
PROCESS/SCADA OPERATOR (WATER SERVICES)
Job Number: J0323-0091
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
City: Kitchener
Location: Mannheim Water Treatment Plant, 2969 Ottawa St. S.
Job Category: Environmental/Water and Wastewater Operations
Number of Positions: 1
Department: Engineering and Environmental Services (EES)
Division: Water and Waste Water Services
Hours of Work: 40
Union: CUPE 1656
Grade: 8
Salary Range: $40.04/Hour
Our Story:
Committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations, the Region of Waterloo is an inclusive, thriving and sustainable region of connected rural and urban communities with global reach. Our mission is to serve, engage and inspire, by delivering quality services to a diverse population of 630,000+, while creating a healthy, collaborative environment of learning, respect and innovation.
This is a place where employees are valued and recognized for their talents and contributions to our success. Our employees take pride in making a difference in people’s lives through the work that we do. We are looking for people like you to help make it happen.
Description of Duties:
To be a certified operator and operator-in-charge for the Region of Waterloo in accordance with all Regulation requirements as defined in O Reg 128/04. To operate, monitor, and control the Region’s water treatment and distribution systems, including all water treatment plants, wells, pumping stations, reservoirs, and transmission and distribution mains, by use of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system; to operate, inspect, sample, analyze, test, investigate, service and respond to emergency and adverse conditions for the Region’s water supply system, water distribution and associated UV, ozone, chlorine, chemical and control equipment; and to perform process control functions at all Regional water supply and distribution systems.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Operates, monitors, verifies, and controls the Region-wide water supply, treatment and distribution system using a computerized SCADA system.
- Operates and responds to alarms/adverse conditions, monitors and verifies set points, system trends and process control issues which indicate changes or problems in the system, by verifying and notifying, as necessary, appropriate Water Services operations staff, the Ministry of the Environment and/or the Medical Officer of Health in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Performs daily inspections, sampling, operations, service, and lab tests, using portable testing equipment, to ensure an adequate and safe water supply.
- Operates treatment system and distribution supply by turning pumps and equipment on/off, opening/closing valves, and/or adjusting chemical dosages at water treatment plants, wells, pumping stations, and reservoirs, as required.
- Reviews, checks records, and updates various plant logs and other records to remain informed of plant conditions and to assess process and equipment operation on a regular basis. In the case of malfunctions, takes necessary action, which may include minor repairs, dispatching appropriate Water Operations and Maintenance staff to correct problems, and/or relaying information to appropriate Regional divisions, cities or townships, in accordance with established procedures.
- Monitors water treatment plants, wells, pumping stations, reservoirs, transmission and distribution mains performance by recording chemical dosage, flow, pH, temperature, pressure, levels, lab test results, equipment operating time and other process variables. Operates clarifiers, plate settlers, pressure filters, ultrafiltration and gravity filters and associated equipment, monitoring flow, loss of head, turbidity, filter run, wash water used, and number of filters backwashed. Ensures that all filter backwashing takes place at appropriate times. Reports adverse water results to MOE and Public Health (PH), as per the SDWA.
- Operates ultraviolet, ozone, chlorine gas, anhydrous ammonia, liquid oxygen, ammonia sulphate, fluoridation, and sodium hypochlorite systems for treating water, disinfection of water, and secondary disinfection. Follows standard operating procedures, best management practices, SDWA, and all associated regulations which are based on the size of the treatment system.
- Collects daily, weekly and monthly water samples, as required by the SDWA and related regulations. Transports and handles samples as per regulation standards. Calculates disinfection criteria and CT (concentration multiplied by time) for Mannheim WTP and all Regional water treatment facilities to ensure adherence to MOE primary disinfection requirements. Responds to adverse conditions, including taking corrective action, and notifying the appropriate water services supervisor.
- Maintains a daily log of important system events, reporting to Supervisor, Process/SCADA & Water Quality any breakdowns, equipment requiring service, or other unusual operational conditions encountered on the shift such as main breaks, system pressure problems and dirty water complaints in accordance with O Reg 128/04. Uses a computerized filing system to retrieve water system historical data as required.
- Maintains site logs and work orders on operating, maintenance failures and servicing.
- Completes written work order forms and inventory control cards. Produces written test results and activity reports. Maintains up-to-date documentation of maintenance activities and records, manuals, and work records for the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
- Operates the residual waste management plant. Obtains samples where necessary, cleans filter press, and adjusts chemical feed rates. Arranges disposal of residuals or notifies supervisor to arrange same.
- Operates, monitors, inspects, and samples the Wellesley and North Dumfries water distribution systems.
- Provides recommendations for operating, maintenance and safety procedures, equipment testing, inspections, frequency and setpoint/control points.
- Responds to customer complaints and emergency situations by providing appropriate responses to inquiries from, and communications between, fire, police, public, and Municipal operations; documents all responses. Follows emergency procedures for floods, power failures, fires, chemical leaks, major weather occurrences, and bomb threats. During emergency or urgent situations, provides necessary information, coordinates activities of the Maintenance Operators, Maintenance Mechanics/ Millwrights, Maintenance Electricians, and/or Senior Technicians, Instrumentation, and/or participates in corrective action.
- Receives bulk chemical deliveries, as required. Cleans and maintains lab equipment, exterior of process equipment, booster and pumping stations. Carries out janitorial duties such as cleaning and maintaining washroom supplies, and shovelling snow.
- Participates in the commissioning and optimization of water treatment plants.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
- Basic knowledge of water treatment and water chemistry normally acquired through the attainment of a three-year Community College Diploma in Chemical or Environmental Technology, plus four years of directly related experience in water treatment.
- Must possess Class IV Water Treatment and Distribution Certificate from the OWWCO, or be able to attain certification within four years. **Operators in Training up to Class IV Operators will be considered. Must be able to attend an average annual of 50 hours of job-specific/process training, as per O Reg 128/04.
- Detailed knowledge of First Aid, Gas Chlorination, Working in Confined Spaces, Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS), and related safety procedures. Knowledge and understanding of the Safe Drinking Water Act and accompanying regulations.
- Knowledge of and ability to comply with corporate policies, procedures, and related legislation (e.g., health and safety).
- Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in order to assist in the resolution of unusual situations or emergencies and organize priorities. Ability to understand and operate ozone and UV systems; skill in the use of precision tools, including power tools; and ability to dismantle, measure, and repair machine parts.
- Proficiency in math. Skill in the operation of a personal computer using such systems and/or software as CMMS, Microsoft Office, and DOCS. Skill in the operation of laboratory equipment for the analysis of water quality.
- Communication skills in order to exchange information, receive and comprehend instructions, and participate as an effective team member. Ability and aptitude to work a rotating 12-hour shift, including the flexibility to work in an environment with minimal direct supervision.
- A valid Class “G” driver’s licence (or G2 with 3 years of driving experience) and acceptable driving record in order to operate a Regional vehicle.
- Ability to support and project values compatible with the organization.
- Ability to enter data, and maintain comprehensive, precise daily logs; to complete work orders and inventory requisitions; as well as to write mechanical status reports on water equipment. Ability to communicate technical information with coworkers and senior staff; to communicate equipment location ns; to participate in technical and operations review meetings; and to respond effectively to public inquiries regarding water supply operations and communicate technical information with co-workers and senior staff. Ability to read and understand technical and P&ID drawings, blueprints and operation maintenance and repair manuals.
** Temporary Full Time & Probationary employees will receive 5% less than the regular permanent rate of the classification they are employed in, until the completion of four (4) months continuous service or eighty (80) actual days worked, whichever is the greater. Thank you for your interest in this job, but we will only be corresponding with you if you are selected for an interview.
The Region of Waterloo is an equal-opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. At the Region, we respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity. The Region of Waterloo is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at the phone number (519) 575-4400, TTY number (519-575-4608) to request an alternate format.