Utility Operator 1

The Town of Ponoka is currently recruiting for a permanent full-time Utility Operator 1 in the Waterworks department.

Position Summary

The Utility Operator 1 reports to the Water Works Foreman, and works with colleagues in the Operations team to provide quality services to internal and external customers. The team’s work will collectively support the Vision of the Town of Ponoka: To be a thriving community with a hometown feel.  

This position supports the team by operating the municipal water distribution system which includes water storage reservoirs and pumping stations as well as the waste water collection system and sewage lift stations. This position is also responsible for the operation and maintenance of the waste water treatment facilities.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

1. Operates the municipal water system and waste water treatment system by:

• Following prescribed procedures in relation to observable indicators and readouts.
• Responding to alarms and/or other problem indicators.
• Mixing and/or adding specific chemicals to maintain proper water effluent quality.
• Performing numerous tests and quality assurance procedures.
• Checking and reacting to problems in water levels and/or quality.
• Controlling water distribution to meet unusual demands.
• Participating in the connection and disconnection of water services.

1. Participates in the construction and maintenance of water and sewer lines by:

• Operating equipment such as trucks, leak detector and geophones.
• Performing routine and minor maintenance on equipment listed above.
• Connecting water and sewer lines.
• Locating and repairing water and sewer line breaks or blockages.
• Repairing and/or replacing hydrants, meters and valves.
• Performing routine labouring and other duties as required.

Minimum Requirements

Education

High school graduation

Completion, or work on, Alberta Environment Operator’s Certificate is desirable

Experience

One or more years of experience in water and wastewater management is desirable.

Other

Satisfactory Driver’s Abstract

Satisfactory Criminal Record Check

Valid Class 3 Operators License with air brake endorsement preferred

Competencies

General Knowledge of:

• Water treatment and distribution.
• Wastewater collection and treatment.
• Water and sewer line construction and maintenance.
• General knowledge of construction equipment, its operation and maintenance.
• Some knowledge of customer service and positive public relations.

Additional Skills:

• Ability to operate and maintain a wide variety of equipment used in water distribution and in wastewater collection and processing.
• Perform some mathematical calculations and to apply established procedures.
• Follow written and/or oral direction effectively.
• Establish and maintain a high degree of public confidence and public relations.
• Take accurate readings and keep accurate records.
• Complete additional post-secondary educational courses.

To be effective in this position, an individual will:

• Demonstrate integrity: honesty, responsibility, and trustworthiness.
• Display a strong commitment to serving the community.
• Aim for excellence, striving for the highest quality in all that you do.
• Be respectful to others and treat them the way you would want them to treat you.
• Maintain transparency and open communication within the organization, as well as between the community and the Town’s government.

Working Conditions

• Indoor, outdoor, all weather conditions
• Walking, standing, kneeling, sitting, bending
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching
• For further information, please reference the Physical Demands Analysis for this position.

Health and Safety

• Provide our community with quality services in a responsible manner within a healthy environment.

• Ensure the Town of Ponoka’s health and safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices are followed in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.

  
  Recruitment

• Position status: Permanent full-time, AUPE
• Salary range: $29.17 - $33.80 per hour
• Benefits: Full benefits package including group life, dental, extended health care, short- term disability and long-term disability as well as a flex health and wellness account
• Participation in Local Authorities Pension Plan
• Paid vacation
• Closing date: Open until suitable candidate found
• The Town of Ponoka thanks all applicants in advance, however, only those being considered will be contacted