Water/Wastewater Operator

Summary

Keewaytinook Okimakanak, translating to ‘Northern Chiefs’ in Oji-Cree, is a non-political Chiefs Council serving Deer Lake, Fort Severn, Keewaywin, McDowell Lake, North Spirit Lake, and Poplar Hill First Nations.

Governed by the Chiefs of these member First Nations who comprise the Board of Directors, our organization operates with a keen understanding of community needs and a collaborative team-based approach. We provide advisory and assistance services to our member First Nations, facilitating their progress and development.

Our skilled Public Works team collaborates closely with public works managers and staff from First Nations communities, focusing on various technical infrastructure aspects such as water and wastewater management, power generation and distribution, and overseeing major capital projects.

Position Summary and Scope

Keewaytinook Okimakanak is seeking a skilled Water/Wastewater Operator who will perform all operational tasks and maintenance (preventative and corrective) duties for assigned facilities, (including daily rounds, system monitoring, housekeeping, regulatory sampling and deliveries to lab). The successful candidate will ensure safe and efficient treatment processes, perform routine maintenance, and comply with regulatory requirements.

Duties and Accountabilities

The Operator will be responsible for, among other duties:

• Perform all operational tasks and maintenance (preventative and corrective) duties for assigned facilities, (including; daily rounds, system monitoring, housekeeping, regulatory sampling and deliveries to lab);
• Communicate using strong oral and written communication skills, to clearly describe operational items to members of the public, clients, government agencies, equipment supplies, and contractors/tradespeople, as well as internal staff;
• Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations, approvals, orders, and guidelines;
• Adjust, inspect and evaluate process performance and equipment, in order to optimize efficiency and effectiveness in accordance with established procedures;
• Operate, monitor, and repair surface Water Treatment Plants, Distribution and Supply Systems, Pumping Stations, Reservoirs including: Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), various digital and analog instrumentation and control systems, numerous monitoring, reporting and communication systems, pressure tanks, filtration systems, continuous online analyzers, and related appurtenances, valves, hydrants etc.;
• Operate, monitor, and repair wastewater treatment plants with varying degrees of complexity, including Rotating Biological Contactors (RBCs), Lagoons, Septic Systems, Sewage Pumping Stations, and manholes, etc.;
• Work independently to troubleshoot numerous types of equipment malfunctions, make necessary repairs using Operations and Maintenance manuals, and seek input from peers by telephone or through the computer using: Teams, Skype, Zoom etc.;
• Collect regulatory water and wastewater samples (bacteriological, chemical, and effluent) using necessary Chain of Custodies, proper packaging and transportation to various laboratories;
• Conduct in-house laboratory work utilizing handheld monitors (colorimeters, spectrophotometers)
• Carry out process changes required to optimize treatment performance;
• Comply with the on-call rotation schedule including evenings, weekends and statutory holidays and is able to respond to alarms at various sites;
• Interpret Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Process and Instrumentation Drawings (P&IDs), reviews, creates or updates Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and assists with asset data collection from sites to upload into a Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS);
• Maintain logs and records pertaining to system performance and conditions, in accordance with established procedures and regulatory requirements;
• Assist in maintaining a safe work environment by using appropriate PPE and completing all required Health and Safety training;
• Promote a positive working environment, and puts forward a professional approach with the clients, establish and maintain relationships between KO and its member First Nations.

Required Knowledge, Experience, & Competencies:

• Minimum Class II Water Treatment Operator Certificate; Class I Wastewater License
• Training and certification in Confined Space Entry (CSE), Working at Heights, First Aid, Lock-Out Tag-Out, WHMIS, Transportation of Dangerous Goods are considered strong assets;
• Good working understanding of the latest technologies in the Water and Wastewater industry;
• Possess and demonstrate a strong mechanical aptitude, and is familiar with various types of tools;
• Demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting skills and a willingness to develop and grow these on the job;
• Proactively, or by management request, participate in training to maintain the employee’s Water Certification and/or Wastewater License
• Post Secondary School Technical Training would be an asset
• Experience working with First Nation communities and people

Hours of Work and Travel Expectations

• 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM – Monday to Friday inclusive
• The Operator may be required to work outside of regular business hours to facilitate the Operation and Maintenance of the KO communities Water/Wastewater Treatment facilities
• The Operator will be required to work on-call shifts on a rotation basis
• Frequent travel via small aircraft to remote First Nation communities will be required
• Clean Drivers Abstract will be needed to operate company vehicles

General

• Keewaytinook Okimakanak requires a six month probation period for all new employees.
• Employees that successfully complete their probation will be enrolled in Keewaytinook Okimakanak’s comprehensive pension/employment benefits program.
• Salary grid begins at C$70,000.00 annually but is negotiable depending on specific qualifications and experience.

Working Relationships

Internal Working Relationships:

Daily contact with the Public Works Manager and support staff to coordinate and support work in a coordinated and collaborative manner to support new and existing opportunities.

External Working Relationships:

Maintain and develop contact network of counterparts in other communities, technical professionals, industry/trades representatives and suppliers/contractors.

Handling of inquiries, requests and complaints from the communities with prompt, courteous response while ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures.