Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I at City of Lethbridge — Lethbridge

Culture Alberta; Lethbridge; On-site; CAD 44,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Lethbridge is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator for a 24-month term. The role involves operating a Class IV facility, conducting laboratory analyses and maintaining compliant records while supporting safety and operational reliability.

Hours are 40 per week (Sat-Wed 6am-3pm, compressed schedule) with potential callouts. Certification and experience in wastewater treatment are required; wage is $39.14 per hour.

Qualifications

• Experience with municipal wastewater treatment operations and regulatory testing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; accurate documentation of activities.

Responsibilities

• Operate and optimize a Class IV wastewater treatment facility.
• Perform chemical, physical and bacteriological analyses to monitor processes.
• Maintain accurate operational records for reporting and compliance.
• Conduct preventative maintenance and equipment servicing.
• Assist with safety procedures, hazard identification and risk management.
• Participate in callout and overtime as needed for continuous operation.

Skills

Wastewater knowledge

Laboratory analysis

Documentation & records

Safety awareness

Education

Wastewater Operator Certification – Level 1

Power Engineering certification (Class V+)

Job description

The City of Lethbridge serves a community of approximately 115,000 residents and is committed to delivering services in a way that earns the trust, respect and confidence of the community. Our diverse organization is comprised of 1,600 employees across a wide variety of business areas.

Located just two hours south of Calgary and close to the Rocky Mountains and U.S. border, Lethbridge is a family-oriented and culturally vibrant community with diverse recreational opportunities, fine restaurants and shopping, and is home to two innovative post-secondary institutions: the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Polytechnic.

The City of Lethbridge Wastewater Treatment Plant is seeking a qualified Wastewater Treatment Plant operator to join our team in a non-permanent, term capacity.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant plays an essential role in protecting public health and the environment by ensuring wastewater is safely collected, treated and returned to the Oldman River.

Reporting to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager, the successful candidate will contribute to the operation of a complex Class IV municipal utility through plant operations, maintenance, laboratory analysis, technical support and emergency response.

This is an opportunity to build and expand your technical expertise while contributing to an essential City service. We are looking for someone who takes pride in their work, values teamwork and is committed to safe, reliable and effective wastewater treatment operations.

STATUS: Full Time Non-permanent, term (24 months)

HOURS OF WORK: 40 hours per week, Saturday to Wednesday between 6am - 3pm on a compressed work

Schedule with every second Wednesday off.

PAY RATE: $ 39.14

In this role, you will

• Operate and optimize the City’s Class IV wastewater treatment facility.
• Operate and support the City’s Class IV wastewater collection system and mechanical stormwater facilities.
• Perform chemical, physical and bacteriological laboratory analyses to monitor treatment processes, assess performance and support regulatory compliance.
• Maintain accurate operational records, including plant conditions, process performance, equipment issues and information required for operational, management and regulatory reporting.
• Perform preventative and operational maintenance, including equipment lubrication and servicing, boiler maintenance, wet well, clarifier and digester cleaning, air handling unit maintenance, carbon media replacement, belt changes and generator inspections.
• Perform physically demanding work, including cleaning and manual labour, often for extended periods and in varying weather conditions.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvement and contribute technical knowledge to support the reliability and optimization of plant processes and equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized and safe work environment and support effective inventory management.
• Demonstrate strong health and safety practices by following established procedures, identifying hazards, managing operational risks and contributing to a positive safety culture.
• Participate in callout and overtime as required to support continuous plant operations and emergency response.

What You Bring to the Table

This role is suited to individuals with a genuine interest in the technical and operational aspects of wastewater treatment. We are looking for team members who take ownership of their responsibilities, demonstrate initiative, work collaboratively and are committed to continually developing their technical knowledge and expertise.

Wastewater treatment is an essential municipal service that operates around the clock. Successful candidates must understand the importance of supporting their team and responding to operational needs, including callout and overtime when required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification – Level 1, with preference given to candidates holding higher levels of certification.
• Experience working in a wastewater treatment plant, municipal utility, industrial process facility, or similar operational environment.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment systems, processes and operational practices.
• Laboratory experience applicable to wastewater treatment regulatory testing, including chemical, physical or bacteriological analysis.
• Maintenance experience applicable to wastewater treatment equipment and processes, including equipment servicing and troubleshooting.
• Power Engineering certification, with preference given to candidates holding Class V or higher.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to accurately document operational activities and technical information.
• Strong computer skills, including familiarity with data management, email and standard office software.
• Current operational training in the following: Hazard assessment, Confined space, H2S Alive, Fall Protection, Respiratory Equipment, Defensive Driving, First Aid, Forklift Operation, Overhead Crane Operation, Fire Extinguisher, Lock Out Tag Out, WHMIS, Alberta Temporary Traffic Control
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Proven ability to learn, take initiative and share knowledge with others
• Ability and willingness to participate in callout and overtime as required.

Candidates with a combination of relevant certifications, technical experience and transferable skills are encouraged to apply. We recognize that wastewater treatment operations encompass several technical disciplines and that no single candidate is expected to have expertise in every area. Candidates who do not yet hold Wastewater Treatment Operator certification may be considered at the Operator in Training level and paid at the applicable lower rate while working toward certification.

The successful applicant will be paid in accordance with their level of certification and training as listed below:

WWT Certification (2026 Rate - Wage per hour): Operator in Training: $30.14, Level I: $39.14, Level II: $41.25, Level III: $44.35, Level IV: $46.99

WWT Certification & Red Seal Trade (2026 Rate - Wage per hour): Level I: $45.20, Level II: $47.92, Level III: $50.84, Level IV: $52.69

Closing Date: November 18, 2026

The City of Lethbridge (www.lethbridge.ca) proudly acknowledges that we are located at the heart of Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) Territory, home of Kainai, Piikani, Siksika and Amskapi Piikani (Montana, USA) First Nations. Lethbridge is also located within the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. The City of Lethbridge recognizes the diversity of our community and is working to ensure programs, services, facilities, and employment opportunities are inclusive to all people.

CUPE Local 70