Lead Hand Operator

**Highlights of the job**

This is an exciting team leadership opportunity for someone who is passionate about safety, public health, and operational excellence. As a Lead Hand Operator, you will lead a team of skilled professionals and play a key role in mentoring staff, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement in plant operations.

As a Lead Hand Operator, you will report to the Site Manager and are also accountable for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the **Level III Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), with potential exposure to the Level II Water Treatment Plant (WTP), and the Level III Distribution and Collection (D&C) systems**. Additionally, you will perform assigned duties in compliance with the International Standard Organization (ISO) 14001 certified Environmental Management System that has been implemented at the Canmore site.

**What you’d be responsible for**
- Leading and empowering a team of operators to deliver safe, efficient, and compliant operations across the Level III Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)
- Providing direction and oversight to ensure all regulatory, safety, and operational standards are consistently met or exceeded.
- Collaborating with the Lead Hand D&C to guide operations staff in meeting all regulatory and operational requirements for the approvals to operate, including quality control of records and reporting.
- Ensuring accurate and timely reporting for regulatory, operational, and performance metrics, and using data to inform decision-making.
- Stepping in as a technical leader when needed to support field rounds, lab duties, or troubleshoot complex operational issues.
- Providing expert guidance on process control adjustments and laboratory sampling to optimize plant performance.
- Proactively identifying and resolving operational risks using SCADA data, lab results, and performance trends.
- Managing asset maintenance planning, contractor engagement, and regulatory liaison activities to support long-term infrastructure reliability.
- Championing EPCOR’s Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) policies, ensuring all work is performed to the highest safety standards.
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including maintenance teams, contractors, engineers, and regulatory bodies, to ensure seamless operations and compliance.
- Representing the team in client and public interactions, demonstrating professionalism and a commitment to service excellence.
- Driving a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement by setting clear expectations and leading by example.
- Mentoring and developing team members, identifying training needs, and supporting professional growth through hands-on coaching and structured learning opportunities.
- Overseeing the development and implementation of procedures and training programs to enhance operational readiness and team capability.
- Balancing leadership and technical responsibilities with a strong ability to delegate effectively.

**What’s required to be successful**
- Grade 12 diploma (GED, or equivalent level of secondary education).
- Wastewater Technician Certificate/Diploma/Degree from a recognized educational institution will be considered an asset.
- 5+ years directly related experience in the wastewater field with at least 2 years of supervisory experience.
- Minimum Level III certification in Wastewater Treatment and Wastewater disciplines is required.
- Strong working knowledge of Canadian health, safety, and environment (HS&E) regulations and International Standards Organization (ISO) 9001 and 14001 standards.
- Must have a valid Canadian Class 5 Motor Vehicle Operator's License:

- _with 6 or fewer demerits. _
- _Ability to qualify for and maintain a valid EPCOR driver's permit. _
- _A 5-year Commercial Drivers Abstract may be required at the time of hire._
- _We are not accepting drivers with a GDL license._
- A Class 3 license with Q endorsement will be considered an asset.
- Currently lives within close proximity to Canmore, Cochrane, West Calgary, and the Bow Valley corridor.
- Ability to meet the physical demands and activities inherent to the work performed, as well as to function effectively outside under a variety of weather conditions and through all seasons.
- Please note that due to the nature of this position you will be required to wear a ½ mask respirator for extended periods on a daily basis.
- Clearance on pre-placement police check, reference check, medical and drug and alcohol testing.
- Proficient in using asset management software IVARA, SAP or similar and using SCADA control systems.
- Excellent communication (verbal and written), problem solving, planning and organization skills, keen attention to detail, and a high degree of accuracy in everything you do.
- Ability to demonstrate a strong drive for results; can collaborate and work in a diverse team of operators with mínimal supervision.
- Proven experience supervising and developing operations st