Term, Process Technician

Halifax Water; Halifax; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Process Technician to join their team. This role involves the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. As a vital member of the team, you will troubleshoot processes, maintain equipment, and conduct laboratory analyses. The position offers opportunities for growth and advancement within a supportive and collaborative environment. If you have a passion for environmental sustainability and technical expertise, this is the perfect opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include grade 12 plus a two-year technical program.
• Must complete Operator-in-Training certificate within six months.

Responsibilities

• Implement plant process changes based on lab data and observations.
• Evaluate and troubleshoot treatment facility processes.

Skills

Problem Solving

Laboratory Analysis Techniques

Computer Literacy

Basic Chemistry

Basic Biology

Education

Grade 12

Two-Year Community College Technical Program

Tools

SCADA Systems

Chemical Feed Systems

Programmable Logic Controllers

Flow Meters

Job description

Competition # HW24- 146E Department Wastewater and Stormwater Services Primary Function

Basic responsibility for the operation and maintenance of Halifax Water wastewater pollution control facilities, biosolids handling facilities, leachate treatment facilities, and associated infrastructure. As a member of a treatment facility team, assists in ensuring compliance with Federal / Provincial regulations and public / staff health and safety. This is a technical, team-oriented position requiring the appropriate knowledge and hands-on skills to operate, maintain, repair, and service wastewater treatment assets.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Implement plant process changes / adjustments based upon interpretation of lab data and an assessment of physical observations (troubleshooting) in consultation with the facility supervisor.
• Primarily responsible to evaluate, analyze, control and troubleshoot treatment facility processes.
• Recommend selection, remove, install and / or repair plant mechanical equipment.
• Maintain standard and computer data bases which apply to plant operations, lab results, and managed maintenance system (MMS).
• Primary responsibility for application of plant equipment preventative maintenance program under direction of the supervisor.
• Maintain, operate, and calibrate plant control and programmable instrumentation.
• Order and purchase parts and supplies necessary for plant operations as directed.
• Conduct educational and promotional tours as required.
• As a member of a facility operations team, ensure compliance with staff and public health / safety standards and internal / external aesthetics.
• Communicate recommendations to supervisor related to new equipment and parts purchases, local plant practices, and process changes.
• Application of rotating equipment vibration analysis-thermography predictive maintenance program.
• Perform required chemical, physical, microscopic, and biological analyses.
• Application of programmable logic control (PLC) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Communicate effectively with staff and supervisor.
• Operate and maintain all treatment facility equipment including various chemical feed systems.
• Other related duties to promote Halifax Water treatment operations as required.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to : Supervisor

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

The minimum qualifications include grade 12 plus a two (2) year community college technical program applicable to wastewater treatment or related discipline; must successfully complete Operator-in-Training / wastewater certificate within six months of date of hire and pass the Level 1 Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour (NSEL) Wastewater Treatment examination within 12 months. An equivalent combination of industry recognized wastewater treatment, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or instrumentation training and experience may be considered.

The opportunity exists for Process Technicians to progress to higher salary levels based on completion of specified criteria. (As outlined in the CUPE local 227 Collective Agreement)

Certificates / Licenses / Registrations :

Must have a valid NS driver’s license and be willing to use their own vehicle in accordance with the Mileage Policy.

Other Requirements

This is a CUPE 227 unionized position

LOCATION OF WORK : Aerotech Sewage Treatment Plant

WORKING CONDITIONS :

• Frequent standing, walking, extensive stair climbing, bending and reaching.
• Must be able to carry tools and equipment (up to 20 lbs) up / down nine flights of stairs.
• Occasional to frequent lifting, pulling / pushing, and carrying of weights up to 50 lbs.
• Capable and willing to work both inside and outside in varying weather conditions.
• Subjected to chemical fumes, malodours, bacterial aerosols, volatile organic compounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Frequent exposure to potential infection from handling / testing sewage, landfill leachate, and sludges. Moderate exposure to heat, cold, and odours. Use and presence of hazardous chemicals, explosive gases, and volatile organic compounds. Occasional work in confined spaces. Respond to off-hour emergency call-in.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Problem solving, basic math
• Laboratory analysis techniques
• Computer literacy (including Microsoft Programs, SCADA, computer based managed maintenance programs, and Human-Machine Interfaces.)
• Basic chemistry and biology applicable to water and wastewater treatment
• Thorough knowledge of HW OH&S policy and department procedures
• Mechanical, pipefitting, and basic electronic skills, an asset

EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS

• A diversity of equipment such as, but not limited to, pumps, mechanical mixers, oil / gas
• boilers, diesel generators, wet and dry air scrubbers, automatic bar screens, grit removal systems, compressors, electro-mechanical gear drives, clarifier equipment, rotating biological contactors, water and wastewater filtration systems.
• Computers including software programs, on-line chemical analyzers, flow meters , programmable controllers, electrical control systems.
• Chemical feed systems including chlorine gas, lime, alum, and caustic, ultra violet light disinfection systems, gas safety equipment, sludge dewatering units.