Utility Operator 1 (Temporary FT)

Municipality of North Cowichan; North Cowichan; On-site; CAD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Municipality of North Cowichan is seeking a Utility Operator 1 (Labourer) on a temporary full-time basis for the period August 24, 2026 to December 29, 2026, or until the incumbent returns. You will support installation, operations and maintenance of municipal water distribution, wastewater and storm water systems.

Under the Manager of Utilities, you will assist with repairs, connections, hydrant maintenance, water main flushing, meter reading and related duties.

Qualifications

• Completion of Grade 12.
• Sacramento University extended learning course in operation and maintenance of wastewater/water systems.
• Water Distribution Level 1 or Waste Water Collection Level 1 certification is an asset.
• Experience with computers for utility programs.
• Ability to undertake routine repairs to utility systems.
• Ability to learn related maintenance tools and equipment.
• Ability to organize and record underground installations and facility functions.
• Ability to work alone with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work weekends and on-call duties.
• Possession of a valid BC Class 5 Driver's License; clean driving record.
• Medical certificate may be required.

Responsibilities

• Assists with repairs and replacements of pipes, hydrants, valves, and manholes.
• Assists with water and sewer connections.
• Assists with hydrant inspection and maintenance.
• Assists with water main flushing.
• Assists with valve exercising.
• Assists with manhole inspections.
• Assists with meter reading.
• Hydrant painting.
• Deployment to other duties as required.

Skills

Computer skills

Repair ability

Maintenance tools

Record keeping

Team player

Weekend/on-call readiness

Safe work practices

Self-motivated

Education

Grade 12

Sacramento University extended learning course in operation and maintenance of water/wastewater systems

Water Distribution Level 1 or Waste Water Collection Level 1 certification (asset)

BC Class 5 Driver's License

Medical certificate may be required

Job description

The Municipality of North Cowichan (population 30,000) is located in the beautiful Cowichan Valley on Southern Vancouver Island, between Nanaimo and Victoria. Our communities of Chemainus, Crofton, Maple Bay, and the South End including University Village, are home to a multitude of artistic, cultural and outdoor recreational activities. The Municipality provides a stable and varied work environment, competitive pay and benefits.

We are inviting applications from candidates with the proven skills, qualifications and abilities for the position of Utility Operator 1 (Labourer) on a temporary, Full Time basis for an anticipated period of August 24, 2026 to December 29, 2026, or until incumbent returns. If you are self-motivated, looking to take on a new challenge where you can make a difference, enjoy both responsibility and accountability with one of British Columbia's most inclusive and environmentally conscious municipalities, we look forward to receiving your application!

Under the general direction of the Manager, Utilities, the Utility Operator 1 (Labourer) will perform a range of duties related to the safe and efficient installation, operations and maintenance of municipal water distribution systems, wastewater and storm water collection systems. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Assists with repairs and replacements (pipe, hydrants, valves, manholes).
• Assists with water and sewer connections.
• Assists with hydrant inspection and maintenance.
• Assists with water main flushing.
• Assists with valve exercising.
• Assists with manhole inspections.
• Assists with meter reading.
• Hydrant painting.
• Deployment to other duties will be required from time to time.

Required Skills, Qualifications and Abilities:

1. Completion of Grade 12.
2. Successful completion of a Sacramento University (or equivalent) extended learning course in the operation and maintenance of wastewater collection, water treatment or water distribution systems
3. Certification in good standing in Water Distribution Level 1 or Waste Water Collection Level 1 is considered an asset.
4. Experience in the use of computers and keyboard skills for use with utility-related computer programs.
5. Ability to undertake routine repairs to utility systems.
6. Ability to learn to operate related maintenance tools and equipment.
7. Demonstrable ability to organize, coordinate and keep records of underground installations and facility functions.
8. Demonstrable ability to work alone under minimal supervision in a safe and efficient manner.
9. Ability to work weekends and perform on-call duties.
10. Ability to work successfully as a member of a team.
11. Possession and maintenance of a valid Class 5 B.C. Driver's License; a satisfactory current driver's abstract will be required.
12. The position may be physically demanding; candidate must be able to successfully perform all duties associated with the position. A medical certificate attesting to suitability for this position may be required.

This is a unionized position (CUPE Local 358) and the collective agreement may be viewed on our website.

Candidates may be eligible for Utility Certificate bonuses in accordance with the Collective Agreement when holding the applicable certification and performing duties associated with that certification level.

Candidates being considered will be required to undergo a comprehensive evaluation of skills, qualifications, and abilities. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a criminal record check.