Water & Wastewater Student Operator

Cochrane is located in the breathtaking Bow Valley corridor in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in southern Alberta. With a population of over 37,000 people, and growing steadily every year, Cochrane is a thriving town, surrounded by world-famous ranch country. Our western heritage is reflected in the Town’s architecture and our friendly people. The Town of Cochrane welcomes innovative and skilled individuals to join our team of over 250 employees.
Are you currently enrolled in or have recently completed a recognized Water and Wastewater program?
We are looking for 4 post-secondary students to join us for a 4-month term from May through August 2025, with the possibility of extension.
Why should you consider working for us?
As an organization, Cochrane has a focus on investing in people. This is not a boring municipality. We are growing into an organization with a focus on transparency, critical thinking, curiosity, reflection, and innovation. We support experimentation as part of the growth process and strive for continuous improvement. We are municipal employees, and we are accountable to all the residents of the Cochrane. Want to be a part of this exciting time?
Reporting to the Supervisor, Utilities and taking daily direction from the Lead, Utilities, this position is responsible for assisting with the daily operation of the water and wastewater systems within Cochrane.
What are some of the duties of the Water & Wastewater Systems Maintenance?
- Operates, monitors and maintains the water distribution and collection system processes to meet or exceed the Canadian Drinking Water Standards
- Maintains and interpret operating logs.
- Inspects and maintains water distribution systems pump houses
- Inspects and maintains wastewater systems including lift stations.
- Assists with sewer flushing, and CCTV inspections.
- Reports on data collected from water meters and remote readers.
- Locates and marks Cochrane owned fiber, electrical/communication cables, storm/sanitary/water infrastructure. Uses engineered drawings and the Geomatics systems for guidance when performing locates.
- Gathers and analyzes samples throughout the system to monitor quality of water.
- Performs watch duties for confined space entry.
- Completes and retains reports related to all operations.

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities
**Education and Experience**:Required**:

- Post-secondary student currently enrolled in or completion of a recognized Water and Wastewater program, Mechanical Engineering program, Civil Engineering Program, or Electrical Engineering program.
- Experience operating and maintaining equipment (hand tools etc.)

**Preferred**:

- Municipal government experience.
- Mechanical aptitude and basic problem-solving skills.

**Skills and Abilities**:Required**:

- Physically able to perform required duties.
- Self-motivated and ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Ability to understand and carry out instructions and perform manual tasks.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office 365.
- Excellent customer service.
- Demonstrated mechanical aptitude.
- Strong understanding of basic sciences related to water and wastewater systems operation.
- Strong applied math skills.
- Strong data interpretation and analysis abilities.
- Safe use of hand tools as well as small and large mobile equipment.

**Preferred**:

- Knowledge of methods, materials and equipment used in performing routine maintenance, water and wastewater tasks.
- Knowledge of water and wastewater sampling and analysis methods.

**Certifications, Licenses and/or Designations**:Required**:

- A valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License

**Preferred**:

- WHMIS
- Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level C
- H2S Awareness
- Fall protection comprehensive
- Confined space entry monitor
- FOIP
- ICS 100

Cochrane is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment for all its employees. As a Cochrane employee you must take reasonable care to protect your health and safety and that of others present at Town worksites, perform work safely, follow all relevant health and safety legislation, Town directives and procedures and attend all identified orientations and training.
**Still interested? Here’s how to apply**:

- Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit your resume, and a letter stating how your experience match the required qualifications, skills and abilities for this position.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All applicants must be legally entitled to live and work in Canada.
Land Acknowledgement
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.