Utility Operations Technician

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo; Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 115,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is seeking a Utility Operations Technician to oversee underground services projects and provide technical support for daily operations in Fort McMurray. You will work with UGS staff, supporting water distribution, wastewater collection and asset management to ensure safe, reliable infrastructure.

Responsibilities include coordinating projects with engineers and contractors, maintaining data, and preparing detailed reports.

Qualifications

• Read and interpret blueprints, contracts, and specifications for underground services.
• Experience with water distribution and wastewater systems, asset management, and safety standards.
• Must obtain AEPA Level III certification within four years of hire.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate UGS projects and contracts with Engineering and contractors.
• Liaise with contractors to ensure designs meet standards.
• Assist with water distribution, wastewater operations, and asset management inspections.
• Oversee certification and final inspections for UGS projects.
• Develop and coordinate inspections, maintenance programs, and asset management plans.
• Manage UGS data collection, reporting, and KPI generation.
• Prepare detailed reports on water, wastewater, and storm operations.
• Support policy development and safety compliance initiatives.

Skills

Blueprints interpretation

Project coordination

Microsoft Office

Communication

Attention to detail

Standby scheduling

Education

Diploma in civil or construction engineering

ASET membership eligibility

AEPA Water Distribution Level III (asset)

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Mapping software

Adobe

Job description

Requisition ID: 4397

Affiliation: CUPE Municipal

Position Type: Temporary Full Time

Fixed Term Duration: Anticipated end date of January 8, 2027.

Number of Openings: 1

Bi-weekly Working Hours: 80 hours bi-weekly

Shift/Work Schedule: 4 x 10-hour shifts per week

Department/ Branch: Environmental Services, Underground Services

Job Location: Fort McMurray

Pay Level: PL12

Rate: $ 51.46

COLA: Bi-Weekly - $480

Reposted: 24/07/2026

Closing Date : Open until filled. (original CUPE closing date: 28/06/2026 )

Posting Type: Internal and External

We strive to make our hiring process accessible to all candidates. If you require accommodation for the interview or any other part of the application process, please let us know.

About The Department

Step into a career that is grounded in action and driven by purpose. At the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, our Environmental Services team is at the heart of sustainability and safety. Whether you're operating advanced water treatment systems or managing solid waste and underground infrastructure, you'll play a vital role in protecting public health and the environment.

If you're ready to roll up your sleeves for a career that combines purpose, precision, and progress, we'd love to hear from you.

General Description

Under general supervision, the Utility Operations Technician oversees underground services projects and provides technical support for daily operations, water distribution and wastewater collection management programs, and preventative maintenance and asset management programs. The incumbent troubleshoots problems and develops solutions through interaction with other Underground Services (UGS) employees, municipal departments, consultants, and contractors.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate projects and contracts within the UGS branch, which requires working closely with the Engineering Department and contractors.
• Act as primary liaison for contractors and consultants working on UGS projects to ensure designs and final products meet engineering and operational standards.
• Assist with the coordination of water distribution and wastewater collection operations, inspections, preventative maintenance, and asset management programs.
• Responsible for the construction completion certification and final acquisition inspections on Underground Services projects.
• Assist with the development and coordination of the various water distribution, wastewater collection, and stormwater collection system inspections, preventative maintenance programs, and asset management programs as assigned.
• Manage and execute UGS Asset Management programs and projects which may include wide scale inspections, data acquisition, and condition assessments.
• Responsible for transitioning new infrastructure to operational service including briefing staff on new infrastructure, maintenance strategies, and operational objectives.
• Participate in the establishment and maintenance of long and short-term plans for the various water distribution and wastewater collection programs.
• Responsible for the acquisition and management of specialized equipment used by operations in the field.
• Coordinate as-built drawing filing and updating to digital mapping systems.
• Assist in the coordination of training and workshops, maintain training files, and identify training gaps.
• Prepare and present detailed reports relating to water, wastewater, and storm operations and maintenance.
• Support the objectives of the UGS Branch, which include data acquisition, input and analysis, and the generation of key performance indicators and reports.
• Research, produce, and revise policies, procedures, and guidelines. Examples include standard operating procedures and maintenance strategies for the branch/work unit.
• Assist with data collection and analysis of financial plans and budgets.
• Assist with the development and revisions of policies and procedures to maintain a safe workplace environment, ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety regulations in the municipal safety policy.
• Support operations with regulatory compliance initiatives, including the development and implementation of procedures.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to read and interpret blueprints, contracts, work scopes, plans and specifications. Examples include technical memorandums, detailed design drawings, contract specifications, fabrication submittals, operation and maintenance manuals, federal and provincial legislation such as operating approvals and environmental regulations, AWWA standards and manuals, regulatory sample results, and various permits.
• Must be familiar with methods and procedures, and quality and safety standards relative to each job being performed as per Municipal and industry standards, i.e., construction methods for underground piping systems, standards for water, wastewater, and storm systems, asset management, project management, operational equipment maintenance, and engineering principles.
• Proven ability to read and interpret blueprints, contracts, work scopes, plans and specifications. Examples include technical memorandums, detailed design drawings, contract specifications, fabrication submittals, operation and maintenance manuals, federal and provincial legislation such as operating approvals and environmental regulations, AWWA standards and manuals, regulatory sample results, and various permits.
• Must be familiar with methods and procedures, and quality and safety standards relative to each job being performed as per Municipal and industry standards, i.e., construction methods for underground piping systems, standards for water, wastewater, and storm systems, asset management, project management, operational equipment maintenance, and engineering principles.
• Capable of achieving self-set goals and targets with limited supervision.
• Math, numeracy, and technical skills relating to the operation and maintenance of water distribution and wastewater collection systems, including but not limited to understanding flow and pressure dynamics, use and manipulation of flow and pressure formulas, use of statistical theory for data assessment and analysis, and regulatory sample results.
• High degree of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to communicate respectfully and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.
• Ability to coordinate and prioritize work activities.
• Proficiency in various Microsoft applications (Outlook, Word, Excel), Adobe, and mapping software.
• Must be familiar with methods and procedures and quality and safety standards relative to each job being performed as per Municipal and industry standards.

Education And Experience

• Diploma in civil or construction engineering or related technical program is required.
• Three (3) years of related experience working in a utility operation and maintenance environment or construction environment is required.
• Eligibility for membership with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology (ASET) is required.
• Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) Water Distribution and/or Wastewater Collection levels are an asset, with preference given to candidates who hold a Level III or higher in Water Distribution and/or Wastewater Collection.
• Must obtain AEPA Water Distribution Level III and Wastewater Collection Level III certification within four (4) years of the date of hire.

Other Requirements

• Submission of a Criminal Record Check.
• A valid Class five (5) Operator’s Licence is required as incumbent will be required to operate a personal or municipal vehicle for business use on a regular basis.
• Clear Driving Record is considered an asset.
• Must be willing to work outside in all conditions.
• Immunizations are strongly recommended for work in unsanitary conditions.
• Must be medically and physically able to perform all duties of the position on an ongoing basis.
• Ability to respond and work standby service on a rotating basis as required.

Safety

As an employee of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the incumbent is responsible for understanding and actively participating in the RMWB's health and safety management system, including all policies, practices, procedures, as well as properly utilizing all control measures including the required use of personal protective equipment. All employees must take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves and others, as well as immediately report any concerns, near misses, incidents, and hazardous conditions to their supervisor.