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.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for four (4) post-secondary Water & Wastewater Students to join us for a 4-month term from May 2026 through August 2026.

You will apply your course knowledge to a wide variety of water and wastewater tasks. You will work with a team of highly skilled operators and receive practical hands-on experience in the operation and maintenance of our membrane filtration water treatment plant as well as our water distribution and wastewater collection systems. You will get the chance to operate and maintain fire hydrants, performing locate services, curb value repairs, lab sampling & analysis, treatment process monitoring and adjustments, lift station & booster inspections, and much more

Find out more about water and wastewater in Cochrane at

Why build your career with Cochrane?

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 Manager, Utilities, Water & Wastewater 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.

Cochrane fosters a positive, high-performing culture that emphasizes transparency, critical thinking, curiosity, and innovation. If you're ready to bring your leadership and technical expertise to a growing, environmentally conscious community, we'd love to have you join us.

What are some of the duties of the Water & Wastewater Student Operator?

• 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.
• Follows safe handling procedures and demonstrates knowledge and application of chemicals used throughout the Water & Wastewater networks.
• 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 maintain 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 employees, which means that everyone is responsible for health and safety. This means that you must take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of your colleagues, contractors, the public, and of course, yourself by following all relevant health and safety legislation and corporate policies.

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.
• All candidates will be requested to complete an online suitability survey.
• Applications for this position will be accepted until 9pm MST January 23,2026. Please apply at

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.