Continuous Opening System Operator / Operator-in-Training

JOB SUMMARY

The Niagara Region is currently accepting applications from candidates that have thier OIT Certificates to Level 4 Certificates for our System Operator/Operator-in-Training positions in our Water Wastewater division, Public Works department.

Pay rate (current): Starting pay ranges from $27.70 - $36.46/hour, depending on the licensing held by the individual.

Hours: A typical work week is scheduled 40 hours. Shifts vary, including days, afternoon, nights, weekends and holidays, and shifts up to 12 hours. Work may be casual, temporary or permanent in nature, depending on need.

Location: Locations vary throughout the Niagara Region. Our main treatment facilities are located in Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Queenston, Welland, Port Colborne, Crystal Beach, St. Catharines, Port Dalhousie, and Grimsby, in addition to a variety of support stations and facilities.

Operators-in-Training must have successfully completed Operator-in-Training exams in Water Treatment, Water Distribution (and Supply), Wastewater Collection and Wastewater Treatment in order to qualify for OIT licenses, or, already hold all four valid OIT licenses. OITs start in an entry level training position. The OIT assists with the overall operation and maintenance of the facility and system components as directed by a licensed operator. Duties include the operation of the plant and system, sampling, laboratory work, and general cleaning of buildings and grounds. The OIT participates in training programs, seminars, job shadowing and other initiatives leading to a Class 1 Treatment license within a 30 month period.

System Operators must hold a minimum of valid Class I licensing in either A) Water Treatment and Water Distribution (and Supply), or B) Wastewater Collection and Wastewater Treatment. System Operators are responsible for the overall operation of Water/Wastewater facilities, pumping stations, and collection systems. Duties include utilizing computer Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, sampling, laboratory work, data analysis, reading & interpreting flow meters, etc. Operators collect and test water samples from various stages of the process to monitor chemical residuals and maintain the parameters required by the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Health.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have successfully obtained an Ontario high school diploma or equivalent (ex.GED)
• Valid, unrestricted G-class driver’s license
• Must meet ONE of the following three criteria as it pertains to Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks (M.E.C.P) Certfication:
1-Successfully completed Operator-in-Training exams in Water Treatment, Water Distribution, Wastewater Collection and Wastewater Treatment in order to qualify for valid OIT licenses, OR;
2-Hold valid Operator-in-Training licenses in Water Treatment, Water Distribution, Wastewater Collection and Wastewater Treatment (4 certificates) OR;
3-Possess valid Class I licenses (in either Water Treatment and Distribution (and Supply) or Wastewater Collection and Wastewater Treatment)
• Willing to complete additional levels of training leading obtaining additional levels of Water/Wastewater certification

Assets:

• Degree/diploma in Environmental/Resources Studies, Science or a related field
• Previous experience in a water/wastewater, chemical treatment or similar facility
• Successful completion of the Entry-Level Drinking Water Operator Course (OIT) through the Walkerton Clean Water Centre (or other authorized organization)
• Experience working in a highly regulated environment
• Completion of additional certifications/courses related to water/wastewater operation and treatment
• Experience with or training in the use of SCADA, PLCs or other similar systems
• Laboratory testing experience
• Related Health & Safety training/certification, such as Confined Space Entry, Transportation of Dangerous Goods, WHMIS, First Aid/CPR, SCBA, etc.

Other Competencies or Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of proper health and safety practices
• Demonstrated knowledge of water and wastewater processes, systems and regulations
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks on a daily basis
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, communicate and cooperate with others
• Proven ability to recognize issues, analyze data, troubleshoot and solve problems
• Ability to respond to emergencies and follow established procedures
• Must possess basic and applied mathematical skills, mechanical and verbal reasoning, numerical ability and spatial relations
• Basic mechanical, and electrical aptitude
• Must possess computer skills including spreadsheets, word processing, work order systems and email
• Must be able to work alone and/or without direct supervision, as well as in a team environment
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent documentation skills (electronic and written)

Special Conditions
• Must comply with all aspects of the Regional Respiratory Program Policy. Respiratory Fit Test mandatory
• Required to travel to various locations to receive training and/or to perform operations duties
• Work location may be changed in order to better facilitate training and experience i.e. scheduled move from Plant A to Plant B
• In accordance with the Corporate Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records Check and submit a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate
• It is the employee’s responsibility to possess and maintain a valid and restriction-free driver’s license of appropriate class to carry out the duties of the job
• OITs must successfully obtain Class I Water or Wastewater Treatment Licenses within an 18 month period once they have started actively working

For more information on Water & Wastewater licensing, please visit www.owwco.ca.