Utility Operator III

Utility Operator III

Full-time, Permanent

Engineering and Public Works Department

Posted August 27, 2024

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

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

Reporting to the Manager of Public Works or their delegate, the Utility Operator III -Wastewater position is responsible for performing duties related to the operation of the City, including the operation and maintenance of Wastewater facilities. The Utility Operator III 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. This is a full experienced working level. Works under the general direction of the designated supervisor. 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.

• Performs 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

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).
• ex. Level 1 Collection AND Level 1 Treatment (for Wastewater)

AND

• EOCP Chlorine Handlers Certificate (if required by the position).
• SCBA trained and fit tested.
• Experience in a municipal environment for 3 years, OR experience in the designated utility for 2 years.
• Confined Space Certification
• Valid B.C. Driver's License, minimum Class 3, with air brake endorsement.
• Developing computer skills, including knowledge and experience working in an Microsoft Office environment.
• Vaccination for Hepatitis as per OHS regulations.

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

• 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, organizational skills and time management skills with 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.

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

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.

JOB POSTING: https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/176258

Salary will be in accordance with current CUPE 2093 contract. The rate of pay is $39.22/hour.

Premiums are applicable in accordance with updated 2024 Utility Operator III Job Description:

 This is a regular position, with vacation and benefit entitlements in accordance with the CUPE 2093 Collective Agreement.

 Detailed applications containing resume and cover letter should be received by: 12:00 PM September 25, 2024.

 Applications can be addressed to Stacia Selinger; careers@fernie.ca

 We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

 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.

No additional documents available for this post.