Water Distribution Operator

YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce; Owen Sound; On-site; CAD 41,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended Health & Dental plan

OMERS pension plan

Job summary

The City of Owen Sound is seeking a Water Distribution Operator to join the Water & Wastewater Division. You will operate and maintain water distribution facilities, respond to service requests and emergencies, and support compliance with regulatory standards.

Qualifications include a college diploma or related experience, MOE Operator Certification, and a valid DZ license. The role involves on-call duty, physical work, and collaboration with contractors and city staff.

Qualifications

• College diploma or Grade 12 with relevant experience and certification.
• Ministry of the Environment Water Distribution System Operator Certification.
• Water Distribution Level II Certification or higher is preferred.
• Experience in a municipal water distribution environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and repair water distribution infrastructure and meters.
• Locate underground infrastructure and assist with hydrants and valves.
• Respond to customer inquiries and emergencies on a rotating on-call schedule.
• Maintain logs, GIS data, and regulatory documentation.
• Participate in safety programs and follow OHS rules.

Skills

Water distribution knowledge

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Independent work

Physical endurance

Education

College Diploma or Grade 12 with related experience

MOE Water Distribution System Operator Certification

Water Distribution Level II Certification or higher

Municipal water distribution experience

Tools

GIS

Computer applications

Job description

Find meaningful employment, jobs, careers, apprenticeships and volunteer opportunities from local employers in Grey Bruce through the YMCA Job Board. Employers can create an account and post jobs for FREE!

Application Deadline Date: October 20, 2026

Water Distribution Operator
Job Type: Full-time Permanent
Job Posting #: 2026-32
Closing Date: October 20, 2026
Group: CUPE 1189-01
Department: Public Works & Engineering
Location: Owen Sound, ON

The City of Owen Sound is seeking a motivated and safety-focused professional to join our Water & Wastewater team as a Water Distribution Operator. Reporting to the Water Distribution Superintendent and receiving daily direction from the Water Distribution Lead Hand, this position plays a critical role in delivering safe, reliable drinking water to our community through the operation, maintenance, and repair of the City’s water distribution infrastructure.

This position is responsible for maintaining water distribution assets, responding to emergencies and customer concerns, participating in on-call operations, and ensuring compliance with provincial regulations and industry best practices. This position is being posted for an existing vacancy.

What You’ll Do

Water Distribution Operations & Maintenance

• Operate, maintain, and repair water distribution infrastructure, including watermains, valves, hydrants, water services, pressure regulating valves, and water meters.
• Install, inspect, and maintain fire hydrants and associated infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot and repair water leaks throughout the distribution system.
• Assist with inspections and routine operations at reservoirs, pumping stations, valve chambers, and the Water Treatment Plant.
• Participate in planned maintenance activities and emergency system shutdowns or bypasses as required.

Equipment Operation & Infrastructure Support

• Safely operate equipment and vehicles used in water distribution maintenance, including backhoes, dump trucks, tapping machines, leak detection equipment, and utility locating equipment.
• Locate underground water infrastructure, street lighting, and traffic signal assets.
• Assist with winter maintenance of hydrants, including snow clearing and inspections.
• Perform traffic control activities and road closure coordination as required.
• Support snow clearing operations on sidewalks and roadways when needed.

Customer Service & Emergency Response

• Respond to customer inquiries and service requests related to flooding, water service interruptions, leaks, low pressure, frozen services, and other distribution concerns.
• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule to respond to after-hours emergencies.
• Assist in maintaining reliable water service during emergencies and planned maintenance activities.
• Work collaboratively with contractors, City staff, regulatory officials, and the public.

Compliance, Documentation & Asset Management

• Maintain accurate logs, records, service cards, field notes, and distribution system documentation.
• Update GIS records and distribution system information when infrastructure changes occur.
• Complete required regulatory and operational documentation.
• Participate in ongoing training and certification requirements in accordance with Provincial regulations.
• Support continuous improvement and asset management initiatives within the Water Distribution System.

Health & Safety

• Perform all work in accordance with City policies, procedures, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Participate actively in health and safety programs, training, and initiatives.
• Report hazards, incidents, accidents, near misses, illnesses, and injuries promptly.
• Maintain a strong commitment to safe work practices and environmental stewardship

What We’re Looking For

Education & Experience

• College Diploma in a related field, or Grade 12 diploma combined with relevant experience and certification.
• Ministry of the Environment Water Distribution System Operator Certification.
• Water Distribution Level II Certification or higher is preferred.
• Previous experience working in a municipal water distribution environment.
• Experience operating construction and maintenance equipment related to water distribution systems.
• Valid Class DZ Driver’s Licence.
• Knowledge of water distribution systems, infrastructure maintenance practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of underground utilities and construction techniques.
• Ability to interpret plans, drawings, specifications, work orders, and operational instructions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of GIS and basic computer applications.
• Familiarity with confined space requirements and applicable health and safety legislation.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in field environments.
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with staff, contractors, regulators, and the public.
• Knowledge of the Owen Sound water distribution system is considered an asset.

Other Requirements

• Ability to participate in a rotating on-call schedule and respond to after-hours emergencies within established response times.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work in trenches, vaults, manholes, and other confined or challenging environments.
• Ability to lift up to 60 lbs (27 kg).
• Ability to work overtime, including evenings and weekends, as operational requirements dictate.
• Wage: Compensation is based on certification level and a forty (40) hour workweek.

Water & Wastewater Division

Labourer/Operator in Training

$29.54

Cert.Level I 90%

$33.81

Cert.Level II 100%

$37.50

Cert.Level III 102.5%

$38.42

Cert.Level IV 105%

$39.35

• Benefits: Comprehensive employer-paid Extended Health & Dental plan, and OMERS defined benefit pension plan.

Why Join Us?

Join a dedicated team responsible for delivering one of the City’s most essential public services. As a Water Distribution Operator, you’ll play a direct role in protecting public health, maintaining critical infrastructure, and ensuring reliable service for residents and businesses throughout the community.

Why Owen Sound?

Owen Sound offers the perfect balance of career opportunity, community connection, and outdoor lifestyle. Located on the shores of Georgian Bay, residents enjoy year-round recreation, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and a welcoming community atmosphere.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The City of Owen Sound values diversity and is committed to providing an inclusive workplace. We will accommodate the needs of applicants in accordance with the Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act throughout the hiring process.

Privacy Statement

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act for the purpose of candidate selection. It will be maintained in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Land Acknowledgement

The Municipalities of Bruce and Grey Counties sit on the traditional territory of the Anishnabek Nation: The People of the Three Fires known as Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomie Nations. We give thanks to them, and to the Chippewas of Saugeen, and the Chippewas of Neyaashiinigmiing, as the traditional keepers of this land and water, and we also recognize the traditional homeland of the Metis Nation.

Charitable registration number 11907 4995 RR0001