Waterworks Operator I or II (2 vacancies)

City-of-Markha; Markham; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Markham is seeking a Waterworks Operator I or II to join the Environmental Services team in Markham, Ontario. You will operate and maintain the water distribution, wastewater collection and storm sewer systems under the Waterworks Supervisor, ensuring compliance, service continuity, and safety.

This role requires a minimum high school diploma and 1 year maintenance experience, MOE operator certificates ideally, class II preferred, and a valid driver’s license with a clean abstract.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus 1 year maintenance experience in water, sanitary or storm systems.
• Waterworks Operator I: MOE Class I Water Distribution or Class I Waste Water licences.
• Waterworks Operator II: MOE Class II Water Distribution Subsystem certificate and MOE Class II Wastewater license (preferred).
• Must have a valid G license; DZ preferred; clean driving abstract.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain the water distribution system to ensure regulatory compliance and continuous water supply.
• Operate wastewater collection system to ensure continuous service and proper maintenance.
• Assist in inspections of new water, wastewater and stormwater systems; perform locating and marking of underground utilities & manage work orders.
• Assist in public education activities such as Water on Wheels and respond to inquiries.
• Liaise with residents, contractors, internal departments, and municipalities regarding water quality and operations.
• Perform miscellaneous shop duties and participate in emergency preparedness and after-hours service.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Heavy lifting

Colour vision

Driving license

Clean driving record

SCADA familiarity

Confined Space Entry training

Emergency response

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

MOE Class I Water Distribution Operator Certificate

MOE Class I Waste Water Collection Operator Licence

MOE Class II Water Distribution Subsystem certificate

MOE Class II Wastewater Collection Facility license

Tools

SCADA

SMA

DMA

Pumping stations

Sewer CCTV data collection

Auto samplers

Job description

Waterworks Operator I or II (2 vacancies)

Regular Full Time MOL Supervisor Markham, ON, CA

Salary Range: $35.98 To $41.43 Hourly

Department and Commission: Environmental Services, Community Services
Affiliation: Outside Union
Vacancy Type: Replacement
Application Deadline: September 24, 2026

About the City of Markham

The City of Markham is consistently ranked among Canada’s top municipal employers. In 2026, the City received its sixth consecutive Canada’s Best Employers recognition from Forbes and Statista Inc., placing third among municipalities and 15th overall in Government Services. An award-winning municipality, Markham is recognized for its leadership in sustainability, innovative urban planning, and strong fiscal management. Serving a diverse and growing community of more than 370,000 residents, Markham combines rich heritage with a vibrant local economy and offers employees the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, impactful work that helps strengthen the community we serve.

Join us and make a lasting difference!

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Waterworks Supervisor, operate and maintain the City of Markham Water Distribution, Wastewater Collection and Storm Sewer Systems in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance. Provide assistance and participate in the maintenance and immediate repair of the overall water/wastewater/stormwater infrastructure system and assets; provide associated customer service, general labour and equipment maintenance.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate and maintain the water distribution system and appurtenances to ensure regulatory compliance with respect to water quality and provision of a continuous supply of water for consumption and firefighting purposes; operates the system in accordance with corporate and departmental policies and procedures, applicable bylaws, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks standards, guidelines, act and regulations.
• Operate and maintain the wastewater collection system and appurtenances to ensure regulatory compliance; continuous delivery of wastewater collection service and maintenance of an efficient infrastructure in accordance with corporate and departmental policies and procedures, applicable bylaws, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks standards, guidelines, act and regulations.
• Assist and/or conduct various inspections of new water, wastewater and stormwater systems to ensure the infrastructure meets City standards and specifications. Perform locating and marking services for water, wastewater, stormwater, streetlights and traffic signal underground infrastructure including tie-ins, record keeping, completion of computerized work orders and customer service requests.
• Assist in promotion and education activities regarding the City’s water, wastewater and stormwater systems such as Water on Wheels (WOW) and other public education events. Provide customer service and respond to various public inquiries as required.
• Liaison with residents, businesses, contractors, consultants, internal departments, and other municipalities related to water quality and systems operations and investigate complaints.
• Perform miscellaneous shop duties, including maintenance of facilities, equipment and vehicles to ensure optimal performance and safe working conditions, and their availability to respond to daily activities or emergency situations.
• Participate in Waterworks Emergency Preparedness Plan and related training including emergency response as required. Provide emergency service involving the Water and Sewer System during or after hours; conduct assessment and immediate repairs and/or protection measures to ensure public health and safety and information in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. Ensures compliance with Health & Safety Act and City's Health & Safety policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent plus a minimum of 1 year maintenance experience in water, sanitary or storm system.
• Waterworks Operator I qualifications - Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Class I Water Distribution Operator Certificate or Class I Waste Water Collection Operator Licence, or both.
• Waterworks Operator II qualifications - Ministry of Environment Class II Water Distribution Subsystem certificate;and Class II Wastewater Collection Facility license preferred. Candidates with one Class II certificate will be considered with the requirement that the employee passes the Level II OWWCO Exam for the other Class II certificate within 12 months.
• Must be physically able to perform the bona fide duties of the job including heavy lifting.
• Ability to distinguish colours for marked utilities.
• Class G driver's licence; DZ preferred. Must have a clean driver's abstract (0 demerit points, no more than 1 moving violation and no more than 1 non-moving violation) and be able to upgrade to a DZ licence. As a condition of employment you will required to provide a satisfactory drivers abstract.
• Technical skills, specializing in water, wastewater and stormwater systems equipment operation, i.e. SCADA, SMA, DMA, pumping stations, flusher vacuum truck, sewer lateral CCTV camera and data collection, auto samplers etc.
• Confined Space Entry Training including SCBA rescue training as an asset.
• As a condition of employment, you may be required to submit medical documentation of physical ability to perform the duties of the position, along with a satisfactory police records check as approved by the City of Markham.

CORE BEHAVIOURS

• Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
• Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
• Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way ; demonstrates active listening.
• Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
• Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

CORE VALUES

At the City of Markham, our work is guided by a shared set of core values that shape how we serve our community and support one another.

• Service Excellence:the consistent delivery of high-quality efficient and customer-centric service that exceeds expectations.
• Accountability:our obligation to be responsible and accountable for our actions, decisions and performance.
• People-Focused:putting people first.
• Trust: the confidence we place in each other to act with integrity and fairness.
• Innovation: Investing in each other and the way we deliver our programs and services.

We are looking for candidates who bring these values to life through their actions, decisions, and leadership approach.

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment, you will be required to provide a satisfactory Criminal Record and Judicial Matters check.

AI Disclosure

At the City of Markham, we value transparency and fairness in recruitment. While our system (ADP Workforce Now) includes AI-powered features, we do not use AI to screen, assess, or select applicants. All evaluations are conducted by people.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

Please respect our scent free area by not wearing scented products when visiting the office.