Utility Treatment and Operations Technician Level IV

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo; Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading municipal service provider seeks a Utility Treatment and Operations Technician in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta. The role involves operating and monitoring municipal water treatment facilities, ensuring compliance with regulations, and handling various operational tasks. Eligible candidates should possess Level I Water Treatment certification and are expected to work on a rotating shift schedule. Competitive benefits include paid housing and travel accommodations. Ideal for those looking to thrive in a remote community dedicated to environmental stewardship.

Benefits

Paid housing accommodations

Paid air travel

Market rate adjustments

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of wastewater lagoon systems.
• Ability to operate mobile equipment used in treatment operations.
• Experience with safety protocols and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor water and wastewater systems to ensure compliance.
• Perform regular checks on system operations and maintenance.
• Assist certified operators with treatment facility operations.

Skills

Knowledge of water treatment processes

Proficiency in utility treatment operations

Problem-solving skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Level I Water Treatment certification

Tools

Hydrovac

Vacuum trucks

Job description

Requisition ID: 4027

Affiliation: CUPE Municipal

Position Type: Permanent Full Time

Number of Openings: 3

Bi-weekly Working Hours: 84 hours bi-weekly

Shift/Work Schedule: 7 days on 7 days off 12-hour shifts

Department/ Branch: Environmental Services/ Water Treatment, Rural Operations

Job Location: Fort Chipewyan

Pay Level: PL13

Market Rate: $61.65

Permanent Rate: $62.65 (Permanent rate in effect after completion of probationary period)

Hourly Premium: as outlined below, if applicable**

COLA: Bi-Weekly - $480

Posted (dd/mm/yyyy): 29/01/2026

Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy): 15/02/2026

Posting Type: Internal and External

Benefits

• Paid housing accommodations within Fort Chipewyan
• Paid air travel in and out of Fort Chipewyan to Fort McMurray
• This position’s pay rate has been adjusted to reflect current market conditions. The non-market/evaluated start rate of pay for this position is $53.16.
• An operator who holds a valid Level IV Environmental Certificate in one Environmental Discipline will be paid a premium, as per the schedule below, for each additional certification obtained and maintained in another Environmental Discipline to a maximum of twenty-four dollars ($24.00) per hour.

Hourly Premium Schedule

• Level I - $2.00
• Level II - $4.00
• Level III - $6.00
• Level IV - $8.00

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 Area

This position is located within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in the rural community of Fort Chipewyan, approximately 223 kilometers north of Fort McMurray. Nestled on the northwest shore of Lake Athabasca, Fort Chipewyan is one of the most northern communities in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Isolated by nature, Fort Chipewyan is accessible by plane or boat in the summer and by a winter road in the winter.

Fort Chipewyan is the oldest settlement in all of Alberta. It was named after the Chipewyan people who first lived in the area. More than 235 years later, trapping and fishing are still activities enjoyed by residents of Fort Chipewyan. Approximately 1,000 residents live in Fort Chipewyan, making it the second-largest community in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Many of the residents of Fort Chipewyan are Mikisew Cree First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, and Fort Chipewyan Métis.

General Description

Based in the remote community of Fort Chipewyan, the Utility Treatment and Operations Technician (UTOT) is responsible for the operation and monitoring of the municipal water treatment plant, distribution system, wastewater lagoon system, and wastewater collection system in Fort Chipewyan. The incumbent will perform tasks related to water treatment, wastewater lagoon operations, lift station monitoring, and underground system operations to ensure the efficient and compliant functioning of the utility systems. Underground duties include responding to enquiries on water quality and supply concerns, responding to releases and line breaks, turning on and off water valves at property lines for occupied and unoccupied residences, and periodic flushing of the sanitary system. The incumbent must work to ensure compliance with various municipal, provincial, and federal regulations at all times.

Responsibilities

The Utility Treatment and Operations Technician (UTOT) includes five levels that are differentiated based on the certification level held by the Technician from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (EPA); these include UTOT Trainee, UTOT I, UTOT II, UTOT III, and UTOT IV.

Job responsibilities accumulate from the UTOT Trainee to the maximum certification level of UTOT IV. UTOTs are required to complete the responsibilities listed below, which are specific to their certification level, as necessary to carry out the duties of the position. Due to the collaborative nature of the work, technicians may also perform responsibilities listed for levels above their own certification level, provided it falls within the scope of their current EPA certification, competency as confirmed through training, or under the technical direction of a certified operator of a higher level.

UTOT – Trainee

• Assist certified operators with the operation of facilities (water plant, distribution, collection, wastewater lagoon and lift stations) as per municipal, provincial and federal regulations.
• Complete general housekeeping of utility treatment facilities (cleaning, painting, etc.).
• Perform general labour tasks related to utility treatment operations, including transporting and handling of chemicals.
• Operate various types of mobile equipment used in the maintenance and repair of facilities.
• Maintain daily records and data entry (logbooks, control system, e.RIS, maintenance work requests, etc.).
• Adhere to procedures and policies pertaining to safety and treatment operations.
• Adhere to safety protocols and occupational health regulations while utilizing personal protective equipment.
• Use and maintain laboratory equipment, chemical pumps, and online analyzers.
• Perform various types of sampling and testing to ensure regulatory compliance and operational due diligence.
• Maintain a basic knowledge of the regulations, acts, and operating requirements that apply to each facility.
• Pick up and drop off freight and personnel at the airport to support operations.
• Ensure work area is clean, safe, and well maintained.
• Assist with, monitor, and operate standby power sources during power outages to ensure the continuous operation of treatment facilities and reservoirs.
• Winter and summer maintenance as required, including but not limited to snow clearing and grass cutting.
• Ability to work in unsanitary conditions and in extreme weather.
• Perform daily sanitary lagoon and lift station checks.
• Perform other related duties as required.

UTOT – I

• Operate and monitor water plant, distribution system, wastewater lagoon and lift stations to ensure efficient operation in accordance with Alberta EPA approvals, CDWQ (Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality), manufacturers’ specifications, and municipal, provincial, and federal regulations.
• Monitor plant and reservoir operations to ensure optimal performance and capacity of the operating systems.
• Assist with investigations pertaining to plant operational issues and water quality complaints.
• Review, enter and save data daily in EPA water quality portal for monthly submittal.
• Monitor, respond, investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve efficiency issues, operational issues, quality control issues, alarms, and complaints.
• Compile information for the purpose of completing regulatory reports.
• Provide coaching and mentoring of junior technicians to promote system understanding and development.
• Observe and report plant equipment failures and arrange for maintenance issues to be corrected by creating work requests.
• Adhere to and support the development and revision of procedures and policies pertaining to safety, treatment operations, plant inspections, etc.
• Respond to customer enquiries relating to water quality, quantity, treatment, aesthetic concerns, or distribution.
• Coordinate work activities and prioritize tasks effectively to meet operational requirements.
• Use control room systems, visual inspections, and laboratory results to optimize and control the treatment process and maintain plant records.
• Report notifications and non-compliances to regulatory agencies as required.

UTOT – II

• In depth troubleshooting and optimization of the water treatment process.
• Perform duties relating to Direct Responsible Charge (DRC) requirements in the field as per EPA requirements.
• Troubleshoot complex issues in the system.
• Use control room systems, visual inspections, and laboratory results to optimize and control the treatment process and maintain plant records.
• Manage and optimize plant performances by the analysis of control system trends and set points for correct operation noting and reacting to abnormalities or irregularities such as turbidity, equipment malfunction, chlorine, etc.
• Adhere to and update contingency plans outlining procedures for rapid correction of emergencies, such as power outages, equipment failures, flooding, system contamination, etc.
• Analyze daily data in the preparation of monthly and yearly reports.
• Communicate with urban and rural water teams to collaborate on issues and resolve problems.
• Collaborate with external contractors and consultants for facility improvement and growth projects.
• Act as the water treatment representative by providing technician guidance on strategic assignments, projects, and programs, including collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

UTOT – III

• Perform tasks related to underground water distribution system operations, including inspections, troubleshooting, and monitoring.
• Respond to calls to turn off or turn on water at the property line whether a customer is moving in, out or there is a leak in the water service.
• Flush sanitary main lines to ensure no blockages and sewer backups occur.
• Flush and winterize hydrants.
• Turn watermain valves as required.
• Troubleshoot locations for waterline leaks.
• Isolate watermain sections for construction rehab to occur and turn water back on when work is finished.
• Monitor new water service construction.

UTOT - IV

• Perform advanced technical tasks related to wastewater treatment and collection system operations, including inspections, troubleshooting, and monitoring.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge and understanding of water treatment processes, lagoon systems, lift station monitoring, and underground system operations.
• Proficiency in the use of tools, equipment, and technology related to utility treatment operations and underground services.
• Ability to operate equipment related to the underground system, such as flusher trucks, hydrovac, steam trucks, vacuum trucks, tandem trucks, and rubber tire backhoes and loaders is considered an asset.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and operational manuals.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with team members and convey information accurately.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Strong commitment to safety practices and adherence to occupational health regulations.

Education And Experience

UTOT Trainee

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Six (6) months of experience water treatment operations experience.

OR

• Completion of a recognized post-secondary water program
• Preference will be given to candidates who have:
• Completed an approved mandatory training course for Level I Water Treatment (minimum 1.2 CEU’s)
• Successfully passed Level I Water Treatment certification Exam

UTOT I

• Level I Water Treatment certification
• One (1) year of experience in a Class I or higher approved or registered facility

UTOT II

• Level II Water Treatment certification
• Three (3) years of experience in a Class I or higher approved or registered facility

UTOT III

• Level II Water Treatment certification
• Level I Water Distribution certification
• Three (3) years of experience in a Class I or higher approved or registered facility

UTOT IV

• Level II Water Treatment certification
• Level I Water Distribution certification
• Level I Wastewater Treatment certification
• Level I Wastewater Collection certification
• Three (3) years of experience in a Class I or higher approved or registered facility

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.
• Must be willing to work inside and outside in all conditions.
• Pre-employment testing may be part of the interview process.
• 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 work a rotating shift that includes holidays, evening/night shift, and weekends.
• Ability to work flexible hours and on-call may be 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.

To apply

Please visit our website at jobs.rmwb.ca. Current employees must apply through the internal careers site.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those individuals selected for interviews will be contacted. Late applications will not be accepted.