Remote Operator (I-III)

ABOUT US

Almost 1.3 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2051. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Best Employers, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

Salary I - III : $43.53 - $51.25 per hour

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Supervisor, Remote Operations is responsible for providing 24/7 remote operations and support to York Region’s Water and Wastewater systems, including remote operation, response and analysis of events; implements system operational strategies, monitors performance of systems and reacts appropriately, ensures storage and quality parameters meet Regional Water Systems requirements and are at adequate levels and quality; operation and monitoring of sewage pumping stations, odour control facilities and asset reliability; and implementation of alarm management strategies.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Ensures operational issues are promptly reported to operations field staff.
• Works in accordance with health and safety standards, using all personal protective equipment as required by the Occupational Health & Safety Act and regulations and Regional policies and procedures.
• Participates in field training and other training for water and wastewater operators, as assigned.
• Remotely adjusts process equipment and variables as directed by senior staff.
• Participates in field training and other training for water and wastewater operators, as assigned.
• Coordinates the use of Computerized Work Management Systems (CWMS) for emergency dispatched operators.
• Under the direction of senior staff, leverages technology, analytical tools and software to support operational decision making, such as Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), eRIS, Maximo, Automatic Vehicle Locator Global Positioning Satellite and Alarm Dialers.
• Follow documented workflows in order to execute standard operating procedures and operational job plans.
• Performs analysis of relevant operational data such as calculations of flow rates, pumping times, and volumes.
• Maintains logbooks for Water, Wastewater and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System within regulatory requirements.
• Responds to telephone inquiries/complaints from operational staff, contractors, public and municipalities on issues relating to water and wastewater systems.
• Communicates technology and system abnormalities to appropriate support staff.
• Performs emergency callouts based on alarm or system conditions.
• May be assigned Operator duties based on operational need or licence/developmental requirements and in accordance with attained MECP Certification Level and demonstrated skills training.
• Performs other duties as assigned in accordance with departmental and Regional objectives.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a Community College Diploma or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• RO I: Successful completion of Operator-in-Training certification in Water Treatment, Distribution and Supply and Wastewater Treatment and Collections; must successfully pass examinations for Class I Wastewater Collection License and Class I Water Distribution and Supply Certification within probationary period or first 6 months.
• RO I: Minimum one (1) year experience in Water/Wastewater or related industry, including experience with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems.
• RO II: Successful completion of Operator-in-Training certification in Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment; minimum class 1 Certification in Water Distribution and Supply and Class 1 for Wastewater Collections.
• RO II: Minimum two (2) years’ experience in Water/Wastewater or related industry, including experience on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems.
• RO III: MECP licence(s) in Water Treatment/Water Distribution & Supply, Wastewater Treatment/Wastewater Collection, including experience as designated by Provincial Acts and Regulations as follows: Class III WDS, Class II WT, WWT & WWC and ability to obtain Class IV WDS and Class III WWC.
• RO III: Minimum four (4) years’ experience in Water/Wastewater or related industry, including experience using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems.
• Knowledge of Water/Wastewater operational systems, hydraulics, water reservoirs storage and supply and wastewater conveyance.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, OH&S Act, Ontario Safe Drinking Water Act, Reg. 170/03 and 128-04, 129-04.
• Familiarity with ISO and quality and environmental management systems.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s licence free of serious offences under the Highway Traffic Act.
• As a condition of employment, candidates are required to complete a medical assessment that measures their functional abilities and confirms their immunization status. This is in accordance with the requirement laid out under clause 25(2)(h) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act)
• Knowledge and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer focus, communication, collaboration and personal ownership.
• Computer skills with proficiency utilizing MS Office software applications, including spreadsheet and database programs.
• Ability to wear a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus to enter confined spaces during emergency or training situations as required.
• Ability to analyze problems, provide solutions and respond effectively to emergencies.
• Ability to utilize a variety of communication devices including two-way radios, cell phones, etc.
• Ability to work independently on rotating 12-hour shifts, including week-end work.
• Ability to work outside regular business hours, as required.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing, and to work well as an effective member of the team.