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  • Full Time

  • Year Round

  • Business & Professional Services

Utility Operator II – Wastewater Department

Full-Time, Permanent

Posted September 24, 2024

The City of Fernie is inviting qualified applicants for the position of Utility Operator II-Wastewater.

Employment for this position will full-time, regular and will be part of CUPE Local 2093.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Manager of Public Works or their delegate, the Utility Operator II position is responsible for performing duties related to the operation of the City, including the operation and maintenance of Wastewater facilities. The Utility Operator II is responsible for the proper installation, monitoring, maintenance, and record-keeping related to wastewater infrastructure. This position involves the performance of a wide variety of work, occasionally of a complex nature. The position is physically demanding and labor intensive with the requirement to work shift work.  Role tasks are routine in nature and vary seasonally.

Duties and Responsibilities

In addition to the duties of a Utility Operator I;

  • Perform preventative and corrective maintenance activities in the distribution/collection system and facilities, including all ancillary equipment and infrastructure.
  • Locate, repair, install, and maintain new and existing services and system infrastructure, including site preparation and clean-up.
  • Record and report accurate and detailed information of work, i.e., verbal, written, typed and/or creating sketches.
  • Sample, test, and report findings as required for the system and provincial permits.
  • Responds to public inquiries, complaints and service calls in a helpful, professional, and diplomatic manner in accordance with City Policy.
  • Be familiar with all relevant permits to operate.
  • Be responsible for the operation and maintenance of municipal infrastructure.
  • Be available for call-out to emergencies in the municipal infrastructure system as required in accordance with the terms of the Collective Agreement.
  • Conduct assessments, immediate repairs and/or protective measures to ensure public health and safety, as well as system integrity.
  • Assist with the timely and economical connection of users to municipal sewer and water systems in accordance with regulated public health and Ministry of Environment standards.
  • Assist with accurate inventory control in relation to materials/goods associated with the municipal utility infrastructure.
  • Shared responsibility in the development and maintenance of effective records for municipal infrastructure and reporting requirements.
  • Undertakes training as required. Completes EOC training.
  • All employees shall work in accordance with the City of Fernie’s Safety Management System.
  • Support other departments in times of need such as, but not limited to; flooding, snow removal, etc.
  • Use and conduct basic diagnostics of the City’s PLC and SCADA monitoring systems/software.
  • Ability to work independently, exercise critical thinking, and take initiative reliably, with minimum supervision, and make sound decisions in critical circumstances.
  • Other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • One (1) Certification in Water and/or Wastewater relevant to the current systems classifications by the EOCP: Collection (WW), Treatment (W or WW), Distribution(W) (2023 EOCP structure).
    • Level 1 Collection Wastewater Treatment (for Wastewater)

OR

  • Enrolled and actively progressing through the OIT program with the City of Fernie in the relevant department (water, wastewater).

AND

  • Valid B.C. Driver’s License, minimum Class 3, with air brake endorsement.
  • Developing computer skills, including knowledge and experience working in a Microsoft Office environment.
  • Has or is able to obtain EOCP Chlorine Handlers Certificate within a specified time period, (if required by the position).
  • Ability to train and use SCBA.
  • Experience in a municipal environment for 2 years.
  • Vaccination for Hepatitis as per OHS regulations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Proven experience working around heavy construction equipment such as excavators, backhoes, loaders, dump trucks etc.
  • The following training will be expected to be undertaken and maintained;
    • Fall arrest, CSE, Ground Disturbance, Forklift, First AID, WHIMIS certificates, SCBA training, competency in safe backhoe operations.
  • Effective interpersonal and organizational skills.

Competencies for Success

  • Full Level 1 tickets in the respective department (Collection, Treatment, Distribution (2023 EOCP structure)).
  • Ability to successfully lead a small crew.
  • Independent troubleshooting ability of the utility system and infrastructure.
  • Proven understanding of common water or wastewater treatment processes, residential and/or commercial plumbing experience, proven mechanical aptitude, and experience as an Operator 2 with the City of Fernie are considered assets.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

  • Bending, climbing, twisting the body
  • Making repetitive motions
  • Handling material manually, with heavy manual labour
  • Sitting
  • Standing

Environmental Conditions

  • Extreme temperatures; outside, exposure to all weather including sun, snow, rain, ice.
  • Working alone
  • Standard and specialized safety equipment
  • Hazardous equipment, machinery, hand, and power tools
  • In an enclosed vehicle or equipment, at heights
  • Noise and vibration
  • Dangerous chemical substances and biological substances

JOB POSTING

PREMIUM(S)

  • Once a Utility Operator 2 achieves one (1) Level One Certification in their related department (Water: Supply, Distribution – Wastewater: Collection, Treatment), they will receive a $0.50/hour Premium.

For clarity, once both Level One Certifications are achieved, they may submit for reclassification to Utility Operator 3 in accordance with the terms of the Collective Agreement.

Additional Information:

The above description reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions and duties as required for proper evaluation of the job and will not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job. Employees may perform other related duties and tasks as required to meet the needs of the operation.

Employment for this position will be Full-Time, Regular. The wage rate will be $38.32/hour.

Detailed applications containing resume and cover letter should be received at careers@fernie.ca by 12:00 PM October 23, 2024, and be addressed to:

Stacia Selinger, Manager of Public Works

c/o Human Resources

City of Fernie, 501 – 3rd Ave, PO Box 190

Fernie, BC, V0B 1M0 or

Email:  careers@fernie.ca

The City of Fernie strives to ensure that its employment practices are free from direct and indirect discrimination and is committed to upholding the human rights of those participating in the hiring process. In pursuit of this commitment, City of Fernie will not condone or tolerate any acts of discrimination or harassment under any of the grounds protected under human rights legislation. This commitment extends to the hiring process and throughout the course of employment.

Location

501 3rd Ave, Fernie, V0B1M0

Salary

$38.32

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