Water & Wastewater System Operator

Department:   Public Works

Reports To:     Manager of Water & Wastewater Operations

Location:         Strathlorne, NS

Position:          Full-Time (40 hours per week)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Water & Wastewater System Operator is responsible for operating, reporting, and facilitating the maintenance of all municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities and lift stations. This role ensures compliance with regulatory standards and promotes safe and sustainable water practices by monitoring municipal water distribution and wastewater treatment systems. The successful candidate will frequently travel to various sites across the municipality, utilizing technical expertise to maintain and ensure safe water services. This role requires responding to emergency situations outside of regular work hours from time to time, with the ability to work outside in a variety of weather conditions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform required chemical, physical, microscopic and biological analysis on a daily basis at the Water Treatment and Sewage Treatment plants.


• Complete Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment process changes/adjustments based upon interpretation of lab data and an assessment of physical observation (trouble shooting) to comply with NSECC regulations.


• Maintain, operate and calibrate Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment analytical equipment.


• Operate and maintain all treatment equipment including various chemical feed systems.


• Maintain and comply with standard practices, policy and procedural manuals for the Water System and Wastewater System and associated plant operation and maintenance.


• Communicate with the Director of Public Works any concerns and other relevant information pertaining to Water Treatment and Sewage Treatment plants.


• Assist other towns and municipalities, as needed.


• Participate in ongoing training and certification programs to enhance skills and maintain compliance knowledge of trends and practices in the utility industry through peer association, attendance at seminars, study, review of literature, and proposed regulations.


• Assist with tracking equipment, materials, and tools as needed.


• Manage day-to-day activities in accordance with established work orders and time management system.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the various Acts, Regulations and guidelines pertaining to Water and Wastewater Treatment plants.


• Strong communication both written and verbal, with organizational abilities and attention to detail.


• Self-motivated and capable of effective decision-making, on occasion in time sensitive situations.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.


• Skilled in analyzing processes and identifying efficiencies.


• Exposure to odours, hazardous materials, and confined spaces.


• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Wastewater Treatment and/or Water Treatment operator certifications or be willing to obtain Provincial Operator Certificates for both.


• Water and Wastewater Systems at the Operator in Training (OIT) level or above.


• Certification in the following, or ability to complete training and/or certification, for:
  
  
  
  • Standard First Aid
  
  
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
  
  
  • Temporary Workplace Signing, Traffic Control Person
  
  
  • Confined Space Entry
  
  
  • Occupational Health and Safety Acts and Regulations
  
  
  
  


• Valid Nova Scotia driver’s license (and clean driver’s abstract)

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Exposure to odours, hazardous materials, and confined spaces.


• Physical outdoor environments with exposure to varying weather conditions.


• Safety sensitive locations including municipal vehicles, municipal properties, and remote or uneven terrain, at times working independently and requiring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).


• Frequent standing, walking, lifting, bending, and other physical tasks for extended periods.


• Work may occur outside regular hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, or during emergency response situations such as storms or infrastructure failures.

SAFETY: 

The Municipality is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment. The Water & Wastewater System Operator is expected to:

• Ensure that all policies and procedures established by the Municipality of the County of Inverness are followed at all times.


• Report all health and safety incidents, hazards, and near misses as soon as possible in accordance with municipal procedures.


• Participate in workplace inspections and hazard assessments and assist with the implementation of corrective actions and hazard mitigation measures as required.


• Identify and report any work conditions or situations suspected of being unsafe or unhealthy.


• Report any employee actions or behaviours that contravene established safety procedures or safe work practices. 

At the Municipality of the County of Inverness, we are dedicated to building a workplace that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage individuals of all abilities, backgrounds, and communities to apply. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates participating in all stages of the selection process.