Water Treatment Operator

Mikisew Cree First Nation; Fort Chipewyan; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Mikisew Cree First Nation seeks a reliable Water Treatment Operator to operate and monitor the community's water and wastewater systems at the MTS Water Treatment Plant in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta. You will hold a Level I Water Treatment Operator Certification and perform sampling, testing, reporting, and SCADA monitoring, with opportunities to advance within Mikisew Technical Services.

This is a full-time, temporary 1-year term position with on-site duties and on-call emergencies, requiring

Qualifications

• Level I Water Treatment Operator Certification is required.
• Experience operating and maintaining water and wastewater systems is preferred.
• Strong sampling, testing, reporting, and system monitoring skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily sampling, testing, flow control, and chemical dosing per plant practices and Health Canada regulations.
• Operate and maintain water and wastewater facilities including collection and treatment systems.
• Respond to emergency calls, coordinate repairs with contractors, and monitor wells.
• Use SCADA to monitor water and wastewater systems and respond to alarms.
• Compile daily, weekly, monthly, and annual reports and maintain SOP/ERP/DWSP documentation.

Skills

Water treatment operations

SCADA monitoring

Emergency response

Safety procedures

Education

Grade 12 diploma or GED

Post-secondary education in water/wastewater treatment

Tools

SCADA system

First Aid/CPR

WHMIS

H2S Alive

Confined Space Entry

Job description

Job Title: Water Treatment Operator
Reports To: Water Treatment Supervisor, Mikisew Technical Services (MTS)
Location: MTS Water Treatment Plant, Fort Chipewyan, Alberta
Department: Mikisew Technical Services
Employment Type: Full Time, Temporary

Term Duration: 1 Year Term

Minimum Experience: Experienced

Who We Are

The Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) operates a professional government organization that supports a wide range of programs and services across education, administration, health, operations, and community-focused departments. MCFN maintains a collaborative, service‑driven work environment where employees contribute to effective internal operations, reliable service delivery, and the day‑to‑day functions that support the Nation’s organizational needs.

Our workplaces value cultural awareness, professionalism, confidentiality, and respect. Teams work together to maintain strong administrative practices, clear communication, and consistent service standards across all departments. MCFN employees play an important role in supporting organized, well‑run offices and ensuring that programs and services operate smoothly and efficiently.

Who You Are

You are a reliable and safety-focused Water Treatment Operator with experience operating and monitoring water and wastewater systems. You hold a Level I Water Treatment Operator Certification and have strong skills in sampling, testing, reporting, and system monitoring. You work well independently and as part of a team, respond effectively to operational and emergency situations, and are committed to maintaining safe, reliable services for the community while following all health, safety, and environmental requirements.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform daily sampling, testing, flow controls, and chemical dosage in accordance with water plant practices and Health Canada regulations.
• Operate and maintain water and wastewater facilities, including wastewater collection and treatment systems.
• Respond to emergency calls, coordinate emergency repairs, and work with qualified contractors.
• Monitor and maintain water wells and complete the required reporting.
• Use the SCADA system to monitor water and wastewater systems and respond to alarms.
• Read and understand construction and record drawings.
• Compile daily, weekly, monthly, and annual reports.
• Maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Emergency Response Plans (ERP), and Drinking Water Source Protection (DWSP) documentation.
• Record meter readings for water and wastewater systems.
• Adhere to and enforce Mikisew Cree First Nation safe job procedures and policies.
• Perform other duties as required by the Water Treatment Plant Supervisor or Manager, or the Director of Technical Services.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Grade 12 diploma or GED preferred.
• Post-secondary education or training in water and wastewater treatment is an asset.
• Experience operating and maintaining water treatment, water distribution, and wastewater treatment systems is preferred.
• Experience conducting sampling, testing, flow controls, and chemical dosage is an asset.
• Experience using a SCADA system is an asset.
• Experience preparing operational reports and maintaining water treatment documentation is an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and relevant experience may be considered.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Level I Water Treatment Operator Certification is required.
• Valid unrestricted Class 5 Alberta Driver’s Licence.
• Ability to provide an annual driver’s abstract.
• Safety certifications, including but not limited to First Aid/CPR, WHMIS, H₂S Alive, and Confined Space Entry, are considered assets and may be required within a specified timeframe.
• Ability to respond to emergency calls and participate in on-call duties.
• Ability to work occasional overtime, as required.
• Ability to read and understand construction and record drawings.
• Strong communication, reporting, organizational, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work safely and wear the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including respirators and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), as needed.
• Commitment to environmental compliance and sustainable water management practices.
• Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check.
• Willingness to sign and adhere to an Oath of Confidentiality.
• Ability to speak and/or understand the Cree language, or another applicable First Nation language, is considered an asset.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Daily work in outdoor environments with varying and extreme temperature conditions.
• Regular exposure to wildlife, insects, chemicals, and other workplace hazards.
• Occasional work in elevated areas and confined spaces.
• Potential exposure to cuts, scrapes, falls, burns, and blows.
• The normal workday consists of 7.5 hours per day, with occasional overtime.
• On-call duties as assigned by the Supervisor or Manager.
• Moderate physical effort, including bending, lifting, carrying, climbing, and walking.
• Extended periods of sitting and standing.
• Compliance with the Mikisew Cree First Nation Occupational Health and Safety Policy and all applicable safe work procedures.
• Correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times.
• Work may require the use of respirators and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) when required and properly trained.
• Travel to operational sites and community infrastructure locations may occasionally be required.

MCFN Standard Closing Statement

In accordance with MCFN hiring practices, this position will be posted internally for a minimum of fourteen (14) days to provide qualified MCFN Members and internal candidates with the opportunity to apply. The MCFN Member priority period will end on October 19, 2026. Following the conclusion of the priority period, the posting will remain open until filled, and external candidates may be considered. Final candidates for this position will be required to complete security screening, which includes a criminal record check and/or Vulnerable Sector Check.

Kinanâskomitin (Thank you) for your interest.