Public Works- Utilities Operator I

Public Works- Utilities Operator I

Full-Time, Permanent

Why work for Sparwood?

The District of Sparwood is a friendly and welcoming East Kootenay community of about 4,200 people living in the beautiful Elk Valley.  Sparwood is approximately 1.5 hours away from Cranbrook, BC and 2.5 hours away from Calgary, AB - offering easy access to big city amenities while enjoying all that rural living has to offer.   For those who enjoy outdoor activities or are captivated by natural beauty, Sparwood will exceed your expectations by offering you instant access to mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes filled with an array of fish and wildlife.  Participate in fishing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, golf, numerous lake activities, hunting, cross-country skiing and world class skiing and snowboarding to your heart’s content.

The Core Duties:

Reporting to the Utilities Supervisor, the Utilities Operator I is responsible for constructing, installing, inspecting, maintaining and repairing utility systems, such as water distribution, wastewater collection, wastewater treatment, storm water collection as well as other utility related infrastructure.

• Assists in maintenance of water/ wastewater collection systems and related infrastructure


• Operates light trucks and equipment such as snow blowers, power saws, trash pumps, while engaged in activities such as digging, trenching, backfilling, rolling, compacting etc.


• Performs diverse manual tasks and uses various hand tools and power equipment such as; compressor, jackhammer, drills, finishing concrete, digging trenches & holes, placing sod, traffic control, litter, etc;


• Assists the Roads and Parks crew in the construction, maintenance and repair of related infrastructure


• Assists the Recreation Maintenance crew in the construction, maintenance and repair of recreational facilities


• Responds to callouts, alarms and emergency situations and is required to be available on a rotational basis for weekend on-call, as required

Job Requirements:

• Grade 12 or equivalent


• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License


• Some (1-2 years) related experience in labour or construction work, safe operation of related tools, light trucks, light and heavy equipment as required


• EOCP Certification in Water Distribution, Wastewater Treatment and Wastewater Collection would be considered - an asset


• The incumbent will be encouraged to obtain Level I & II EOCP certification in Water Distribution, Wastewater Treatment, and Wastewater Collection as soon as the required hours have been achieved


• Physical ability to lift heavy objects, undertake labour intensive tasks, work in awkward positions and confined spaces, frequently stand and walk throughout the day and work in inclement weather


• Good interpersonal and communications skills with demonstrated ability to work well as a member of a team and independently

Salary: This position is a unionized role under CUPE local 2698. The 2025 hourly wage rate is $30.75 per hour pursuant to the current Collective Agreement. This salary package includes a full range of employer-paid benefits, such as:  

• Extended health & benefits plan 


• Municipal Pension Plan


• Vacation & Sick Leave  


• Compressed Work Week Program (additional by-weekly day off)


• Active Living Pass membership for Sparwood Leisure Centre 
  

Hours of work: As per the current CUPE collective agreement, this position is based on the standard work week for public works operators which consists of five (5) consecutive eight (8) hour days, Monday to Friday , commencing at 7:00am to 3:00pm.

Apply Now! Closing Date for Applications is Monday, September 22, 2025.  Click on the link on this web page to submit your resume and cover letter online, or check out the website at https://www.sparwood.ca/municipal-hall/employment-opportunities . As part of the interview process, shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in a practical portion of the interview at the District of Sparwood Leisure Center.

Qualified applicants who are offered and accept the position may be required to complete a satisfactory pre-employment background check. This may consist of all or a combination of the following: Canadian criminal record check, an employment verification and/or an education and accreditation verification and a clean drivers’ abstract.

Job Description

Job Summary 

Reporting to the Utilities Supervisor the Utilities Operator 1 is responsible for constructing, installing, inspecting, maintaining and repairing utility systems, such as water distribution, wastewater treatment, storm water collection as well as other utility related infrastructure.

The incumbent will be an effective team member whose contributions assist in the achievement of department and organizational objectives, which include, but are not limited to, assisting the Roads and Parks crew with summer and winter maintenance of related infrastructure and greenspaces, as well as providing assistance to other municipal departments, as directed by the Utilities Supervisor. The successful individual will be proficient at operating light trucks and equipment, be able to perform manual labour, and can provide input on modifications or improvements to Public Works Department policies, procedures and practices to improve the functions and safety of the department’s operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Constructs and/or installs, inspects, maintains and repairs water distribution, wastewater collection, wastewater treatment, storm water collection systems and related infrastructure in accordance with District bylaws, policies, procedures, design standards and proper construction and maintenance practices.


• Operates light trucks and equipment such as snow blowers, power saws, pressure washers, steam cleaners, trash pumps, various hand tools, etc. while engaged in activities such as digging, trenching, backfilling, rolling, compacting, concrete/asphalt finishing, loading vehicles, salting, sanding, snow plowing and snow removal; inspects equipment for fuel, oil, air, lubricants and makes minor repairs, adjustments and/or tops up as required.


• Performs various manual tasks such as forming, screeding and finishing concrete, breaking and laying asphalt, digging trenches & holes, placing sod, laying pipes, traffic control, picking up litter, etc; uses various hand tools and power equipment such as compressor, jackhammer, drills, etc.


• Identifies and requisitions parts, supplies, materials, tools and equipment, and ensures they are available for use and at the job site on a timely basis.


• Carries out safe work practices and adheres to safety and other work-related regulations; reports unsafe and/or insecure situations in accordance with regulations and District policies; implements emergency procedures as directed.


• Assists the Roads and Parks crew in the construction, maintenance and repair of roads, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, signs, street lighting, landscapes, gardens, turf, urban forest, boulevards, irrigation systems, walkways, trails, trees shrubs and other roads & parks related infrastructure, as required by supervisor.


• Assists the Recreation Maintenance crew in the construction, maintenance and repair of parks, trails, playgrounds and recreational facilities, as required by the Utilities Supervisor.


• Provides input on modifications or improvements to Public Works Department policies, procedures and practices to improve the functions and safety of the department’s operations; provides input to written work procedures for own area of responsibility as requested.


• Performs back-up functions and other related duties as assigned or required from time to time.


• Responds to call-outs, alarms and emergency situations and is required to be available on a rotational basis for weekend on-call, as required.


• All persons employed by the District of Sparwood will be required to assist the municipality in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties.


• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education / Work Experience

• Grade 12 or equivalent.


• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License.


• Some (1-2 years) related experience in labour or construction work, and safe operation of related tools, light trucks and small equipment.


• EOCP Certification in Water Distribution, Wastewater Treatment and Wastewater Collection would be considered an asset.


• The incumbent will be encouraged to obtain Level I & II EOCP certification in Water Distribution, Wastewater Treatment, and Wastewater Collection as soon as the required hours have been achieved.

Required Skills and Abilities / Work Demands

• Some knowledge of construction and maintenance methods and techniques relevant to general labour tasks such as concrete screeding and finishing, etc.


• Some understanding of WorkSafe BC regulations and related safe work practices.


• Good interpersonal and communications skills.


• Ability to work well as a member of a team and independently.


• Ability to operate a variety of light and heavy equipment as required.


• Physical ability to lift heavy objects, undertake labour intensive tasks, work in awkward positions and confined spaces, frequently stand and walk throughout the day and work in inclement weather.