Water and Wastewater Operator Level 2

Job Description

The role

Reporting to the Regional Manager, the Senior Operator, Level II is a hands-on technical lead responsible for the safe, efficient and compliant operation of several water treatment plants (WTP) and wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in the region.

You will be the go-to person on site when something goes wrong: diagnosing process and equipment problems, making sound decisions under pressure, and prioritizing operational emergencies so that public health, the environment and our clients' assets are protected. You will also be the first main contact on some projects for our clients. 

Key responsibilities

Operations & process control

• Operate, monitor and optimize multiple WTP and WWTP facilities of varying size and technology (e.g. conventional and membrane filtration, groundwater systems, lagoons, SBR, activated sludge, UV and chlorine disinfection).
• Perform process sampling and in-house testing, interpret results, and adjust chemical dosing and process parameters accordingly.
• Monitor and respond to SCADA/telemetry alarms; carry out process checks and site rounds across assigned facilities.

Technical problem-solving

• Troubleshoot process upsets, equipment failures and instrumentation issues on site, identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Recommend process improvements, equipment upgrades and preventive maintenance changes to management and clients.
• Provide technical guidance and on-the-job coaching to operators and Operators-in-Training (OITs).

Emergency response & prioritization

• Participate in the on-call/standby rotation and respond to after-hours alarms and emergencies.
• Assess and triage concurrent operational issues (e.g. adverse water quality results, bypasses or overflows, power or equipment failures) and prioritize response based on risk to public health, the environment and regulatory compliance.
• Lead initial emergency response on site, coordinate with supervisors, contractors and clients, and complete required notifications to the MECP, Medical Officer of Health and other authorities within regulated timelines.

Compliance, maintenance & reporting

• Ensure operations meet the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act, O. Reg. 170/03, O. Reg. 128/04, O. Reg. 129/04, the Ontario Water Resources Act and site-specific Environmental Compliance Approvals (ECAs) and Drinking Water Works Permits.
• Support the facilities' Drinking Water Quality Management System (DWQMS) and participate in inspections and audits.
• Perform and coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance; keep accurate logbooks, work orders and operational records.
• Prepare and review operational, compliance and incident reports.
• Follow and promote all health and safety procedures, including confined space entry, lockout/tagout and WHMIS.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience operating water and/or wastewater treatment facilities.
• Valid Ontario Class II (or higher) operator certificate in Water Treatment and/or Wastewater Treatment; holding both, plus Water Distribution and/or Wastewater Collection certification, is a strong asset.
• Demonstrated experience operating multiple facilities with different treatment processes and technologies.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot process, mechanical and electrical/instrumentation issues independently on site.
• Sound judgment and the ability to stay calm, prioritize and act decisively during operational emergencies.
• Thorough working knowledge of Ontario drinking water and wastewater regulations and reporting requirements.
• Valid Class G driver's licence with a clean driving record, and willingness to travel between sites within the region.
• Ability to participate in an on-call/standby rotation, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable with SCADA, CMMS and standard computer applications.

Assets

• Ontario Class II certification or progress toward it.
• Experience mentoring or leading operators and OITs.
• Current confined space, First Aid/CPR and WHMIS training.
• Experience working in a contract operations environment with multiple clients.

Additional Information

How to Apply?

Qualified candidates are encouraged to forward their resume by email to:

[email protected]

[email protected]

For email applications please have the subject line read Senior Operator, Level II – Water & Wastewater 

We thank all applicants in advance; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Have a great day!