Job Title: Water Operator
Location: Oliver, BC
Job Overview:
The Waste Water Operator (reporting to the Manager) assists with overall operations and maintenance of wastewater and water treatment facilities; support with operation, maintenance and service. Customizes water treatment solutions to be applied in municipalities, businesses, industries, and institutions. Creates systems for the treatment and reuse of wastewater, processes for water treatment, high-purity water for sensitive medical or scientific applications, or systems to supply clean drinking water to people and their families, delivers cost-effective, reliable systems designed for quality, safety and compliance. Under general supervision, performs a variety of operations, controls and maintains functions at the District's water treatment plant facilities including SCADA, micro-filter, reverse osmosis, ultra-violet systems; to regulate influent and effluent flows within the system. The Water Operator demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies and work methods associated with assigned duties and assists with basic laboratory testing and sample collections.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Assist with overall operations and maintenance of water treatment facility.
- Observe and monitor equipment and operations daily.
- Assess problems, diagnose equipment failures; check water well, lift station(s), blowers, etc.
- Operate belt presses; ensure that facility is clean at all times - scrubs and washes down facility daily.
- Order supplies as needed in order to maintain inventory.
- Provide functional supervision of operation I and II and/or laborers; establishes priorities, determines duties, schedules work, provides training as needed.
- Perform daily analyses of effluent samples, process samples, makes any adjustments necessary to keep facility within permit limits.
- Set up sampler for required regulatory samples, and deliver samples to lab as needed.
- Maintain a daily log of data for EPA and MDEQ reports.
- Assist with scheduling and performing routine preventative maintenance on equipment.
- Contact supervisors, vendors, contractors, engineers, regulatory agency personnel as necessary.
- Monitor the operation of water/wastewater treatment plant pumps, motors, digesters and other equipment; read gauges, dials and other instruments that record plant operations including SCADA, micro-filtration, reverse osmosis, ultra-violet systems and off-site pump facilities.
- Interpret operating data and make the more complex operating adjustments.
- Make visual inspections of plant operations ensuring that operational problems have been located and corrected.
- Operate valves and controls to feed chlorine and other chemicals according to plant flows.
- Inspect, clean and maintain pumps, motors, valves, filters, meters and related equipment; perform required preventive maintenance and repairs.
- Collect a variety of samples for laboratory testing; perform basic laboratory tests and analysis.
- Perform a variety of general and grounds maintenance in and around plant facilities.
- Keep records and logs of operations; update information for reporting purposes.
- Assist in providing training for less experienced personnel.
- Establish positive working relationships with District management and staff, other agencies and the public.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Level 1 & 2 water operating ticket
- Minimum five years of experience after graduation (a total of at least nine years of education and experience)
- Knowledge of modern water and wastewater treatment principles, practices, methods and procedures.
- Knowledge of methods and precautions in storing and handling a variety of chemicals.
- Knowledge of elements of construction technology as they relate to water and wastewater treatment plant facilities and equipment construction, maintenance and repair activities.
- Strong working knowledge of the principles of personnel supervision, training and evaluation, in addition to safe work practices.
- Perform and interpret standardized process control tests and adjust plant equipment and process appropriately.
- Strong problem identification and problem resolution skills
- Excellent time management and project management skills
- High level of sound and independent judgment and reasoning
- Demonstrated ability to exercise necessary cost control measures
- Has valid BC Driver License (Class 5)
Work Conditions
- Work in water collection system, water distribution, water treatment and wastewater treatment plant environments
- Some exposure to water, chemicals, hazardous materials, and noise
- Heavy lifting / moving, walking, standing, and climbing will be required routinely.
- May be required to work at heights, in confined spaces, and in inclement weather conditions.
- Job may require irregular hours, shift work, weekend work, and being on call.
- Requires interaction and cooperation to schedule and coordinate work, resolve problems and obtain information.
- Work both indoors and outdoors
- May encounter various elemental conditions, e.g. rain, snow, heat, cold, etc.
- Associated risks involved with field specimen and sample collection
- May be required to wear personal protective equipment, e.g. Safety boots, etc.
- Manual dexterity required to operate and calibrate field equipment, tools, and computer peripherals
- May be required to perform repetitive heavy lifting up to 50 pounds
- Travel will be required.
This is a full‑time position scheduled for five days per week (40 - 50 hours), with occasional evenings and weekends as required. Screening will be based on applications received, and references will be requested from shortlisted candidates. The pay range for this role is $40 to $43 per hour. We offer extended health coverage (including dental and vision care), a pension plan with employer match, opportunities for professional development, and participation in community‑focused events that bring the Nation together.
Interested candidates please email their resume and cover letter to [email protected] or visit https://oib.ca/careers to apply for this position. (Open until filled).
Phone: (250) 498-3444 ext.: 3049
Come work in the beautiful South Okanagan - Canada’s warmest city - and enjoy a supportive work environment with competitive benefits. To learn more about us, visit our website at https://oib.ca/
