Water & Wastewater Operator (Transmission), AUPE

This posting is for 1 temporary full-time position up to 12 months

The Water and Wastewater Transmission Operator performs a variety of skilled, technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance and repair of Strathcona County's Water and Wastewater Transmission vertical and linear assets including the SCADA System.

This position will work under the direction of the Leadhand, Foreperson, or Supervisor but may be expected to work on their own without direct supervision. This position will be expected to work on-call or standby shifts for after-regular-hour callouts or emergencies as directed throughout the year in order to provide high quality service to the community.

In this position, Step 1 and 2 are the beginning level of skilled work, Step 3 and 4 are the intermediate level and Step 5 and 6 are for the senior level of skilled worker within the Water and Wastewater Operations. This position is expected to transfer knowledge between themselves and other team members to ensure continuity in job rotation tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in construction completion certificate and/or final acceptance certificate inspections as assets transfer from developers and/or contractors to the County
• Active member of a Confined Space Entry Team undertaking preventative maintenance activities for underground infrastructure
• Monitor water quality parameters within water distribution systems, including the collection of water samples for analysis through an independent lab in accordance with Alberta Environment's codes of practice
• Flush, clean and maintain water and wastewater infrastructure, including reservoir and lift station cleaning
• Install, calibrate/repair, read and record water meters as required
• Maintain yards, facilities and properties associated with County and service contracts for water and wastewater facilities
• Selection of the appropriate mode of operation for effective, efficient and economical delivery or pumping of water and wastewater
• Recommend a water demand strategy within the region based on an assessment of reservoir levels, weather forecast and current water demand
• Manage water demand draw rates from EPCOR Water Inc. and reservoir levels during peak periods in alignment with water demand conditions and strategies
• Operate, maintain, monitor and report on water distribution, wastewater collection & treatment facilities in accordance with Alberta Environment Codes and Regulations
• Operate, monitor, maintain, repair and replace transmission valves for Strathcona County and service contracts
• Operate, monitor, maintain, repair and replace air reliefs for Strathcona County and service contracts
• Operate, monitor, maintain, repair and replace PRVs for Strathcona County and service contracts
• Undertake locating of all infrastructure associated with ARROW, Suncor, JSBRWC, Lamont County and Strathcona County owned assets
• Respond, manage all sewer/water main breaks associated with ARROW, Suncor, JSBRWC, Lamont County and Strathcona County owned assets
• Maintain the highest levels of safety and environmental consideration to perform all tasks
• Perform maintenance and service requirements to equipment in accordance with manufacturer's specifications
• Undertake diagnostics of equipment as part of a routine maintenance schedule (e.g. vibration analysis, oil analysis)
• Install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair mechanical piping and pumping equipment throughout the water and wastewater transmission facilities
• Coordinate modes of operation to ensure reliable water and wastewater system operation in conjunction with tradesmen and consulting engineers' inspections and maintenance
• Provide service reports on field inspections surrounding the operation of the facilities, including recommended repairs or upgrades
• Undertake field level inspections and hazard inspections in accordance with OH&S regulations
• Participate as a member of a Confined Space Entry Team to undertake emergent and maintenance work activities
• Provide service in accordance with service contracts for the operation and maintenance of Municipalities' or Commissions' water and wastewater systems
• Make recommendations where noted deficiencies exist where Strathcona County is acting as the Chief Operator or through contractual agreement on behalf of another municipality

Qualifications and Skills:

• Step 1 – At least one AEP Certification in Water Distribution I or Wastewater Collection I or Wastewater Treatment I
• Step 2 – Minimum of 1,000 hours at Step 1; and AEP Certification in Water Distribution Level I, Wastewater Collection Level I, and Wastewater Treatment I; and recommendation of the appropriate supervisor
• Step 3 – Minimum of 1864 hours at Step 2; and AEP Certification in Water Distribution II or Wastewater Collection II, and Wastewater Treatment I; and recommendation of the appropriate supervisor
• Step 4 –Minimum of 1864 hours at Step 3, and AEP Certification in Water Distribution II, Wastewater Collection II, and Wastewater Treatment I; and recommendation of the appropriate supervisor
• Step 5 – Minimum of 1864 hours at Step 4, and AEP Certification in Water Distribution III, Wastewater Collection III, and Wastewater Treatment I; and recommendation of the appropriate supervisor
• Step 6 – Minimum of 1864 hours at Step 5, and AEP Certification in Water Distribution III, Wastewater Collection III, and Wastewater Treatment I; and recommendation of the appropriate supervisor
• Preference may be given to candidates who have completed NAIT's Water and Wastewater Technician program or an equivalent program with completion of 90 CEUs
• Valid Class 3 Alberta Motor Vehicle Operators License is preferred
• Maintain good public relations during contacts with system customers and members of the general public while performing the assigned duties
• Knowledge of applicable Occupational Health and Safety requirements, especially confined space entry
• Strong knowledge of land use titles
• Ability to work effectively as part of a water and wastewater infrastructure maintenance team
• A strong general knowledge of the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems, specifically transmission facilities & SCADA systems
• Weekend work and on-call response on a rotational basis
• Able to walk long distances in various climates on unknown terrain
• Ability to bend, pull, lift and push while using various tools, equipment and materials in a safe manner
• Able to operate off highway vehicle in a safe manor
• Individuals must be capable of undertaking tasks that are labor intensive requiring a physical capability

Conditions of Employment:

• Submission of a Satisfactory Criminal Record Check
• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver's license and submission of a 5-year Driver's Abstract with less than 7 demerits
• Ability to perform physical labour as part of the job duties and stand/walk for extended periods of time

Who We Are:

Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta. Our vision is to become Canada's most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, fairness, and cooperation.

Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• Extended health and dental coverage

• Health and wellness spending account
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement and pension programs
• Earned day off program
• Employee and family assistance program
• Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities
• Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace

Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered.

Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.