• Full Time

• Year Round

• Business & Professional Services

Utility Operator III – Water

Full-time, Permanent

Engineering and Public Works Department

Posted November 13 2025

The City of Fernie is inviting qualified applicants for the position of Utility Operator III-Water.

Employment for this position will be 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 III- Water position is responsible for performing duties related to the operation of the City, including the operation and maintenance of water infrastructure and facilities. The Utility Operator III is responsible for the proper installation, monitoring, maintenance, and record-keeping related to water infrastructure. This position involves the performance of a wide variety of work, occasionally of a complex nature. This is a full experienced working level. Works under the general direction of the designated Manager and Foreperson. Exercises judgment and initiative. Responsible for efficient operation of the utility. Can supervise and train others. Public relations and interpersonal skills are essential to work with the public. 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 II;

• Understands and complies with all relevant permits to operate.
• Responsible for maintaining and reporting accurate records; i.e. verbal, written, typed and/or creating sketches for regulatory reporting and other assigned requirements.
• Makes sound decisions under high-pressure and critical circumstances.
• Works independently, thinks critically, takes initiative, and supervises others.
• Demonstrates the ability to be tactful and professional in exchanges with internal and external contacts, and provides information and assistance to the public in a respectful manner.
• Uses and diagnoses the City’s PLC and SCADA monitoring systems/software independently.
• Conducts independent assessments, immediate repairs and/or protective measures to ensure public health and safety, as well as system integrity.
• Responsible for connecting users to municipal wastewater and water systems in accordance with regulated public health and Ministry of Environmental standards in a timely and economical manner.
• Responsible for accurate inventory control of materials and goods associated with the municipal utility infrastructure.
• Occasionally operate heavy equipment such as but not limited to: loader, backhoe and Vac Trucks.
• Competent in navigating field-based GIS software.
• Works in accordance with the City of Fernie’s Safety Management System.
• Training and education for related duties. Completes EOC training.
• Other related duties may be assigned from time to time.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Two (2) Level 1 Certifications 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 Distribution AND Level 1 Treatment
• EOCP Chlorine Handlers Certificate
• SCBA trained and fit tested.
• Experience in a municipal environment for 3 years, OR experience in the designated utility for 2 years.

• City-provided backhoe course and willingness to develop backhoe skills, including utility digs.

• Confined Space Certification
• Valid B.C. Driver’s License, minimum Class 3, with air brake endorsement.
• Vaccination for Hepatitis as per OHS regulations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

In addition to the Utility Operator II qualifications (knowledge, skills and abilities):

• Interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks.

• Ability to interact with others in a positive and professional manner.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate complex and difficult topics in writing, and verbally in a professional and respectful manner
• Proficient computer skills, including knowledge and experience working with MS Office Suite.

• 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.

Competencies for Success

• Continually progressing relevant classification education in Levels 2 through 4 in any of: Collection and Distribution.
• Troubleshoots issues within the utility system, municipal infrastructure and do so in high-pressure situations.

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

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.

Salary will be in accordance with current CUPE 2093 contract. The rate of pay is $42.42/hour.

Premiums are applicable in accordance with the updated CUPE 2093 Collective Agreement:

For Clarification purposes, these premiums are compounded.

This is a regular position,

Detailed applications containing resume and cover letter in a PDF format should be received at careers@fernie.ca by 12:00 PM December 1st, 2025, and be addressed to:

Bree Campbell, 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

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The City of Fernie is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and during the recruitment process. We welcome applicants from all qualified individuals, including those who belong to equity-deserving groups. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please inform us when you apply, and we will make every effort to meet your needs. Staff can be reached at careers@fernie.ca or reached at 250-423-2242 to arrange for accommodation.

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.