Certified Water Distribution and Collection Operator

Highlights of the job

EPCOR’s Commercial Services group is looking for a Certified Water Distribution & Wastewater CollectionOperatorto join our dynamic Commercial Operations team in Canmore, Alberta.This opportunity is open to both internal and external candidates.Current EPCOR employees, please apply using your “@epcor.com” email address.

At EPCOR, we’re not just treating water – we’re shaping the future of sustainable communities. If you are enthusiastic about protecting public health and the environment and thrive in a role where your work directly impacts the safety and well-being of communities – this is your chance to make a difference. Join a forward-thinking utility committed to operational excellence and innovation! If you’re committed to safety, operational excellence, and making a meaningful difference every day, we want to hear from you.

You will be responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and maintenance of municipal water distribution and wastewater collection systems. This role performs a wide range of field and operational activities, supports emergency response, and contributes to maintaining regulatory compliance and high service standards for the community.

What you’ll be responsible for:

Reporting to the Lead Hand Operator, your key accountabilities are, but not limited to:

• Ensuring all work is being performed in compliance with EPCOR’s Health, Safety & Environmental (HS&E) policy, Ethics and Compliance standards, and ISO 14001 requirements.
• Perform the operation, inspection, and maintenance of water distribution and wastewater collection systems to ensure safe and reliable service delivery
• Carry out water distribution activities, including:
  • Operation and maintenance of watermains, valves, hydrants, and service connections
  • Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) monitoring, adjustment, and basic troubleshooting
  • Water meter installation, replacement, testing, and routine reading
  • System flushing, leak detection, and pressure management
  • Water quality sampling and support for disinfection procedures
  • Responding to system issues, including main breaks and service interruptions
• Perform wastewater collection system activities, including:
  • Inspection and maintenance of sewer mains, manholes, and lift stations
  • Sewer cleaning and flushing operations
  • Support CCTV inspection and condition assessment programs
  • Identification and response to blockages, inflow and infiltration (I&I), and backups
• Support and apply Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) management program, practices, including:
  • Awareness of FOG impacts on the collection system
  • Participation in inspections, maintenance activities, and public/commercial compliance support as required
• Monitor and respond to system conditions using SCADA systems, ensuring timely action on alarms and operational issues
• Accurately document field activities, maintenance work, and inspections using CMMS and reporting systems
• Interpret and utilize system maps, drawings, and GIS data to support operational tasks
• Participate in emergency response and on-call rotation, including after-hours callouts and incident response
• Adhere to all health, safety, and environmental requirements, including hazard assessments, confined space entry (CSE) procedures, chlorine handling protocols, and established safe work practices.
• Work collaboratively with team members, contractors, and stakeholders to support efficient execution of maintenance and operational activities
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and maintain a strong focus on safety, service quality, and operational excellence
• Collaborating with staff to meet all Approvals to Operate requirements, maintaining quality control on records, and preparing reports aligned with operational guidelines.
• Developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures and updating system drawings to reflect current infrastructure.
• Managing external contractors and ensuring adherence to all internal and external regulations.
• Participating in internal and external compliance audits and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Responding to client and public inquiries with professionalism and tact.

What’s required to be successful

Qualifications & Licensing:

• A Grade 12 diploma (GED, or equivalent level of secondary education)
  • A Water and/or Wastewater Technician Certificate/Diploma from a recognized educational institution is considered an asset.
• Minimum Level II Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection Operator certification in accordance with provincial regulatory requirements.
  • Candidates holding an equivalent certification from another Canadian jurisdiction must be eligible for Alberta certification reciprocity and obtain Alberta certification upon hire.
  • Water Treatment certification is considered an asset
• A valid Canadian Class 5 Motor Vehicle Operator's License with 6 or fewer demerits at the time of hire is required; Prior unsafe driving infractions may result in non-selection.
• Candidates must be eligible for an EPCOR driver’s permit and may be required to provide a 5-year Commercial Driver’s Abstract at the time of hire; GDL licenses are not accepted, and a Class 3 license with Q endorsement is considered an asset.

Experience that includes the following:

• 3+ years of experience in municipal water distribution and wastewater collection operations
• Demonstrated experience in:
  • Operation and maintenance of water distribution systems (mains, valves, hydrants, services)
  • Wastewater collection systems (gravity sewers, manholes, lift stations)
  • Water meter installation, maintenance, and reading
  • Basic operation and maintenance of PRVs and system pressure management

Technical Skills:

• Working knowledge of:
  • Applicable regulations and standards (e.g., Alberta Environment & Protected Areas)
  • Health, safety, and environmental practices, including confined space entry
  • FOG program principles and their impact on wastewater systems
• Demonstrable knowledge and practical hands-on experience with:
  • SCADA systems
  • CMMS/work management systems
  • Interpreting drawings, schematics, and GIS mapping

Behaviours:

• High level of results orientation, attention to detail, and commitment to quality service and operational excellence.
• Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing, with the ability to convey technical and operational information clearly.
• Works well independently and collaboratively, taking initiative and ownership of tasks through to completion.
• Applies planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills to manage priorities and respond to operational challenges.
• Fosters a respectful, inclusive, and safety-conscious work environment where ideas are welcomed, and trust is built.
• Ability to lead, mentor and motivate other operators would be considered an asset.

Job Requirements and Conditions of employment:

• Must meet the physical demands of the role, including working outdoors in all weather conditions and wearing a ½ mask respirator is required.
• Must successfully complete and obtain clearance on pre-placement medical and drug and alcohol testing.
• If you are considered for the position, clearance on all applicable background checks (which may include criminal, identity, educational, and/or credit) and professional reference checks is required. Some EPCOR positions require an enhanced level of background assessment, which is dictated by law. These positions require advanced criminal record checks that must also be conducted from time to time after commencement of employment.

At EPCOR, health and safety are at the core of everything we do. We are committed to maintaining a zero-injury workplace culture. As such, we expect all candidates to demonstrate a high level of safety awareness and consistently follow safe work practices. Active participation in safety training and other job-related development programs is also required.

Other important facts about this job

Jurisdiction: Out of Scope Hourly (OSH)

Wage: are on a matrix scale recognizing certification levels and will be determined at the time of offer.

• Final wage and step will be determined at the time of selection and is based on a combination of factors as outlined on the wage grid.

Hours of work: 8 hours a day; 40 hours weekly (8:00AM – 16:30PM with 30 min lunch time).

• Overtime, weekend, and shift work may be required.
• Must participate in the on-call rotation system (30-minute response time required – temporary accommodation provided in Canmore for individuals residing outside of the Bow Valley).

Location:This position is located in Canmore, Alberta.

EPCOR Employees: Please ensure that you are using your “@epcor.com” email address.

Bow Valley Housing Allowance: Candidates who choose to reside in Canmore, Exshaw, Deadmans Flats, Lac des Arcs, Harvie Heights or Banff are eligible to receive the Bow Valley pay supplement.

Relocation: Be located in communities within 1 hour of the Town of Canmore plant or willing to relocate within these areas. These includes Canmore, Cochrane, West Calgary, or surrounding areas.

EPCOR may provide relocation assistance for the successful candidate and is based on the candidate’s requirements and meeting the eligibility requirements as outlined in EPCORs Relocation guide. Please note that the relocation lump sum is paid out in two installments – 25% on your first paycheck (following CRA guidelines) and the remaining 75% of the relocation lump sum amount, payable upon Payroll’s receipt of the employee’s proof of relocation in the form of a government-issued ID with the employee’s name and updated address.

Use of company vehicles: Company vehicles are provided for work-related travel during working hours only. Employees are responsible for their commute to and from the assigned work location and must return company vehicles to the designated worksite at the end of each shift.

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Please note the following information:

• A requirement of working for EPCOR is that you are at least 18 years of age, successfully attained a high school diploma (GED, or equivalent level of secondary education) and legally entitled to work in Canada. (A copy of a valid work permit may be required).
• A technical/practical assessment may be administered during the selection process and this exercise could be used as a part of the selection criterion.

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