Technologist, Industrial Wastewater Investigator

Highlights of the job

EPCOR Water Services is currently hiring for one (1) full-time, permanent Industrial Wastewater Investigator to join the Linear Asset Operations team at the Aurum site in Edmonton, AB.

In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the Industrial Wastewater Source Control Program and enforcing EPCOR Drainage Services and Wastewater Treatment Bylaw 19627. 

We welcome applications from both internal and external candidates. EPCOR employees are encouraged to apply using their '@epcor.com' email address to ensure proper consideration of internal seniority.

What you’d be responsible for

Reporting to the Manager, Monitoring & Compliance, your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Responding promptly to inquiries from both internal and external stakeholders.
• Conducting onsite inspections of customer operations to assess whether wastewater effluent requires pre-treatment or alternative disposal methods.
• Collecting and field-testing samples from EPCOR and private infrastructure for parameters such as pH, visual solids, and select metals, and submitting samples for laboratory analysis.
• Attending and responding in person to uncontrolled spills, releases, alleged bylaw violations, and sewer-related complaints.
• Developing and completing safe work plans to ensure field activities are conducted safely.
• Exercising sound judgment to determine when to involve other departments or external agencies, while applying appropriate safety measures to protect public health, the environment, and infrastructure.
• Preparing detailed investigation reports, presenting findings, and recommending corrective actions to address any adverse impacts.
• Gathering site history and relevant data to support initial assessments and follow-up compliance activities.
• Collaborating with team members to develop industry-specific educational programs that promote responsible wastewater management and proper waste disposal practices.
• Addressing violations identified through inspections or investigations, and monitoring ongoing non-compliance cases in coordination with the Overstrength Surcharge Group.
• Drafting and issuing violation letters and other enforcement communications.
• Reviewing external applications to ensure compliance with permits and regulatory approvals.
• Supporting updates to Bylaws, Codes of Practice, and internal Source Control Program protocols to maintain clear and consistent communication with both the public and EPCOR employees.
• Coordinating with other EPCOR departments and wastewater treatment facilities to assess the risks associated with potential releases.
• Monitoring and evaluating reports of large-volume industrial wastewater discharges.
• Calculating flow rates and volumes, and assessing downstream infrastructure for potential vulnerabilities.

What’s required to be successful

Qualifications, experience and behaviours you will possess are:

• Completion of a 2-year Diploma in Environmental, Chemical or Biological Sciences, or Engineering Technology with specialization in environmental sciences from a recognized post-secondary educational institute.
  • Degrees or diplomas from similar programs may also be considered.
• Candidates must demonstrate experience in the following areas:
  • A minimum of 7 years of technical or scientific experience involving field inspections and investigations within regulatory enforcement, processing/manufacturing, or environmental protection roles.
  • Practical application of the City of Edmonton Drainage Bylaws.
  • Conducting wastewater chemistry analysis.
  • Reading and interpreting plans and blueprints, including DRAINS data, record drawings, and water/sewer servicing documents.
  • Sampling water and wastewater for compliance purposes, including grab samples, composite samples using automated samplers, and chain of custody procedures.
  • Engaging with regulatory agencies such as Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
  • Responding to spills and releases, including leading efforts in identification, containment, cleanup, and regulatory reporting.
  • Proficiency with systems and tools such as POSSE, GeoFIT, DRAINS, Granite Viewer, and IVARA.
• Completion of a specified pre-treatment facility inspection or investigative techniques course within six (6) months of hire.
• Solid understanding of applicable provincial and federal environmental guidelines and regulations.
• Strong observational and investigative skills, with the ability to assess complex situations effectively.
• Demonstrated knowledge of environmental legislation, pollution prevention strategies, waste minimization practices, and wastewater treatment and disposal methods.
• Alberta Motor Vehicle Operator's License
  • Limited to 6 demerits or less at date of hire (prior infractions for unsafe driving behaviours will be evaluated and considered for non-selection regardless of current demerits on file).
  • A Driver Abstract (5 year commercial type) will be required.

• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Teams, Excel, and Word.
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions throughout the year, with frequent vehicle entry and exit at various industrial, commercial, and institutional sites.
• Physically capable of meeting the demands of the role, including the strength and dexterity required for medium to heavy work and the ability to lift materials weighing up to 50 pounds. A pre-placement medical assessment and drug and alcohol testing may be required.

Preferred Assets:

• Certification with The Association of Science & Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET), ECO Canada, or a similar professional designation.
• Alberta Environment Wastewater Collection Operator Certification.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

You are a self-motivated professional who thrives with minimal supervision and brings a high level of energy to your work. You communicate clearly and tactfully—both verbally and in writing—with a wide range of stakeholders, including in potentially challenging or confrontational situations. You demonstrate strong time management skills, prioritize effectively, and are committed to continuous improvement through learning and innovation.

Health and safety are core values at EPCOR. You bring a proven track record of safety awareness and a commitment to maintaining a safe work environment, contributing to our goal of a zero-injury workplace culture.

Other important facts about this job

For our current EPCOR Employees please ensure that you are using your “@epcor.com” email address on your resume for Seniority purposes.

Jurisdiction: CSU52

Class: T3

Hours of work: 80 hours bi-weekly

Wage: Starting at $54.92

• Final Wage and Step will be determined at the time of selection and based on a combination of factors as outlined in the Collective Agreement.

Note: Due to the nature of this position, the successful candidate is required to act in a standby capacity, work shift work and occasionally overtime on any time and day of the week.

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Please note the following information: 

• A requirement of working for EPCOR is that you are at least 18 years of age, successfully attained a high school diploma (GED, or equivalent level of secondary education) and legally entitled to work in Canada. (A copy of a valid work permit may be required.) 
• If you are considered for the position, clearance is required on all applicable background checks (which may include criminal, identity, educational, and/or credit) and professional reference checks. Some EPCOR positions require an enhanced level of background assessment, which is dictated by law. These positions require advanced criminal record checks that must also be conducted from time to time after commencement of employment. 
• A technical/practical assessment may be administered during the selection process and this exercise will be used as a part of the selection criterion. 
• To meet the physical demands required of some positions, candidates must be in good physical condition and willing to work in all weather conditions. Clearance on pre-placement medical and drug and alcohol testing may be required. 
• Prior infractions for unsafe driving behaviours will be evaluated and considered for non-selection regardless of current demerits on file. 
• If you are required to provide your own personal reliable vehicle: Successful applicants must provide their own vehicles with appropriate insurance in accordance with EPCOR’s Employee Mileage Reimbursement Policy. You will be reimbursed in accordance with EPCOR’s Employee Mileage Reimbursement Policy.
• Use of AI: Our recruitment process may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence, to support application screening and certain assessment steps. All recruitment activities, including hiring decisions, are led by our hiring managers and talent acquisition team.