Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator IV Foreperson

Metro Vancouver; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 57,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Metro Vancouver is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator IV Foreperson at the Iona Wastewater Treatment Plant in Richmond. The role leads a team of operators, ensures safe, efficient plant operation, and coordinates with Project Delivery on upgrades.

Requires EOCP Class IV MWWT cert and strong technical leadership. The position carries a full-time schedule at the Richmond facility with a focus on regulatory compliance, safety, and process optimization.

Qualifications

• EOCP Class IV MWWT certification required and kept in good standing
• Grade 12 or equivalent with post-secondary wastewater training
• Progressive wastewater operations experience with supervisory responsibilities
• BC Boiler Operator or higher certification may be required depending on plant needs
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the operations crew and plan work schedules.
• Coordinate with maintenance, lab, and Project Delivery teams for plant needs.
• Monitor and optimize treatment processes and ensure regulatory and safety compliance.
• Develop and document procedures and maintain required reports.
• Provide frontline operational expertise during capital projects and plant upgrades.

Skills

Leadership

Plant operations

EOCP IV MWWT certification

Supervisory experience

BC Driver's License

Computer literacy

DCS control systems

Education

Grade 12 + wastewater training

Tools

CMMS

DCS

Job description

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator IV Foreperson

Position Status: Full-Time Regular

Department: Liquid Waste Services

Employee Group: GVRDEU

Location: Iona Wastewater Treatment Plant, Richmond

Salary Range/ Wage Rate: $49.93 hourly plus 6.25% deferred compensation (2024 wage rates)

This role receives an additional 6.25% deferred compensation on hours worked. The additional 6.25% can be taken as compensation or time off.

Our Liquid Waste Services Department is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator IV Foreperson who will:

Lead and support a team of operators in the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of a major wastewater treatment facility. This role oversees day-to-day operational activities, optimizes treatment processes, coordinates work across departments, promotes a strong safety culture, and helps ensure regulatory compliance and environmental performance objectives are achieved. The Foreperson also works closely with Project Delivery teams to support capital projects, commissioning activities, plant upgrades, and operational readiness by providing frontline operational expertise and coordinating operational requirements throughout project implementation.

You are:

A collaborative and safety-focused wastewater operations professional with extensive treatment plant experience and strong leadership skills. You possess an EOCP Class IV MWWT certification, sound technical knowledge of treatment processes and plant systems, and the ability to mentor staff, solve complex operational issues, and make effective decisions in an industrial environment. You are comfortable working with operations, maintenance, laboratory, and Project Delivery teams to support capital projects, commissioning, process optimization initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts. You are committed to regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and maintaining positive working relationships across the organization.

This role: (The duties described hereunder are intended to be representative of the position and are not to be considered as all inclusive).

• Performs all the duties and responsibilities of a qualified Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator to operate, monitor and maintain the wastewater treatment facility and related support systems.
• Supervises and plans work schedules for the operations crew including priority-setting; assesses crew performance and recommends developmental training and other corrective actions to Supervisor.
• Liaises with maintenance staff, shift supervisor, plant charge hand, laboratory staff and others regarding work schedules, lab data, plant process/performance review, operational needs, and other matters.
• Examines process microbiology to assess plant process health, diagnoses plant process and/or logic inefficiencies and initiates corrective action; evaluates plant operation to ensure correct operational procedures are followed and plant/system performance objectives are met; troubleshoots and advises on process changes through digital control system to improve process and utility efficiencies.
• Initiates and develops documentation for work-related procedures for which they are qualified; develops work progress, operations and investigative reports; prepares schedules, estimates and assignments for work and crew; monitors, maintains and requisitions operating supplies ensuring waybills and invoices are appropriately handled.
• Maintains the CMMS where directed; reviews and provides input to planned plant/process/support system upgrades; initiates Intranet Front-End Electronic Document Management System) (IEDMS) documents and/or takes action on Charge Hand initiated documents.
• Coordinates and plans operational requirements for non-core hours.
• Trains staff in operation and maintenance procedures and monitors to see if training objectives are being met; identifies and coordinates any additional training that may be required; encourages and supports staff to pursue additional related training courses/seminars.
• Conducts tours and answers queries from general public visiting the plant.
• Responsible to ensure that work carried out by operations staff adheres to and is in compliance with all District safety policies and procedures including WorkSafeBC regulations; participates in the creation of safe work procedures.
• May act in the capacity of the Supervisor as required.

To be successful, you have:

• Grade 12 education or equivalent, and post-secondary training/education in the wastewater treatment field supplemented by courses in mechanics, electrical, supervision, etc.
• Progressive experience and responsibility in wastewater treatment operations and maintenance and related support systems with six (6) or more years experience, including supervisory experience.
• British Columbia EOCP Class IV MWWT Operators Certification. The highest EOCP MWWT Certificate or recognized reciprocal equivalent achieved shall be maintained in good standing and a copy of the Certificate shall be filed in the employee file in Human Resources as proof of eligibility.
• British Columbia Boiler Operator or higher level certification for Plants where certification of Operators is required for compliance with the Power Engineers and Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Act of British Columbia. If no Boiler Operator certification is held, a demonstrated willingness and ability to obtain it.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;.
• Ability to effectively use computer applications related to the position and duties.
• Extensive knowledge of process equipment, mechanical equipment, digital control systems, electrical and instrumentation equipment; ability to interpret and work from engineering drawings.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and abilities with training in supervisory fundamentals and techniques.
• Proven ability to plan, organize, direct and supervise the work of others with a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Extensive knowledge of the occupational hazards, WorkSafeBC regulations, safety policies and procedures applicable to the position.
• Physically capable of performing the duties of the position.
• Willingness and ability to adapt to rotating shift work and/or be available for standby duty if required.
• Valid BC Driver’s License.

Our Vision:

Metro Vancouver embraces collaboration and innovation in providing sustainable regional services that contribute to a livable and resilient region and a healthy natural environment for current and future generations.

Metro Vancouver employees proudly serve the region and demonstrate the behaviours and attributes of six leadership competencies: Accountability, Adaptability, Building and Nurturing Relationships, Communication, Continuous Learning, and Strategic Thinking and Action.

At Metro Vancouver, we are committed to cultivating a diverse, safe, equitable, and inclusive work environment for all. We strive to attract and retain a talented, diverse workforce that is reflective of the region we serve. If an accommodation is required during the recruitment and selection process, please contact [e-mail] for support. Learn more about our commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion here.