Water and Wastewater Operator, Collection and Distribution

The Water and Wastewater Operator is responsible for the skilled operation, maintenance, and repair of Strathcona County’s water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and stormwater systems. This role includes monitoring and troubleshooting system performance, conducting sampling and testing, performing preventative and corrective maintenance, and responding to operational issues and emergencies.

This position is key to ensuring safe and reliable utility services for the community while meeting health, safety, and environmental standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, monitor and report on water distribution, wastewater collection & treatment facilities and transmission assets in accordance with Alberta Environment Codes and Regulations
• Participate in construction completion certificate and /or final acceptance certificate inspections as assets transfer from developers and /or contractors to the County
• Monitor water quality parameters within water distribution systems, including the collection of water, wastewater/storm sewer samples for analysis through an independent lab in accordance with Alberta Environment’s code of practice
• Flush, clean and maintain water, wastewater and storm mains and facilities, including hydrants and valves associated with such systems
• Maintain yards, facilities and properties associated with County and service contracts for water and wastewater facilities  
• Monitor and operate wastewater stabilization ponds and sewage within the prescribed guidelines and standards of the County and Alberta Environment
• Install, calibrate, download data from flow monitoring equipment  
• May assist with all aspects of water and wastewater sampling protocols, including sewer, over-strength, bacteria and THM sampling; install and calibrate sampling equipment and collect wastewater samples from commercial and industrial customers for over-strength wastewater analysis.
• Inspect and maintain storm and sanitary sewer catch basins, manholes, mains, service laterals and recycle water infrastructures
• Monitor and maintain stormwater detention ponds, inlets and outlets
• Discontinue and re-in state utilities services in a respectful and professional manner in the event of non-payment, as directed by customer billing
• Respond to emergency infrastructure failures to minimize damage and ensure public safety (eg: water main breaks, sewer break, main line blockages, etc.)  
• Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot and repair PRV stations
• Active member of a Confined Space Entry Team undertaking preventative maintenance activities to underground infrastructure  
• Understand requirements and use SCBA and/or SABA
• Operate and maintain equipment associated with the protection of H2S Corrosion protection  
• Develop, review and maintain applicable standard operating procedures and hazard assessments
• Provide contract work to external agencies and other municipal organizations
• Operate the flusher vacuum truck on an emergent basis
• Install, calibrate/repair, read and record water meters, as well as conduct infrastructure locates as required  
• Maintain the highest levels of safety and environmental consideration

Qualifications and Skills

• At least one AEP Certification in Water Distribution I or Wastewater Collection I or Wastewater Treatment I
• Preference may be given candidates who have completed NAIT’s Water and Wastewater Technician program or an equivalent program with completion of 90 CEUs
• Strong general knowledge of the operation and maintenance of water distribution, storm and wastewater collection and treatment facilities
• Knowledge of applicable Occupational Health and Safety requirements, especially confined space entry
• Strong knowledge of land use titles
• Ability to maintain good public relations during contact with system customers and members of the public while performing the assigned duties
• Strong teamwork skills, ability to work effectively as part of a water and wastewater infrastructure maintenance team  
• Able to walk long distances in various climates on unknown terrain, as well as the ability to bend, pull, lift and push while using various tools, equipment and materials in a safe manner
• Able to operate off highway vehicles in a safe manner

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  
• Weekend work, on-call response (rotational basis) or standby shifts for after-regular-hour callouts or emergencies, as directed throughout the year to provide quality of service  
• 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, collaboration, and accountability.  

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.