Alerts

Water Treatment Operator – Water Utility

Details
Category: Alerts
Published: Tuesday, 30 December 2025 12:01

THIS MOMENT, THIS POSITION

The Town of New Glasgow Water Utility is currently seeking a competent Operator in Water Treatment to join its team at the Water Treatment Plant at Forbes Lake with assistance to Environmental Services Department implementing larger maintenance programs. Working under the supervision of the Supervisor of Water Treatment & Supply, the applicant’s main responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Must be able to obtain a minimum Level (Class) I Water Treatment Plant Operator within 1 year of hire date and Level (Class) I Water Distribution Operator certification within 2 years of hire under the Nova Scotia Department of Environment Operator Certification Program.
  • Must be capable of operation and maintenance of the Water Treatment Plant, associated booster stations, and water storage facilities.
  • Must possess all necessary skills and qualifications to operate New Glasgow Water Treatment Plant including maintenance duties, lab work, documentation, etc.
  • Must possess strong mechanical and electrical aptitude and computer skills, as well as excellent troubleshooting skills. Must be willing to take on-going training to stay current in operating requirements of the Treatment Plant and Distribution System.
  • Must be able to maintain all records and documentation for Water Treatment and Water Distribution System.
  • Must participate in the development and the execution of a preventative maintenance program / element(s) adopted by the Division including but not limited to: WTP operations, reservoir, tower and booster station maintenance, hydrant flushing, leak detection, cross connection control program and valve maintenance program.
  • Follow all applicable Occupational Health & Safety policies & procedures, and those policies & procedures of the Town.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor of Water Treatment & Supply.

HOURS OF WORK

Hours of work are primarily Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (40-hour work week) overtime is anticipated and expected to accommodate work and emergency requirements.

Overtime also includes scheduled OT, callouts, and a regular rotation in on-call duties minimum 1 week per month.

The Provincial Hours of Service Regulations are used to manage hours of work. Water and sewer

emergency work will be in accordance with provincial regulations. On-call work is required to provide 24- hour emergency service. The terms of employment will require the worker to be available for both overtime work and on-call work.

ON-CALL / STAND-BY

The CUPE Collective Agreement, Section 10.02, includes provisions for On-Call/Stand-by duties. On-Call duties are part of this job description and compensation is as per Collective Agreement. On-Call rotation shall be coordinated with Supervisor.

AFTER HOURS MONITORING AND PLANT CONTROL SCHEDULE

Operators, including the Chargehand, shall, on a rotating basis, be responsible for after-hours monitoring and plant control, by using technology supplied by the Town, for one (1) full 7-day week.

The Operators shall fill in, on as equal a basis as is reasonably possible, for the Employee designated to perform after-hours monitoring and plant control if designated Employee is not available to do so because of sickness, vacation, or other leave.

Employees responsible for afterhours monitoring and plant control shall remain within a proximity to the Water Treatment Plant that permits them to arrive at the Plant within about thirty (30) minutes of normal driving time of being notified of a requirement to do so. ‘Callouts’ to plant will be paid as provided in this Collective Agreement.

If the Town introduces new technology for after-hours monitoring and plant control, the Town will provide appropriate technical training if this is reasonably necessary.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • This position requires frequent scheduled overtime and/or necessity to be on
  • Unscheduled overtime as
  • Works at various locations indoors/outdoors during adverse weather
  • Unionized work environment
  • Considerable contact with public, elected officials, internal/external customers, and other PW Departments.
  • Physically demanding with moderate to heavy lifting, pushing, pulling and

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate should have a thorough knowledge of water treatment plants which is mandatory for this position. It is preferred that the candidate have knowledge and experience in water distribution systems. Department of Environment (NSE) Operator Certification will be required to work in the Water Treatment Plant and Environmental Services Department. Accepts ongoing training to remain current in position. Maintains a Register of Motor Vehicles (NS) vehicle license(s) to operate all trucks and equipment within the Department.

EDUCATION AND BACKGROUND

Minimum qualifications include: 

  • Completion of Grade 12
  • Ability to pass a Criminal Background
  • Must possess a valid Class 5 license to operate all vehicles in the Water Treatment Division.
  • Physical ability and fitness for moderate to heavy physical
  • Good problem-solving and communication
  • Must be able to work independently as well as part of a
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Word, and
  • Ability to work in confined spaces including chambers and trenches, pump station wet wells and tanks.
  • Ability to deal courteously and effectively with the public, staff, suppliers, contractors, other departments/levels of government, and utilities.
  • Flexibility/availability to work scheduled and unscheduled
  • Attends required courses, writes examinations to successfully obtain and maintain certification related to the water treatment and water distribution.
  • Ability to adapt to changing
  • Ability to make effective technical decisions in emergency
  • Highly motivated with a strong customer service
  • Required to have a Nova Scotia Environment & Climate Change Operator in training certification within 2 months of hire date.
  • Required to have or acquire a Nova Scotia Environment & Climate Change Level I Operator Certification for Water Treatment within one year of the date of permanent hire and maintain this certification for the duration of employment through continuing education, CEU credits
  • Required to have or acquire a Nova Scotia Environment & Climate Change Level I Operator Certification for Water Distribution within two years of the date of hire and maintain this certification for the duration of employment through continuing education, CEU credits

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Minimum five (5) years experience in a municipal operations environment for water treatment and water distribution.
  • Education or certification in Environmental Engineering Technology – Water Resources graduate, Instrumentation, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, or Water Resource/ Water Quality Technology.
  • Confined Space Entry Certification, Basic First
  • Clean Driver’s Abstract
  • Demonstrate a combination of previous education and experience in the operation and maintenance programs, associated materials and supplies, and health and safety regulations. Experience and formal training combined with demonstrated performance and ability may substitute for stipulated academic
  • Proficient in

All interested applicants are asked to submit their resume and cover letter to Rebecca Lewis- MacNeil, Director of Human Resources () on or before the end of day Friday January 16, 2025. A complete job profile, outlining additional competencies, educational and experience requirements and working conditions can be provided upon request.

STATEMENT OF INTENTION

We encourage applications from a wide spectrum of backgrounds and experiences, recognizing the

immense value that diversity brings to our team. We are on a journey of learning and growth, continually striving to create a more inclusive and equitable environment. We encourage individuals from

historically underrepresented communities, including Black, racialized, and Indigenous Peoples, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and newcomers to Canada to apply.

We are committed to providing accommodation for individuals with disabilities at every stage of the

hiring process. We recognize that there is always more to learn and improve upon in our journey towards greater inclusivity