EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Utilities Operator 1 - Public Works
(Full-time, Permanent)
The District of Sparwood has an excellent employment opportunity for an active, highly motivated and collaborative team player to join the Public Works team in the role of Utilities Operator I, with the opportunity to advance into an Operator II and Operator III level. Reporting to the Utilities Supervisor, the Utilities Operator I is responsible for constructing, installing, inspecting, maintaining and repairing utility systems, including water distribution, wastewater collection, wastewater treatment, storm water collection as well as other municipal infrastructure.
The core job duties include:
- Assisting in the maintenance of municipal wells, the water distribution system, the wastewater treatment plant, and the sewer collection systems.
- Operating light trucks and smaller equipment such as tool-cats and pickup plows. Further training and operation of heavier equipment including a hydro-excavator, backhoe, bobcat, street plow and loader are part of this advancing position.
- Operating small equipment such as a line locator, asphalt saw, trash pump, compressor, and jackhammer.
- Performing various labour duties and equipment operation while engaged in activities such as excavation, trenching, shoring, backfilling, and compacting.
- Assisting the Roads and Parks crew in the construction and maintenance of other parks and transportation infrastructure.
- Assisting the Recreation Maintenance crew in the construction, maintenance and repair of District facilities.
- Responding to callouts, alarms and emergency situations.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Good interpersonal and communications skills, working well as a member of a team and also able to work independently.
- Grade 12 or equivalent education and maintains a valid class 5 BC driver’s license.
- Level I & II Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP) in Water Distribution, Wastewater Treatment and Wastewater Collection. These certifications are considered an asset, however, the incumbent will be required to obtain Level I & II EOCP certification in the three disciplines as soon as the required work hours have been accumulated.
- Related work experience in labour or construction and the safe operation of equipment & power tools.
- The physical ability to lift heavy objects, undertake labour intensive tasks, work in awkward positions and confined spaces while frequently crouching, kneeling, standing & walking throughout the day during inclement weather.
- The availability for on-call service and rotation with co-workers to cover weekend service checks.
- A Traffic Control Person certification (TCP) or interest in obtaining a TCP certification during paid training opportunities.
Salary and Benefits: This position is a unionized position under CUPE local 2698. The 2026 hourly wage rate is $32.20/hour as per the current Collective Agreement and comes with a generous health care and benefits package.
At the District of Sparwood we are always interested in attracting high performing team members to our staff by offering:
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Pension & employer paid benefits
- Continual professional learning and development
- Increased wages with EOCP certification and overtime opportunities
- Active Living Pass to the Leisure Centre, including; courts, fitness center, climbing wall, pool, arena and fitness classes.
- A collaborative team environment
Apply Now! Closing date for applications is June 22, 2026. Click on the “Apply For This Job” link to submit your resume and cover letter addressed to Manager of Corporate Services. 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’s Public Works Office.
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 driver's abstract.
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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 maintenance of other municipal 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
- 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 required 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.
