan and execute maintenance across multiple sites.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Level 2 Wastewater Operator Certification or equivalent; out-of-province certs must transfer.
• Minimum 6 years of related wastewater & stormwater experience with increasing responsibilities.
• Ability to plan shutdowns/bypasses and return-to-service activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform operations, maintenance and repair activities on the wastewater system.
• Assess site-specific conditions to analyze risks, impacts, safety, dependencies, and resources.
• Use regulatory standards to develop and apply solutions.
• Plan and delegate maintenance activities to ensure compliance with standards.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to junior operators and report on crew performance.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Safety-minded

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Wastewater Operator Certification Level 2

Tools

Vehicle operator's permit

Job description

Introduction

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.

Equity and Inclusion

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.

Role Summary

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:

• 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.

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.

Additional Information

This posting may be used to fill similar positions within the work unit.

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


• Apply By: December 18, 2026