Water Treatment System Operator

Milestone Environmental Contracting Inc.; Northeastern Ontario; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and drug coverage

Annual vacation and professional development budget

Job summary

Milestone Environmental Contracting Inc. is seeking a Water Treatment System Operator to oversee the operation and maintenance of water treatment systems across Ontario. The role involves fieldwork, regular inspections, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Qualified candidates must have a post-secondary education in relevant disciplines and 2–5 years of related experience. The position requires travel throughout the province and may involve remote work across northern locations, underlining the job's demanding nature and importance.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience operating industrial or environmental water treatment systems.
• Experience working outdoors and collecting environmental samples.
• Regulatory reporting experience is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain water treatment systems.
• Conduct routine inspections and record operational data.
• Interact with clients and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Mechanical aptitude

Detail-oriented

Ability to work independently

Strong troubleshooting skills

Education

Post-secondary education in Environmental Technology or related discipline

Valid Ontario Class G Driver's License

Standard First Aid and CPR certification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Position Summary

The Water Treatment System Operator is responsible for the safe operation, monitoring, maintenance, and optimization of temporary and permanent water treatment systems supporting environmental remediation, mine water management, construction dewatering, and industrial wastewater treatment projects.

The Operator performs routine operations, inspections, sampling, testing, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and reporting activities to ensure treatment systems operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with project requirements and environmental regulations. This position is primarily field‑based and requires travel throughout Ontario, including remote northern mine sites and rotational work schedules.

Responsibilities

Operations

• Operate and maintain water treatment systems including filtration, clarification, chemical treatment, membrane systems, pumping systems, and associated infrastructure.
• Perform routine inspections and operational checks.
• Monitor treatment performance and adjust operating parameters, as required.
• Collect water samples and conduct field testing.
• Record operational data and maintain daily operating logs.
• Perform preventative maintenance and minor repairs.
• Assist with system commissioning, startup, shutdown, and demobilization activities.
• Coordinate with project managers, superintendents, and technical staff regarding system performance.
• Respond to operational alarms, process upsets, and emergency situations.
• Maintain treatment chemical inventories and consumables.
• Ensure compliance with environmental permits, discharge criteria, and project specifications.

Documentation and Reporting

• Complete daily field reports and operational records.
• Maintain maintenance logs and inspection records.
• Prepare sampling documentation and chain‑of‑custody forms.
• Assist with regulatory reporting requirements.
• Document deficiencies and recommend corrective actions.

Client Relations

• Interact professionally with clients, regulators, subcontractors, and project stakeholders.
• Represent Milestone in a professional manner at all project sites.
• Support client meetings and site inspections when required.

Health and Safety

Read, understand, and follow Milestone's Corporate Health and Safety Program, Policy and Procedures. Ensure health and safety is considered in the performance of all activities both on and off the job. Participation in H&S initiatives will be monitored and reviewed, as necessary.

• Participate in daily hazard assessments and safety meetings.
• Maintain compliance with site‑specific safety requirements.
• Stop work when unsafe conditions are identified.
• Participate in incident investigations and corrective actions when required.

Qualifications

Education Requirements - Required

• Post‑secondary education in Environmental Technology, Water/Wastewater Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Environmental Science, Chemical Technology, or a related discipline.
• Valid Ontario Class G Driver's License.
• Standard First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to obtain).

Education Requirements - Preferred

• Water Treatment, Water Distribution, Wastewater Collection, or Wastewater Treatment certifications.
• Environmental field operations experience.

Assets

• Basic Supervisor Training or equivalent.
• Common mining‑related training.
• Confined Space Entry.
• Working at Heights.
• WHMIS.
• TDG Certification.

Experience Required - Required

• 2–5 years of experience operating industrial, construction, mine water, or environmental water treatment systems.
• Experience working in field environments and outdoor conditions.
• Experience collecting environmental samples and maintaining operational records.

Experience Required - Preferred

• Experience on remote mining or northern infrastructure projects.
• Experience with pumps, piping systems, instrumentation, and process controls.
• Experience working rotational schedules at remote project sites.

Experience Additional Asset

• Experience supporting environmental remediation projects.
• Experience with membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, metals removal, and mine water treatment systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to coordinate multiple, often competing, tasks and timelines.
• Comfortable working and collaborating with all levels of the organization.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to interpret operating procedures and technical documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving abilities.
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to perform hands‑on maintenance activities.
• Able to work independently with limited supervision.
• Able to work in a fast‑paced environment and meet tight deadlines.
• Keen to take on challenges and contribute to the success of the team and company.
• Ability to adapt to changing project conditions and remote work environments.

Work Environment

This position is primarily field‑based and involves frequent travel to project sites throughout Ontario, including remote northern locations. The successful candidate must be willing and able to:

• Travel extensively throughout Ontario.
• Work rotational schedules when required.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Work on active construction, remediation, and mine sites.
• Lift equipment and materials up to 50 lbs.
• Work extended hours as project demands require.
• Stay in remote camps, hotels, or temporary accommodations during project assignments.

A company vehicle, travel allowance, or travel reimbursement will be provided based on project requirements.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

At Milestone, we believe our strength lies in the diversity of our people and the inclusive culture we foster every day. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and base our employment decisions on merit, qualifications, and ability. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment and selection process.

Inclusion is embedded in how we work, collaborate, and lead. We actively strive to create a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to contribute fully. Our dedication to learning, accountability, and cultural awareness helps us grow as individuals and as an organization.

We are especially proud of our partnerships and work with Indigenous Peoples and communities. These relationships are a continuing source of growth, knowledge, and mutual respect. We commit to listening, learning, and participating in meaningful truth and reconciliation efforts in collaboration with Indigenous partners, employees, and communities across Canada.

Compensation & Benefits

At Milestone Environmental Contracting Inc., we recognize that our people are our greatest strength. We are proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support your well‑being, growth, and success.

• Competitive salary based on experience, skills, internal equity, and work location.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and prescription drug coverage.
• Annual pro‑rated $500 Health Spending Account.
• Group Registered Savings Plan (GRSP) with employer matching after 3 months of employment.
• Three weeks’ vacation to start.
• Paid Annual Cultural Day to celebrate what matters most to you.
• Annual professional development budget to support certifications, training, and career advancement.