Utilities Operator I or II

CivicInfo BC; Duncan; On-site; CAD 46,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) on Vancouver Island invites applications for Utilities Operator I or II in a regular full-time capacity. The role covers operation and maintenance of water, wastewater, drainage and street lighting systems, with on-call rotation and a guaranteed 40-hour week.

Candidates should have Diploma in Water/Wastewater Management (Level I) or EOCP Level designations, municipal experience, WHMIS/TDG/Confined Space, First Aid, and a valid BC Class 5 license.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Water/Wastewater Management with Level I EOCP certificate.
• EOCP Level designations (3) in Water/Wastewater disciplines.
• WHMIS TDG Confined Space Rescue First Aid and a valid Class 5 BC driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain water, wastewater, drainage and street lighting systems.
• Contribute to safe and efficient operation and routine maintenance.
• Remain on-call during evenings/weekends as required.
• Testing and evaluation as part of the hiring process.

Education

Diploma in Water/Wastewater Management with Level I Certificate of Competency (BC EOCP)

EOCP Level designations (3) in Water/Wastewater disciplines

WHMIS Certification

Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) certification

Confined Space Rescue Certification (provided by the employer)

First Aid Certificate (Level I)

Class 5 BC Drivers' Licence

Tools

NA

Job description

Division: Utilities
Type: Regular Full Time - USW
Application Deadline: November 23, 2026, by 4:30 p.m.
Competition Number: 26207-E

Located on Vancouver Island just 50 km north of Victoria and 30 km south of Nanaimo, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is in the ancestral and unceded territories of First Nations including the Quw'utsun, Malahat, Ts'uubaa-asatx, Halalt, Penelakut, Stz'uminus, Lyackson, Pauquachin, Ditidaht, and Pacheedaht Nations. Local First Nations Peoples have stewarded the lands, waters, plants, and animals of this region since beyond time immemorial. The CVRD provides a wide range of local government services to a population of 95,000. The picturesque Cowichan Valley offers a warm climate and numerous parks, recreational, cultural, and social opportunities such as majestic mountains, the rugged West Coast Trail, serene lakes, and one of the world’s tallest free-standing timber rail trestles.

The Operations Departments has an immediate opening for a motivated person to join the team as either a Utilities Operator I or Utilities Operator II in a regular full-time capacity.

General Information

Reporting to the Manager - Utility Operations and supervised by the Senior Operator, the Utilities Operator contributes to the effective operation of CVRD Utilities Division through the safe and efficient operation and routine maintenance of the water, wastewater, drainage and street lighting systems. Preference will be given to applicants who possess directly related wastewater operations experience and relevant certification(s).

Qualifications

Utilities Operator I

• Graduation from a recognized training institute with a Diploma in Water/Wastewater Management with a minimum of Level I Certificate of Competency, issued by the BC Environmental Operators Certification Program, (or Provincial equivalent), in at least one of the following:
  • Water distribution systems
  • Wastewater collection systems
  • Wastewater treatment
  • Water treatment
• One (1) year coop experience gathered through the Diploma in Water/Wastewater Management program

Utilities Operator II

• Graduation from a recognized training institute with a Diploma in Water/Wastewater Management.
• Possess three (3) valid EOCP Level designations in any of the following disciplines:
  • Water distribution systems
  • Wastewater collection systems
  • Wastewater treatment
  • Water treatment
• A minimum of three (3) years progressive related experience in a municipal setting
• Backhoe experience would be an asset

or

• Possess three (3) valid EOCP Level designations in any of the following disciplines:
  • Water distribution systems
  • Wastewater collection systems
  • Wastewater treatment
  • Water treatment
• A minimum of five (5) years progressive related experience in a municipal setting
• Backhoe experience would be an asset

For both Utilities Operator I and Utilities Operator II

• WHMIS Certification (provided by the employer)
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods (provided by the employer)Confined Space Rescue Certification (provided by the employer)
• Level I First Aid Certificate
• Possession of a valid Class 5 BC Drivers' Licence

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Hours of Work: Guaranteed 40 hours of work per week - Monday to Friday, with rotational on-call for evening and weekends and as operationally required. Flex time is offered with this position.

Salary:

Utilities Operator I: This employment opportunity is unionized (USW Local 1-1937) with a probationary wage rate of $33.72 per hour and a regular wage rate of $35.76 per hour (2026 rates).

Utilities Operator II: This employment opportunity is unionized (USW Local 1-1937) with a probationary wage rate of $39.57 per hour and a regular wage rate of $41.96 per hour (2026 rates).

Operators will be paid $0.40 per Level 1 certification; $0.65 per Level 2 Certification; $0.80 per Level 3 Certification

Note that testing may be required during the hiring process. Testing is based on the knowledge, skills, abilities, and qualifications outlined in the job description.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process should contact Human Resources at [e-mail] to communicate their accommodation needs.

College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma from a program of 1 year to 2 years