Water Distribution/Wastewater Collection Operator (Ops & Mtce) (Full-Time)

Thunder Bay; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal water services organization in Northwestern Ontario is seeking an individual to manage the operations of water distribution and wastewater collection systems. This role involves maintenance, repair, and operational efficiency while adhering to regulations. Qualified candidates should have relevant educational background, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work independently. The position may require obtaining additional certifications. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered, promoting an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Must possess valid Class 'G' Ontario Driver’s License.
• Must understand water distribution maps and drawings.
• Must have mechanical aptitude and be reliable.

Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains water distribution and wastewater systems.
• Performs maintenance and repairs on various water systems.
• Participates in preventative maintenance programs.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Ability to report system conditions

Basic skill level in word processing

Reliable and able to work with minimal supervision

Tactful and courteous interaction with public

Education

2 years of relevant post-secondary education

Class I Wastewater Operator Licence

Class I Drinking Water Operator Certificate

Tools

Leak detection equipment

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Operations & Maintenance Supervisor, and the technical direction and guidance of the Lead Operator, operates, inspects, monitors and performs maintenance, repair and replacement of the water distribution, stormwater and wastewater collection systems. Operational and maintenance duties shall be performed in accordance with applicable regulations, guidelines and as listed in the Associated Board of Certification (ABC) guidelines.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs maintenance, repair and replacement work on the water distribution/wastewater collection systems, including services, sewer and water mains, valves, hydrants, house connections, manholes, catch basins and other related fixtures (appurtenances).
• Operate valves, pumps and gates as required, isolate water mains and reconnect isolated water mains, flush hydrants, chlorinate water mains, and turn water services on and off.
• Operates and maintains the processes within his or her responsibility in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with the relevant Operations Manual.
• Ensures that the processes within his or her responsibility are measured, monitored, sampled and tested in a manner that permits them to be adjusted when necessary.
• Ensures that all equipment to be used in the processes within his or her responsibility are properly monitored, inspected and evaluated and that records of equipment operating status are prepared and available at the end of every operating shift.
• Operates all equipment required to repair or maintain the water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
• Participates in all preventative maintenance programs. Prepares and communicates information to public on programs as necessary.
• Performs live taps on the water distribution system.
• Lays and repairs service connections, prepares service drawings and records material used.
• Performs camera inspections of sewers and removes blockages from connections using appropriate methods.
• Operates leak detection equipment to detect and pinpoint locations of known or suspected water main leaks and as a survey tool to investigate and detect unknown leaks or losses in the water system and rank them for priority of repair.
• Investigates and resolves customer complaints and inquiries relating to water/wastewater services.
• Maintains tapping machine and does minor servicing of pumps, generators, steamers, thawing machines and other related equipment including tools.
• Performs and receives locates of underground utilities as required.
• Reports situations requiring further actions to appropriate department or person. Completes follow up as necessary.
• Completes logs and other record keeping mechanisms as required in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Performs the duties of a Skilled Sewer and Water Worker when required.
• Performs standby duties as required.
• Designated as OIC (Operator in Charge).
• Relieves Lead Operator as required.
• Reports material usage to Stores as required.
• Reports equipment and material defects as required.
• Participates in Hands on and Director Approved training and trains staff as required.
• Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

• Must possess 2 years of relevant post‑secondary education or 90 Continuing Education Units in a field deemed appropriate by the Ministry of the Environment, and possess a valid passing grade on the Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection Operator‑in‑Training exams; or
• Must possess 1 year of relevant post‑secondary education or 45 Continuing Education Units in a field deemed appropriate by the Ministry of the Environment, and a Class I Wastewater Operator Licence for Wastewater Collection Facilities and a Class I Drinking Water Operator Certificate for Distribution Subsystems.

Skills/Abilities:

• Must be able to understand wastewater collection and water distribution maps and construction drawings and possess basic drawing skills and legible writing to prepare accurate reports and sketches.
• Must have mechanical aptitude.
• Must be capable of reporting (written and/or verbal) on water systems conditions or problems.
• Must be capable of issuing and accurately comprehending written/oral information and instructions.
• Must be tactful and courteous with the public.
• Must be at basic skill level in word processing, and spreadsheet software.
• Must be reliable and have the ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class "G" Ontario Driver’s License, or equivalent.
• Must meet the definition of a competent driver as defined by the Corporation.
• Must be competent within the meaning of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, as amended.

Assets:

• Currently possess or be eligible to attain a valid Class III Wastewater Operator Licence for Wastewater Collection Facilities.
• Currently possess or be eligible to attain a valid Class IV Drinking Water Operator Certificate in Water Distribution Subsystems.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Within 2 years of hire, must attain and maintain a Class I Wastewater Operator Licence for Wastewater Collection Facilities and a Class I Drinking Water Operator Certificate for Distribution Subsystems.
• Within 4 years of hire, must attain and maintain a Class II Wastewater Operator Licence for Wastewater Collection Facilities and a Class II Drinking Water Operator Certificate for Water Distribution Subsystems.
• Must remain a competent driver as defined by the Corporation.
• May be required to provide a successful driver’s record (uncertified).
• Must undergo a successful Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC).
• Must work weekends and shifts as required.
• Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions and with sewage.
• Must be physically capable to perform the duties of the position.
• Must be able to meet the response times for Standby as stipulated in the Environment Division’s Standard Operating Procedures.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for all parts of the recruitment process.

EEO Statement and Privacy Information

As an equal opportunity employer, the City of Thunder Bay encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority groups, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Ontario Human Rights Code: It is a contravention of the Human Rights Code of Ontario to discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, age, record of offences, gender identity or gender expression. Therefore, a resume submitted to the City must not include references to any of the above characteristics. Do not include:

• Photos
• Any certificates that have photo identification
• Driver’s licences
• Police records checks

Note: The above documentation will be requested by the Human Resources Division should you be the successful applicant. If a Criminal Record Check is required, it will be requested by Human Resources should you be the successful applicant. Please do not submit your Criminal Record Check with your application.

Privacy: Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, c. 302, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility for employment. Questions about this collection of personal information should be directed to the Human Resources Division, 125 Syndicate Ave Suite 42, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 6H8, Telephone: [phone].