Water/wastewater System Operator

**Position Description**

Title: Water/Wastewater System Operator

Reports to: Water/Wastewater System Manager

Status: Full-time

Classification: Water Utility / Wastewater

Location: 493 Main St. / 70 Zwicker Lane and offsite (Mahone Bay)

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm plus some evenings and weekends; on-call responsibilities with overtime required

**Scope**:
The Water/Wastewater System Operator is accountable to the Water/Wastewater
System Manager and is responsible to assist the Manager with the efficient and effective operation of Water/Wastewater systems and equipment.

Along with the Manager, this position is responsible for construction, maintenance and repair of utility assets including treatment facilities, distribution/collection systems, hydrants, fleet, etc..

The position will work closely with all Town Departments in the delivery of water/wastewater services.

**Qualifications**

Experience
- Minimum of one year’s experience in utility operations, or a suitable combination of education and experience is required
- Degree and/or diploma in related field is preferred
- Must possess or be willing to obtain Provincial Operator Certificates for both

Water and Wastewater Systems at the Operator in Training (OIT) level or above
- Experience in mechanical, pipe fitting or electronics would be considered an asset
- Experience in laboratory analysis techniques would be considered an asset
- Knowledge of utility operations would be considered an asset
- Knowledge of design, construction and operation of water and wastewater treatment systems would be considered an asset
- Valid Nova Scotian driver’s license (and good driving and safety record)
- Have or be prepared to achieve training and/or certification for: o Standard First Aid
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System o Temporary Workplace Signing o Traffic Control Person o Confined Space Entry o Occupational Health and Safety Acts and Regulations
- Possess working knowledge of a SCADA system preferred
- Experience with fieldwork/GIS software preferred

**Skills**:

- Computer skills suitable for the preparation of reports, spreadsheets and correspondence associated with the position
- Strong problem solving and decision-making skills
- Quality-consciousness and exceptional attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to commit to a team-oriented task or project and be able to work independently
- Must be able to**: o work outdoors in all weather conditions for extended periods; o lift 50 pounds (chemical bags, manhole covers); o shovel snow; o assist another operator move pump parts 75 to 100 pounds; o work in confined areas; o work on knees for extended periods; o stand for extended periods; o move 45 gallons drums on a dolly; o push/pull a pallet jack to move chemicals; o work on a ladder; and o other physical tasks as required.

**Summary of Principle Duties and Functions**

Specific Duties
- Coordinates with other staff to: o provide connection and disconnection services; o repair water/wastewater equipment and facilities damaged by storms or other causes; o manage the construction / installation of new services; o manage vehicle safety/compliance; o install, set or remove meters associated with routine customer changes; o support meter reading, billing and collection services
- Addresses all work orders and concerns and maintains appropriate records as required of the position
- Assists with maintenance programs and repairs to utility equipment vehicles and infrastructure at the direction of the Manager
- Performs required chemical, physical, microscopic and biological analysis on a daily basis at the Water Treatment and Sewage Treatment plants and such other locations as determined from time to time
- Carries out Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment process changes/adjustments based upon interpretation of lab data and an assessment of physical observation (trouble shooting)
- Maintains and repairs Water System and Wastewater System equipment and performs preventative maintenance. Includes but not limited to micro
- filtration skids, pumps, sewage lift stations & pumps, lagoon aerator equipment, water distribution pipes, sewage collection pipes, etc.
- Maintains, operates and calibrates Water Treatment and Wastewater

Treatment Plants control and instrumentation, including programmable logic control (PLC) and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, as required
- Operates and maintains all treatment equipment including various chemical feed systems; coordinate chemical supply and delivery
- Maintains and complies with standard practices, policy and procedural manuals for the Water System and Wastewater System and associated plant operation and maintenance
- Assists other Town departments, as may be required
- Maintains current knowledge of trends and practices in the utility industry through peer association, attendance at seminars, study, review of literature, and proposed regulations
- Assists in ensuring that all Fire